Popular Courses in New Zealand for International Students

New Zealand is one of the best study-abroad destinations. The country provides  high-quality education that is globally acknowledged. Besides that, its world-class universities are offering a wide range of courses in undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate and doctoral studies.   

As an international student, you can find the best course by first looking into institutions, then comparing the tuition fees and considering scholarships if you have a solid academic background.  The affordability of any course mostly depends on the global standing of the institution. 

After shortlisting the best courses, you need to consider only those that come along with your academic interests, career goals, and personal preferences. However, our team can help you understand course content, global accreditation, graduate outcomes, and opportunities for internships or placements.

Engineering Courses in New Zealand

The best universities for studying engineering courses in New Zealand are:

• The University of Auckland 
• Auckland University of Technology
• Lincoln University 
• University of Canterbury
• University of Otago
• The University of Waikato

Some of the best engineering courses in New Zealand are:

• Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Mechanical Engineering
• Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Aerospace Engineering
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering (Honours)
• Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics (Honours)
• Master of Engineering in Project Management. 
• Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering 
• Master of Engineering in Mechatronics Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Transportation Engineering

Information Technology

Information technology is globally in demand, and some of the best IT courses in New Zealand are:

• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) 
• Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences
• Bachelor of Science in Analytics
• Bachelor of Data Science
• Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours
• Master of Information Technology
• Master of Science in Computer Science
• Master of IT Project Management
• Master of Business in Information Systems Specialisation
• Master of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
• Master of Applied Computing
• Master of Science in Data Science
• Master of Computer and Information Sciences

However, the country also offers many fully-funded and partially-funded scholarships for international students pursuing higher education in the IT field. Every year, the New Zealand government needs to attract 4000 to 5000 professionals in the information technology field to fulfil its industry needs.

Business and Management

New Zealand has over 600,000 small and large enterprises, which means there’s a constant demand for professionals and experts from business studies. By studying in of the top business courses in New Zealand, you can easily make your way in the industry:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Management
• Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of International Business
• Bachelor of Entrepreneurship
• Bachelor of Information Technology (Business)
• Bachelor of Accounting
• Bachelor of Marketing
• Bachelor of Human Resource Management

If you are planning for a masters, you need to have a bachelor's in the following discipline to get admission into the the best universities to study business courses in New Zealand. Some of them are:

• University of Auckland Business School
• Victoria University of Wellington (Victoria Business School)
• University of Otago Business School
• University of Canterbury Business School
• Massey University Business School

Hospitality and Tourism

Every university sets minimum requirements for admission to hospitality courses in New Zealand for international students. You must pass the university entrance exams, along with giving an interview to the panel and having an ESOL score of a minimum 6.0 bands (5.5 or no less in each module) or equivalent. 

Some of the top tourism management courses in New Zealand are offered by the University of Otago, Lincoln University, Waikato University, Victoria University of Wellington, and Auckland University of Technology. These universities are considered well-regarded.

The possible job prospects after completing studies can be accommodation manager, catering manager, conference centre manager, event manager, fast food restaurant manager, holiday representative, hotel manager, and house manager.

Health Sciences

The cost of studying in any of the health sciences or medical courses in New Zealand depends on the course itself, degree level and university. Since all universities together are offering more than 100 courses, these are the best health science courses in New Zealand:

• Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)
• Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
• Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours)
• Bachelor of Nursing (Honours)
• Master of Health Sciences (Nutrition and Dietetics)
• Master of Health Leadership
• Master of Paediatrics
• Master of Clinical Pharmacy

The University of Auckland and the University of Otago are the best choices to pursue an MBBS course in New Zealand. However, the University of Auckland costs around NZ$77,000 annually while the same course from the University of Otago is somewhere around NZ$35,000 per year. 

Creative Arts

Creative arts is one of the broad disciplines, out of which many other disciplines originate. It includes, music, arts, performing, writing, graphic design and many more to name. These universities have the best creative arts courses in New Zealand:

• Massey University
• University of Canterbury
• Auckland University of Technology
• Victoria University of Wellington
• Waikato University
• University of Otago
• Unitec Institute of Technology

However, among many courses, the following courses have higher opportunities for job prospects: 

• Bachelor of Fine Arts 
• Bachelor of Design and Contemporary Art
• Bachelor of Media Arts
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Performing Arts
• Master of Professional Writing
• Master of Arts in Music
• Master of Arts
• Master of Arts in Art History and Theory
• Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

Agriculture and Veterinary Science

Since New Zealand is an agricultural country, the government promotes agriculture professionals. As an international student, you must study one of the best agriculture courses in New Zealand: 

• Bachelor of Forestry Science
• Bachelor of Agriculture
• Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours)
• Bachelor of Science in Food Science
• Bachelor of Horticultural Science
• Bachelor of Animal Science (Equine Science)
• Masters of Science in Wine Science
• Masters in Management in Agribusiness
• Masters in Precision Agriculture
• Masters in Agricultural Science
• Master of Science in Agricultural Science

The best universities to study agriculture and veterinary sciences are:

• Massey University.
• University of Canterbury
• AUT University
• Victoria University of Wellington
• Waikato University
• University of Otago
• Unitec Institute of Technology

Which Subjects are high in demand in New Zealand?

As International students, you must research PR courses in New Zealand, However, we can help find them. Among high demands subjects in New Zealand, these are the most in demand for international students:

• Science and Technology: Software development, artificial engineering, network engineering, data science, and cybersecurity.
• Engineering: Civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, automobile engineering, software engineering.
• Accounting and Finance: Charactered Accounting, business accounting, finance, and economics.
• Healthcare & Medicine: Nursing, doctors, dentists and medical laboratory technology.
• Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality management, tourism, and hotel management.
• Agriculture, Horticulture & Livestock: Agricultural science, viticulture, poultry science, crop management.
• Business and Management: Business administration, business management, and business entrepreneurship.
• Trade Skills: Carpentry, plumbing, and automobile technicians.

Eligibility Criteria to Study in New Zealand

International students can study in New Zealand if they meet the eligiblity criteria. These eligibility criteria are different for each course, program and university. But, the following are the minimum criteria:  

For Undergraduate Studies:

• 50% or higher marks in higher secondary education (HSC certificate)
• English language proficiency test scores (5.5 or higher bands in IELTS or 80 or higher scores in TOEFL required for admission).

For Graduate Studies:

• 50% or higher marks in higher secondary education (HSC certificate)
• 2.5 or better GPA in bachelor's degree.
• English language proficiency test scores (6.0 or higher bands in IELTS or 90 or higher scores in TOEFL required for admission).
• GMAT or GRE score as per course requirement. 
• Professional work experience if required by the university.

If you are not sure if your profile meets the eligibility criteria, send over your resume and documents for a free evaluation by our professional study abroad counsellors.

Documents Required to Study in New Zealand

International students need to submit certain documents for university admission and visa purposes. Here are the most important required documents to study in New Zealand:

01. Passport: A passport with a minimum of 6 months validity after studies completion.

02. Passport-Size Photographs: Two attested with white background.

03. Academic Transcripts & Certificates:

• 10th Grade & Higher Secondary (HSC Certificate)
• Bachelor’s transcript or degree (for postgraduate studies)
• Master’s transcript or degree (for doctoral studies).

04.English proficiency exam scores: 

• IELTS: 5.5 or higher (for UG studies) & 6.0 or higher (for PG studies) 
• TOEFL: 80 or higher (for UG studies) & 90 or higher (for PG studies)
• PTE: 50 or higher (for UG studies) & 64 or higher (for PG studies)

Statement of Purpose: A letter stating your introduction, previous education, career goals, and why you are interested in a given program.
Application Form: Duly filled form for university admission to get admission to your selected university. 
University Acceptance Letter: Stating that you’ve been conditionally or unconditionally selected for a certain course. 
Work Experience Certificates: If your course requires experience in the relevant field, you need proof of work experience.

Which intake is best for New Zealand?

In New Zealand, the universities are accepting international students in two main intakes. Most students have their documents prepared in one intake, while some can complete them till the next intake. These intakes in New Zealand for international students include:

• Semester 1 (Autumn Intake): It begins in January and ends in June or July. In this intake, universities have more international students than other intakes.
• Semester 2 (Spring Intake): It begins in July and ends in November or December. Most students prefer this intake.
• Rolling Intakes: These intakes are called flexible intakes. These intakes are available throughout the academic year, which means students are allowed to start their courses at any time without any restriction.