New Zealand

Ranking second on the Global Peace Index 2022, New Zealand is undoubtedly the safest country to study in. With globally ranked universities and a responsive education system, it has the right mix of opportunities, culture, economy and climate to thrive for an Indian student. Not to miss, its unspoiled scenery will make your experience worth every penny.
  • Country New Zealand
  • Capital Wellington
  • Currency New Zealand dollar (NZD)
  • Official Language English, Māori & NZ Sign Language

Scholarships for New Zealand

Here are some popular scholarship program you can apply to as an Indian student:

Name of scholarship

Description

New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)

Funded by the New Zealand government, these scholarships are for
Indian students who wish to pursue a PhD in New Zealand. Inclusions
under this award are university tuition fee, associated student levies,
living stipend (up to NZ$25,000 tax-free) and health insurance coverage
(up to NZ$600 annually) for three years.
(However, it may vary as per different education providers)
(Source:https://www.findaphd.com/study-abroad/aus-nz/phd-study-in-new-zealand.aspx)

New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships

Indian students who apply to master’s degree or PhD can try for the
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP).
The plan will cover tuition fee, living, travel and health insurance,
and establishment allowance. This scholarship offers many benefits such as:

Full tuition fees

An allowance of NZ$ 491 per week for living expenses

For covering, setup cost an establish allowance of NZ$ 3,000

Medical and travel insurance and research cost for postgraduate students

(Sources: *https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/aid-and-development/new-zealand-
government-scholarships/new-zealand-scholarships-for-international-tertiary-
students/scholars-get-ready-to-start-your-scholarship/#PolicyHandbook
*https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/international-students/scholarships-loans-
and-funding/development-scholarships/commonwealth-scholarships.html)

New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)

NZEA features scholarships across all eight universities,
offering an opportunity for Indian students to experience
New Zealand excellence in various fields. 
This scholarship is funded by Education New Zealand (ENZ) and
New Zealand universities catering to Indian students. The number
of scholarships in PG programs is 28 and in UG is 3.
The value of this scholarship is NZ 5,000 each for PG course
and NZ 10,000 each for UG course. 
(Source:https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/how-to-apply/scholarship/details?
scholarshipid=129275&institutionid=378394)

NZ-GRADS New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarship

The Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse
Gas Emissions has launched new NZ-GRADS program
if you aspire to complete your PhD in agriculture emission science.
It covers the following expenses for 36 months (3 years):

Tuition fees up to NZD 10,000 per year

An annual stipend for covering expenses NZD 28,000 per year (tax-free)

Medical insurance up to NZD 700 per year

Visa application cost not exceeding up to $1,000

Airfare upon returning to New Zealand up to a maximum amount of $6,000

Research allowance up to $1,500

Feel free to reach out to your Kristudy international education expert for the application process 

(Source:https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/how-to-apply/scholarship/details?
scholarshipid=129275&institutionid=378394)

SEG Scholarship

This scholarship program is funded by the Soshi Educational Group.
It encourages the study of geophysics and related geosciences for
undergraduate (A and B scholarships) and other programs (C scholarships) 

Value of the scholarships 
a)  Scholarship A: NZD 7,000 annually  
b)  Scholarship B: NZD 5,000 annually 
c)   SEG Scholarship C: NZD 3,000 annually 

The length of the award is one year

Sources: *https://www.careers.govt.nz/scholarship/view/091504/8550/70738300
#Value * https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/how-to-apply/scholarship/details?scholarshipid=129544

Palmerston North City Mayor’s Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship

It is sponsored by the City Council of Palmerston
North for promoting Palmerston North as a favourable
location for international students.
It is provided for career-based/vocational, undergraduate,
postgraduate courses. 

Value of the scholarship: NZD 1,000 towards the first year’s tuition

(Source:https://www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/how-to-apply/scholarship/details?scholarshipid=129545&institutionid=142407#:~:text=The%20Mayor’s%20Goodwill%
20Ambassador%20Scholarship,international%20students%20in%20Palmerston%20North.)

New Zealand Student Visa

If you are over 18 years and plan to study in New Zealand for more than six months, here’s an overview of the types of student visa available for you:

S.No.

Types of student visa

Description

1

Fee Paying Student Visa

Study full-time for up to four years and be able to work part-time

2

Exchange Student Visa

Study full-time for up to four years for an approved student exchange program

3

Foreign Government Supported Student Visa

Study full-time for up to four years on a foreign government loan or scholarship

4

Pathway Student Visa

Study up to five years for 3 consecutive courses on a single student visa and be able to work part-time 

Cost of studying in New Zealand

Most commonly humanities, arts and education courses are cheaper, while subjects such as medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. If you wish to study at postgraduate level, the tuition fees are typically higher and the costs vary depending on the program. As with most other countries, MBA programs are often the most expensive. The average cost for these programs ranges between NZ$31,000-50,000 (indicative).

S.No.

Study Program

Cost (in NZ$)*

1

Undergraduate degree

$20,500 – $25,000 annually

2

Master’s degree

$19,000 – $29,000 annually

3

Doctoral degree

$6,500 – $9,000 annually 

4

MBA

$31,000 – $50, 000 annually

In some universities, intakes may also be referred to as a semester. The two intakes available in New Zealand are:

  • Semester 1: February to June
  • Semester 2: July to November 

Admissions for vocational courses may also be available in the months of March, April and May.

Live life in the FastLane

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Education system in New Zealand

Study levels

Education in New Zealand is categorised under five stages:

  • Early childhood: for ages up to five years
  • Primary school: for ages 5 to 10 years
  • Intermediate school: for ages 11 to 12 years
  • Secondary school: for ages 13 to 18 years
  • Tertiary education: 18 years and above

FAQ's Related to Study in New Zealand

Here is the eligibility criteria for different academic levels: For Graduation:
  • Completion of an equivalent of year 13.
  • Minimum requirement of 50-60% or above for admission.
  • English Language proficiency test such as IELTS.
For Postgraduation:
  • Minimum score of 50-60% in undergraduate studies.
  • GMAT or GRE scores are required for management studies.
  • Some universities may consider work experience or internships.
  • English proficiency must be demonstrated through tests like IELTS.

Here are the examinations necessary for studying in New Zealand:

  • Language proficiency exam: IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
  • Subject-specific assessments
  • GRE (Graduate Records Examinations)
  • UCAT ANZ (University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand)

To be eligible for a student visa in New Zealand, you must achieve a band score of 5.5 in the IELTS test. However, for university admission, a minimum overall band score of 6 is required, with a score of 5.5 in each section.

New Zealand universities offer foundation or pathway programs specifically designed to assist international students in meeting entry requirements, choosing the right program, or bridging the gap between their studies. These programs are beneficial for students who may not meet certain course entry requirements or are uncertain about their program choice.