Study in New Zealand – Top Universities, Costs, Visa, & Scholarships

Are you planning to study in New Zealand in 2025? Understanding the intakes in New Zealand is crucial for international students to plan their academic journey efficiently. Known for its high-quality education, welcoming environment, and scenic landscapes, New Zealand is a top choice for Indian and global students alike.

New Zealand universities and colleges offer multiple intakes throughout the year, giving students the flexibility to choose the best time to begin their studies based on course availability, visa timelines, and personal preferences.

This guide covers New Zealand intakes for 2025, key deadlines, top universities, average tuition fees, living costs, and other vital information for international students.

Intakes in New Zealand 2025: Overview

1. Semester One Intake (February/March 2025)
- Also known as the Autumn Intake
- Main intake for most undergraduate and postgraduate programs
- Applications usually close between October to December 2024
- Ideal for students completing their previous qualifications by the end of the calendar year

2. Semester Two Intake (July/August 2025)
- Also known as the Spring Intake
- A popular alternative for many postgraduate programs and some undergraduate courses
- Application deadlines typically fall between March to May 2025
- Offers additional time to prepare for entrance exams and English proficiency tests

3. Rolling Intakes (Flexible Start Dates)
- Some institutions in New Zealand offer rolling or monthly intakes throughout the year, especially for vocational, diploma, or short-term programs
- Start their course anytime during the year
- Plan based on visa approval timelines, academic readiness, or personal obligations
- Study at their own pace or fast-track their education

Pro Tip: Not all programs are available in every intake. Always check your preferred university’s academic calendar and specific course intake availability before applying.

Tuition Fees for International Students in New Zealand (2025)

Program	Average Annual Tuition Fee (NZD)	Approx. Cost in INR
Undergraduate Degree (UG)	$22,000 – $32,000	₹11.2 – ₹16.4 Lakhs
Postgraduate Degree (PG)	$26,000 – $37,000	₹13.3 – ₹18.9 Lakhs
MBA Programs	$31,000 – $50,000	₹15.9 – ₹25.6 Lakhs
Diploma/Certificate Courses	$10,000 – $18,000	₹5.1 – ₹9.2 Lakhs
PhD (Domestic rate for Intl.)	$6,500 – $8,000	₹3.3 – ₹4.1 Lakhs

Top Universities and Colleges in New Zealand (2025)

Institution Name	Location	Popular Programs
University of Auckland	Auckland	Engineering, Business, IT
University of Otago	Dunedin	Health Sciences, Law, Humanities
Victoria University of Wellington	Wellington	Arts, Law, Science
University of Canterbury	Christchurch	Engineering, Forestry, Education
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)	Auckland	Design, Communication, Hospitality
Massey University	Palmerston North	Agriculture, Aviation, Sciences
Lincoln University	Lincoln	Agriculture, Environment, Commerce
Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)	Hamilton	IT, Nursing, Trades

Living Costs in New Zealand for Indian Students (2025)

Expense Type	Average Monthly Cost (NZD)	Approx. Monthly INR
Accommodation (Rent)	$700 – $1,200	₹35,800 – ₹61,300
Food & Groceries	$300 – $500	₹15,300 – ₹25,600
Transportation	$100 – $200	₹5,100 – ₹10,200
Utilities & Internet	$150 – $250	₹7,700 – ₹12,800
Miscellaneous	$100 – $200	₹5,100 – ₹10,200

Total Estimated Monthly Cost: $1,350 – $2,350 NZD
Approx. in INR: ₹69,000 – ₹1.2 Lakhs/month

Tip: Cities like Auckland and Wellington are more expensive, while Dunedin and Hamilton are comparatively budget-friendly.

Application Deadlines & Visa Process

Apply 4–6 months before your desired intake
Prepare documents: academic transcripts, IELTS/PTE scores, SOP, LORs, financial proof
Submit your student visa application through Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
Visa processing time: 4–8 weeks (may vary by country and time of year)

Which Intake Should You Choose?

Course availability
Visa preparation time
Personal commitments
Entrance exam results
Scholarship deadlines

The July intake is often chosen by Indian students for additional preparation time, but the February intake provides more program options and a faster graduation path.

Need Help Choosing the Right Intake or Course?

Book a free counselling session with our expert advisors. We’ll help you:

Choose the right course and university
Navigate the application process
Prepare visa documentation
Apply for scholarships
Get pre-departure guidance

FAQ – Study in New Zealand

Do all intakes offer all programs in New Zealand?
No, not every program is available in all intakes. Some courses may only have a February or July start.
Are there specific deadlines for each intake?
Yes. Deadlines vary by intake and university. Apply 4–6 months in advance.
Can international students apply for both intakes?
Yes, depending on course availability and university policies.
Can I switch my intake after applying?
It may be possible, but it depends on university guidelines, seat availability, and visa approval.
How much does it cost to study and live in New Zealand?
Tuition fees range from NZD $10,000 – $50,000/year, and living costs average NZD $1,500 – $2,000/month.