New Zealand is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world- it is clean, green and spectacular. New Zealand is relatively small, approximately the size of the United Kingdom or Japan, but boasts a far smaller population than the other two countries.
New Zealand is known worldwide for its high-quality higher education. The University of Auckland is the largest and highest-ranked university in the country. The city of Auckland has been ranked the world’s eighth best city in the latest liveability rankings released by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
New Zealand education system
| Bachelor’s degree | 3 Years |
| Bachelor’s degree (Engineering) | 4 Years |
| Master’s degree | 1.5 – 2 Year |
New Zealand universities are ranked amongst the world’s best by QS World University Rankings – all eight of them are ranked top 3% in the world. For many important disciplines, New Zealand universities rank in the world’s top 50.
| Name | Location |
| University of Auckland | Auckland |
| University of Otago | Dunedin |
| Victoria, University of Wellington | Wellington |
| Massey University | Auckland / Palmerston North |
| AUT University | Auckland |
| University of Waikato | Hamilton |
| University of Canterbury | Christchurch |
| Lincoln University | Lincoln |
How much does it cost?
| Business / Social science: | NZ$ 25,000 – NZ$ 36,000 /year |
| Engineering / Science: | NZ$ 25,000 – NZ$ 35,000 /year |
| Medicine / Dentistry: | 1st-5th year: NZ$ 55,000 – A$ 65,000 /year |
| Big mac | NZ$ 6 |
| Half litre of beer | NZ$ 6 |
| Can of coke | NZ$ 2.5 |
| Bottle of water 1.5l | NZ$ 2.6 |
| Cinema ticket | NZ$ 14.5 |
| Second hand car: | NZ$ 2,000 – NZ$ 8,000 |
| Student accommodation: | NZ$ 7,000 – NZ$ 12,000 / year |
How & When to apply?
The main intake for New Zealand universities is February & July. Most degrees are available for both intakes except Medicine/Optometry etc which normally start only in February.
- If you are currently in A’ levels, you can apply at any time with your forecast result. Please note that you need to apply for Medicine etc as early as possible;
- If you are currently in polytechnics, you should apply when you have first 5 semester results. New Zealand universities offer 1-2 year credit exemptions;
- If you are currently in O’ levels applying for Foundation year program, you can apply with the preliminary result for January intake, or apply with the actual result for other intakes (April / July / Oct);
To apply, you can fill in this online application form. For your own benefit, it is more advisable for you to speak with one of our friendly consultants before applying – it is a free service funded by universities.
Are you in Singapore? You are eligible for our free services.
We are the overseas university application centre in Singapore. Fully funded by universities, our services are free for students in Singapore. Contact us to get free advice and assistance on your application, visa and accommodation.
- If you are ready to apply, please complete the online application form
- For inquiries, call (+65) 6737 6734 (Mon-Fri, 9.30-17.00), or visit our Application centre at Orchard Gateway@Emerald (Opp. Somerset 313)
- Read more about the Free University Application Service