New Zealand may be geographically remote, but as a study destination offers international students a lot. Six institutions rank in the top 300 globally (QS), and then there’s the culture, outdoor lifestyle, diverse community and unrivalled scenery.
We’re here to take you through some of the common questions you may have about studying in this somewhat underrated study destination.
How to choose a university and city in New Zealand
While it is tempting to choose a university and city first, it’s recommended that you first look at the course or degree you’ll study. It should be suitable and aligned with your interests, skills and goals. Knowing what you want to study makes selecting an institution much easier.
Another factor which you will need to consider is your budget. There can be significant differences between the cost of living and tuition fees in New Zealand. For example, big cities like Wellington and Auckland are more expensive than Dunedin, Hamilton or Palmerston North. You will also find a difference in cost between the North and South Island of New Zealand.
A further element in your evaluation is the type of university life you are after. Check out where the campus or campuses are located. This gives you a good idea if they are city-based, suburban, or more rural and surrounded by green space.
You can also check on what amenities are available on and near campus. It’s useful to look at transport routes and potential recreational activities too.
Remember not to forget to check what support a university offers. In addition, it’s always a good idea to find out how international they are and what the student community looks like. This can be important for a sense of belonging and integration.
What are the top universities in New Zealand?
If you want to get a better idea of which universities rate highly in New Zealand, it’s useful to look at the QS World University Rankings (QS) and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE). You can also use the subject rankings from THE and QS to see where your preferred degree ranks.
Let’s take a closer look at the top-rated universities in New Zealand and where they’re located:
- The University of Auckland (Auckland) is ranked by QS as the number one university in New Zealand and in the top 100 globally.
- The University of Otago (Dunedin) is a top 300 university in the world according to QS.
- Auckland University of Technology (Auckland) is rated by THE in the top 500 institutions on the planet.
- Massey University (Palmerston North) is ranked in the top 300 worldwide by QS.
- The University of Waikato (Hamilton) ranks in 235th place globally, according to QS.
As you can probably tell, these rankings give a good indication of the strength of the higher education system in New Zealand.
Discover more about New Zealand’s top universities.
What cities are highly rated for students?
As we mentioned earlier, the type of student lifestyle you are looking for will inform you which city would suit you better. New Zealand offers a variety of choices, from urban living to wide-open countryside.
The country also has a reputation for being safe and welcoming. New Zealand ranks 4th in the world and 1st in the Asia-Pacific region in the 2024 Global Peace Index.
You may think that cities in New Zealand can’t compete with destinations like London or Sydney. You’d be wrong. New Zealand has two cities in the QS Best Student Cities top 100, namely Auckland and Christchurch. Other notable cities in New Zealand that you should take some time to research are:
Find out more about what university culture is like in New Zealand.
What are the accommodation options in New Zealand like?
Universities in New Zealand offer a variety of accommodation options. They attempt to cater to different student preferences, needs and budgets. At most institutions, you can expect to select from:
- On-campus halls of residence (catered and non-catered)
- University-managed off-campus halls of residence
- Homestay
- Off-campus university partner accommodation and private halls
- Private rental
Don’t forget to evaluate your accommodation options in terms of cost. Prices will vary, and your choice should always match your budget. Always ask your prospective university or accommodation provider essential questions so that you know what they offer.
Read more about accommodation options in New Zealand.
What are the application deadlines in New Zealand?
If you are thinking about applying to study in New Zealand, there are a few key dates to remember. New Zealand’s academic year runs over two semesters, from February to November. It’s recommended that you start your application a year in advance of your intended study date. Application deadlines in New Zealand are:
- October to December for semester one intake. Semester one runs from February to June.
- February to June for semester two intake. Semester two runs from July to November.
Not all courses will be available for mid-year intake, and university deadlines will differ. It’s best to contact your preferred institution to find out the exact closing dates for applications. In addition, you can download a university prospectus, which should have similar information.
Some universities in New Zealand do conduct admissions interviews and admissions tests. This is done for particular programmes and degrees at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Sometimes you must submit a portfolio of work, notably for art, design or architecture qualifications. Always check with the international office or admissions office on the requirements for your chosen degree so you can prepare.
As you can see, New Zealand has much to offer you as an international student. There is more to explore, including the differences between polytechnics and universities in New Zealand, famous alumni from universities in the country, and the top five graduate jobs in New Zealand.
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