Discover Study in New Zealand

01Intakes and Application Periods

New Zealand universities usually have two main intakes. For example, at the University of Auckland, Semester One 2027 starts on 1 March 2027 and Semester Two starts on 19 July 2027.

The University of Auckland asks international postgraduate applicants for Semester One 2027 to apply by 1 December 2026 to allow time for visa processing. Its deadline for undergraduate programmes with a Semester Two 2027 intake is 8 June 2027, and not every programme takes a Semester Two intake.

02Tuition Fees and Scholarships

Fees vary by university and programme. For example, the University of Auckland estimates 2027 international undergraduate fees for a full-time year of NZ$42,236 for the Bachelor of Arts, NZ$51,020 for the Bachelor of Commerce and NZ$60,910 for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), plus a student services fee.

03Working While Studying

Student visa holders may generally work up to 25 hours a week, and full-time during scheduled breaks and over Christmas and New Year if the course is at least 120 credits or two semesters over 8 months. Doctoral students have no hour limit.

04After Graduation

A Post Study Work Visa may generally be granted for up to 3 years after a master's or doctoral qualification with at least 30 weeks of study in New Zealand. For a bachelor's qualification or lower, the length generally matches the length of study.

05Living Costs and Proof of Funds

For tertiary study, living-cost funds are set at NZD 20,000 per year for courses of one year or more, or NZD 1,667 per month for shorter courses.