Best Universities in New Zealand for International Students

for the best universities in New Zealand to study in? Looks like we got you covered here! New Zealand Searching is one of the top choices for international students due to its high standard of education, and we can help you get into the top 10 universities in New Zealand. 

Apart from the academic benefits, the country is also the second safest in the world. New Zealand is a perfect study destination for every student looking for incredible study opportunities abroad. The best thing about studying here is that you can also do part-time jobs to cover your expenses.

New Zealand is far more affordable than most of the top study destinations, provided its world-class and highly recognized education system. The study cost ranges from NZ$22,000 to NZ$35,000 a year. 

For international students, some of the best universities in New Zealand are the University of Canterbury, University of Auckland, University of Otago, Lincoln University, Auckland University of Technology, Massey University, and Unitec Institute of Technology.

Top Public Universities in New Zealand

The public universities in New Zealand offer several programs for international students. Public universities are government-owned institutions that are comparatively cheaper than private ones. 

Thanks to governmental funds, these universities maintain a high standard of education. It is for this reason that there are over 26,000 international students currently enrolled in these universities. 

These universities cost an average of NZ$ 27,000 to NZ$ 37,000 per year. While sciences and engineering degrees are somewhat expensive, arts and humanities are relatively cheap. Here is a list of top 10 universities in New Zealand for masters:

Best Engineering Universities in New Zealand

New Zealand is considered no less than a heaven for engineering education due to its advanced technology. New Zealand is home to several top-ranked universities, which offer several engineering programs. Some of the best Engineering Universities in New Zealand:

Many South Asian students, particularly Bangladeshi, opt for such degrees. The tuition fee for Bangladeshi students ranges from NZ$20,000 to $35,000 per year. Currently, civil engineers are the most in-demand in New Zealand. If you are confused about what program to opt for, we highly recommend you choose civil engineering as the current government is spending a lot on infrastructure. 

Best Business University in New Zealand

New Zealand is an ideal place for students wanting to learn business abroad. While many universities offer business programs in the country. Besides many institutions, these are the best New Zealand universities for MBA

If you want to study in the best business university in New Zealand, speak with our study abroad counselors to pursue your dream of studying for this degree. Since business graduates are very high in demand, you can easily get a handsome salary, averaging from NS$ 80,000 or above after graduating.

Best Medical Universities in New Zealand

Medicine is considered one of the best fields across the globe, both in terms of education and salary. When it comes to pursuing a career in medicine, choosing the right university is very important. 

Thanks to the top-notch education system in New Zealand, you won't be disappointed anywhere you go. Applicants will have to clear a mandatory entrance exam to secure admission to MBBS in New Zealand. 

Apart from this, an English language proficiency test has also to be cleared by the students to get admission. This test is compulsory and must be passed. Here are some of the top medical universities in New Zealand:

Don't worry, New Zealand isn't that expensive as compared to European countries. Apart from this, their government also offers various scholarship programs for international students. Some of these include the New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarship, the Palmerston North City Mayor’s Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship, and the New Zealand Excellence Awards.

Best Law Universities in New Zealand

No matter if you are a local or an international student searching for the best law universities, New Zealand has a lot to offer. What's best about this is that New Zealand’s institutions have been featured among the world’s best universities in QS World University Rankings 2023 for Law and Legal Studies. 

The country offers 4 year LLB programs and their session starts in March and July (twice a year). Pursuing a law degree in New Zealand would cost you NZD 35,725 (international). Here are some of the Law Universities in New Zealand:

Best Agriculture University in New Zealand 

With the growing world population, the demand for agriculture is also increasing. Agriculture is a very good degree, especially in places like New Zealand, where there is a growing need for more food. 

The fun part is that Agriculture is New Zealand’s biggest industry. This makes it a top choice for many international students. The country’s universities are globally known for agriculture expertise. Here’s our pick on best agriculture universities in New Zealand for international students:

Universities in New Zealand Without IELTS

New Zealand is globally recognized for its incredible landscape, serene lifestyle and top-notch education. As an international student, you need to showcase language proficiency through IELTS for university admission.

But, there’s a way to study in universities in New Zealand without IELTS, which is providing MOI letters or alternative language test scores. Here are the best universities in New Zealand for international students:

1. The University of Auckland 
2. University of Waikato
3. Lincoln University
4. Victoria University of Wellington
5. Massey University

If you don't want to take such English proficiency tests, you will have to fulfill other requirements. This means the student must have academic transcripts indicating that he has studied in an English medium school from grade 8 to 12th. Apart from this, the student must submit scores from other tests like PTE, TOEFL, or Duolingo. 

Duolingo Accepted Universities in New Zealand

As an international student, you can showcase your command of English-language through different alternatives. But, Duolingo is one of the easiest to score well and get admission. 

The good news is that New Zealand easily accepts Duolingo test scores as an alternative proficiency test score. However, international students need to be on the safe side by having a minimum score of 125 to get into Duolingo Accepted Universities in New Zealand, which are: 

1. University of Otago
2. Lincoln University
3. Victoria University of Wellington
4. Massey University
5. University of Waikato
6. University of Auckland 
7. Unitec Institute of Technology 

PTE Accepted universities in New Zealand

Pearson Test of English (PTE) is an English proficiency test for non-native English speakers. Besides other countries, New Zealand also accepts this test score as proof of English language proficiency. 

International students need a minimum PTE score of 50 to get admission to the top universities. The University of Auckland more openly accepts foreign students with PTE. However, these are PTE-accepted universities in New Zealand:

1. University of Auckland 
2. Auckland University of Technology 
3. University of Otago
4. Massey University 
5. Lincoln University
6. University of Canterbury 

PTE in New Zealand costs about NZ$445. If you are wondering whether to take PTE or IELTS, we recommend you choose the latter. This is because while PTE is accepted by 6,000 universities, IELTS is accepted by over 10,000 universities. 

Universities in New Zealand offering scholarships

Studying in New Zealand without a scholarship could get pretty expensive at times. But the good news is, that the New Zealand government offers many scholarships for international students every year. There are many universities in New Zealand for masters.

Before considering a scholarship, ensure that you have a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to get a scholarship. Here are universities in New Zealand offering scholarships  in 2024:

1. 180-credit Taught Master’s Merit Scholarship at Lincoln University
   
2. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships for International Students 
3. University of Otago International Research Master’s Scholarship 
4. University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship 
5. University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship 
6. ADB Scholarships at the University of Auckland 
7. Lincoln University International Taught Master Merit Scholarships

Cheap Universities in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the cheapest countries to study in the developed world. It is for this reason that the country is becoming one of the leading destinations for overseas students. Here is a list of some cheap universities in New Zealand:

• Lincoln University

• Massey University

• Victoria University of Wellington 

• Auckland University of Technology

• University of Canterbury

• University of Waikato 

• University of Otago

Apart from low-cost universities in New Zealand, you can also apply for scholarships to avail the best out of these universities. Being an international student would cost you somewhere between NZ$20,500 to NZ$25,000 in New Zealand. 

Admission Process in New Zealand University

The admission process isn’t that hard for international students. The very first thing you need to do is find out the best New Zealand universities and courses that you intend to take. A minimum of 5.0 GPA is required to get admission to New Zealand universities. After you have done so, follow the given steps:

• Take the necessary test required by the university that you have chosen (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, or GMAT). 
• Write a statement of purpose for the application. 
• Complete the necessary documentation including getting reference letters from your previous educational institutions and employers. 
• Apply to the desired university and appear in the interviews when selected. 
• After you are done with all this, complete the student visa processes and you are good to go!