New Zealand is renowned for its high-quality education system, globally recognized universities, and welcoming multicultural society. With practical learning, excellent student support, and stunning natural landscapes, it offers an exceptional study experience for international students.
Choose from a wide range of in-demand programmes offered by top universities in New Zealand.
Most institutions accept:
Minimum score requirements vary by programme and institution.
New Zealand institutions generally offer three major intakes:
| Intake | Details |
|---|---|
| February | Major Intake |
| July | Major Intake |
| November | Limited programmes at selected institutions |
| Study Level | Average Tuition Range |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | NZD 28,000 – NZD 43,000 per year |
| Postgraduate | NZD 30,000 – NZD 49,000 per year |
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover tuition fees and living expenses during their studies.
Financial evidence may include:
Applicants should ensure that financial documents clearly demonstrate genuine and verifiable funds.
Eligible students may be able to apply for visas for their spouse and dependent children, subject to Immigration New Zealand requirements. Additional financial evidence may be required.
Student visa processing times vary depending on the individual application and intake period.
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AIP means your student visa application has been reviewed and approved in principle, but the visa is not yet fully issued. It confirms that you meet the main immigration requirements such as genuine student intent, financial capability, health & character requirements, and hold a valid offer of place from a New Zealand institution.
AIP is usually issued after the initial assessment of your complete application, verification of documents (offer letter, funds, academic background), and sometimes after an interview (if required).
Once you receive AIP, you may be asked to pay the tuition fee (if not already paid), provide updated bank proof or insurance, and submit any remaining documents. After this, the final student visa approval is granted.
Find answers to the most common queries about studying in New Zealand from Pakistan.
Yes. A new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa is scheduled to open for applications on 16 November 2026. It will provide eligible graduates with up to six months of open work rights.
The new route is intended for eligible graduates with NZQCF Level 5–7 qualifications that meet specified study requirements but do not qualify for the Post-Study Work Visa.
The main intake is usually February, with many institutions also offering a July intake. Some institutions and programmes may have additional intakes.
Some institutions accept alternative English-language evidence or may waive testing in specific circumstances. The requirement depends on the institution and programme.
Requirements vary by programme, but many undergraduate programmes require around IELTS 6.0, while postgraduate programmes commonly require around 6.5. Some professional programmes may require higher scores.
Approval in Principle is a conditional decision from Immigration New Zealand indicating that your student visa can be approved once you meet the remaining requirements, such as providing evidence of tuition-fee payment. It is not the final visa approval.
The New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) is the framework used to describe and compare approved New Zealand qualifications and credentials by level and learning outcomes.
NZQA is the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. It plays a major role in quality assurance and in evaluating overseas qualifications.
No. It depends on the institution, programme and purpose for which the qualification is being used. The university or relevant authority should be checked before ordering an assessment.
They can be assessed for comparability, but recognition depends on the qualification, institution and purpose. NZQA can provide an official assessment where required.
There are different options. Applicants outside New Zealand may choose to wait for an Approval in Principle before paying tuition fees, although this can increase processing time.
For tertiary study of one year or more, the current requirement is generally NZD 20,000 per year, or NZD 1,667 per month where the study period is shorter than one year.
The FTS is a financial arrangement operated through ANZ for certain students when Immigration New Zealand requires it. It helps demonstrate genuine access to funds for living costs during study.
Eligible students may work up to 25 hours per week during study periods, with additional work rights during specified holidays depending on their visa conditions. Always check the conditions on the actual eVisa.
Yes, but your partner and dependent children cannot simply be included in your student-visa application. They may apply separately for visas based on their relationship to you, with eligibility depending on your course and visa circumstances.
This depends on the student's qualification and the immigration rules applicable to the partner. Partner work rights should be assessed separately rather than assumed for every student.
