About New Zealand
New Zealand is a safe, peaceful country of about 5 million people, known for its natural beauty and work-life balance. All eight of its universities rank in the global top 3%. Main intakes are February and July. The currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD).
Why study in New Zealand
- All 8 universities are globally ranked
- Work up to 25 hours a week while you study, and full-time in holidays
- Up to 3 years of open post-study work
- Green List roles have a fast route to residence
- One of the safest countries in the world
Popular fields of study
Agriculture and food science, environmental science, engineering, IT and computer science, business, nursing and health, and hospitality and tourism. Top universities include Auckland, Otago, Canterbury and Victoria University of Wellington.
Student visa, step by step
Student visa: Fee Paying Student Visa.
- Get an Offer of Place from an approved NZ education provider.
- Pay your tuition fee, or show you can pay it.
- Show NZD 20,000 a year for living costs (NZD 1,667 a month for courses under a year).
- Arrange travel and health insurance for your whole stay.
- Get a medical exam and a police certificate if asked.
- Apply online with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and pay the fee. Most complete applications are decided within about 8 weeks.
After you get your visa
- Work up to 25 hours a week in term (up from 20 since 3 November 2025) and full-time in scheduled holidays. Master's by research and PhD students can work full-time.
- Get an IRD (tax) number before you start work.
- Keep your insurance active and stay with the course on your visa.
Work and staying on
- Working while you study
- Work up to 25 hours a week in term (up from 20 since 3 November 2025) and full-time in scheduled holidays. Master's by research and PhD students can work full-time. Get an IRD (tax) number before you start work.
- After you graduate
- Up to 3 years (Post Study Work Visa) The Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) is an open work visa for any employer. Bachelor's degree (Level 7) and Master's/PhD: up to 3 years From November 2026, eligible Level 7 Graduate Diploma graduates can get 1 year A new 6-month Short Term Graduate Work Visa is planned from late 2026 The PSWV costs about NZD 1,670.
- Settling long term
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): a job offer from an accredited employer. Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: points based on qualifications, NZ pay and work experience. Green List roles: "straight to residence" or "work to residence" for shortage jobs such as engineering, health and IT.
Rules change. Please confirm the latest position with your guide.
Visa expenses
| Student visa (online) | NZD 850 |
| International Visitor Levy (IVL) | NZD 100 |
| Living-cost funds to show | NZD 20,000 a year |
| Post Study Work Visa | about NZD 1,670 |
Average salary
Graduates typically start at about NZD 55,000–NZD 65,000 a year (approximate). Engineering and IT pay more.
Good to know
- Rules for post-study work are being expanded in late 2026, so check the latest INZ guidance.
- Living costs are highest in Auckland and Wellington.
General information for Indian students, not immigration advice. Fees, funds and post-study rules change often; figures marked approximate are estimates. Check the official sources before you apply: