Study in New Zealand: the ultimate guide for a PhD in 2025
New Zealand

The Ultimate Guide to Studying in New Zealand in 2025

Browse all PhD programmes in New Zealand

  • Feb-Nov Academic Year
  • 8 Listed Institutes
  • 8 Ranked Universities
  • 44,000 Int. Students
  • 250,000 Students
  • 4,898,000 Population

Study in New Zealand

New Zealand may only be known as “Australia’s younger sibling”, with their almost identical flags and adorable accents. But it still is a place you should seriously consider for your international degree. If you're looking to study at a university in New Zealand, you will find several study programmes, offering stunning natural landscapes alongside excellent academic opportunities.

New Zealand isn’t famous only for its Lord of the Rings-landscapes. It also gave us great people  like Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man who reached the peak of Mount Everest; Sir Ernest Rutherford, the first scientist who split the atom; and, last but not least, pop-singer Lorde.

Yes, there are other people between great scientists and pop singers. But before we get there, we should cover all you need to know about New Zealand’s universities and student lifestyle.

Why study in New Zealand?

1. It's (relatively) affordable

To study at a New Zealand university, international students pay between 4,000 and 10,500 EUR per academic year. While this isn't exactly cheap, it's much more affordable than studying at universities in other countries like the US, Canada, the UK, or Australia.

You can also apply for scholarships to support your higher education.

2. Top education based on a successful model

The education system in New Zealand is based on the successful UK model. With such a solid foundation, it's no wonder that local universities are well-regarded and appreciated internationally — most of them being featured in the top global university rankings every year.

3. Live in a safe and peaceful environment

In 2020, New Zealand was listed as the second most peaceful nation on the Global Peace Index. The country enjoys low crime and corruption rates, a politically stable environment, and an overall peaceful society where citizens can enjoy their day-to-day activities.

4. New Zealanders are friendly and welcoming

New Zealanders stand out through their friendliness and openness displayed towards internationals. This is because they follow the local traditional M?ori principle — manaakitanga — which is all about taking care of other people and sharing understanding and respect.

5. Best outdoor activities for thrill seekers

Studying, meeting colleagues, partying, and going out is a lot of fun, but New Zealand offers much more in terms of entertainment, especially for those of you who enjoy the adrenaline rush. These are some of the wildest and most exciting outdoor activities you can try:

  • white water rafting
  • canoeing
  • ice climbing
  • bungy jumping
  • hiking
  • zorbing (globe-riding or sphereing)
  • scuba diving

What is it like to study in New Zealand?

The education system in New Zealand is very application-based. Memorising course material is not the standard way of learning at New Zealand universities.

Also, the teaching staff, the other students, and the other extracurricular clubs, when combined, create a memorable and amazing study atmosphere.

Besides this, some universities offer a ton of support services, especially for international students. They can offer pastoral care and workshops on managing stress, mindfulness, meditation techniques, how to overcome procrastination, how to maintain a study-life balance, and more, making your studying years as relaxed and as pleasant as possible.

What to study in New Zealand?

New Zealand offers some of the most diverse degrees in the world. Still, if the market is too vast, you should know that some of the most popular study options in New Zealand are:

Where to study in New Zealand?

New Zealand has some of the top-rated “liveable” cities in the world, so there’s no wonder that, besides the capital  (Wellington), there are other popular destinations, like:

Which universities and colleges to attend in New Zealand?

For such a tiny place, New Zealand sure has a lot of universities and institutions to choose from. It's hard to decide but many of them are schools specific to different types of career and job training. Here is a small list of universities to think of:

How to apply

You should know that a New Zealand school year starts in February and ends in November, with a month-long break in June/July.

When you apply online (or on paper, if you hate trees), you should know that the documents you will need to provide are:

  • A personal statement of intent
  • Your transcripts from secondary school, including any university courses that you may have taken
  • Any relevant test scores (ACT or SAT)
  • Proof of funding, or intent to apply for funding for your tuition
  • Proof of paying the application fee
  • Your financial aid applications

You can always have your questions answered at the admission office at the university, so write down your questions and go wild with their e-mail address.

Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a New Zealand university

Take Preparation Courses

These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.

Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice;

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in New Zealand, you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures, seeing how some schools will require strong English skills. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

The minimum grades and scores international students are required to have vary wildly from university to university, and sometimes from programme to programme.

Still, the English proficiency tests usually accepted are:

Living in New Zealand

Let's take a closer look at tuition and living costs in New Zealand:

Tuition fees in New Zealand

In New Zealand, the government allows universities to set their own tuition fees. For international students, these fees range between:

  • 4,100–6,100 EUR/year for Bachelor’s degrees
  • 7,300–10,500 EUR/year for Master's degrees

For some disciplines, like Medicine, tuition can be even higher. Of course, you can always search for a scholarship in New Zealand to fund your studies.

Accommodation, food, and other expenses

In New Zealand, living costs for international students range from 800 to 1,300 EUR/month. Here's a breakdown of the average expenses:

  • Rent: 400–1,600 EUR/month (depending on the type of accommodation)
  • Utilities: 130–170 EUR/month
  • A restaurant meal: 11 EUR
  • A cup of coffee: 3 EUR
  • A loaf of bread: 1.50 EUR
  • Monthly transport pass: 90 EUR

About New Zealand

Facts about New Zealand

New Zealand seems like a type of country created by students, for students.

With almost no regard for rules and traditions, New Zealand seems like the country where the phrase “There are no bad ideas” was taken to heart, and where they started doing things just because they can. For instance:

  • New Zealand broadcasted the first weather report in Elvish language in 2012. You can probably assume that nobody was there to tell them not to do it.
  • The logo of the Royal New Zealand Air Force is the Kiwi, a flightless bird;
  • There is a law that states every high school in New Zealand may hold one pound of uranium and one pound of thorium, for conducting nuclear experiments. Still, they will be fined 850.000 EUR if they cause a nuclear explosion.

Now, looking on the other side of the argument “we can create our own laws and do whatever we want in New Zealand”, we can find some of the best and most progressive things to ever happen in the world right in here. That’s why:

  • One of the three official languages of New Zealand is Sign Language (awesome!);
  • In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to give women the right to vote (awesomer!);
  • In 1990, New Zealand became the first country in the modern world to appoint an Official National Wizard (awesomest!).

And, because the internet is full of amazing facts about New Zealand, here are three I couldn’t figure out how to connect, but which you should definitively know and that will make you smile instantly. These are:

  • There are 9 sheep per each person in New Zealand, making it the highest ratio in the world;
  • In 2006, the Queen, the Governor-General, the PM, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice were all women, making New Zealand the only country in the world (to date) where all the highest positions have been simultaneously held by women;
  • In 2006, an Australian citizen tried to sell New Zealand on eBay, starting from 0.01 EUR and managing to reach 2.018 EUR before eBay closed the auction.

 

Universities, colleges and schools in New Zealand

Auckland

Christchurch

Dunedin

Hamilton

Manukau City

North Shore

Palmerston North

Wellington

Interested in scholarships for New Zealand? Check out our scholarship search page.

How to Apply to a Master's in New Zealand

If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in New Zealand, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.

What documents do I need to provide to apply in New Zealand?

To apply to a university in New Zealand you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:

  • birth certificate;
  • recent photos;
  • your passport or national identity card;
  • one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
  • copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
  • academic transcripts;
  • letter of intent;
  • Curriculum Vitae;
  • Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.

Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.

The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in New Zealand so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.

Prove your English skills

Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.

Application deadlines for New Zealand

The deadlines for applying to a Master's in New Zealand are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.

To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.

Interesting programmes for you

Find PhDs Degrees in New Zealand

What subject to study in New Zealand?

Recent international policies promote international university cooperation and student exchange between countries worldwide. High-quality study and PhD degrees are made more available to students in order to create a global educational network, achievable through student and staff mobility. Career and research oriented programmes support international student development.

University cooperation enables students study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States and provides ways of recognizing previous degrees. Different study options offer appropriate alternatives to students, depending on their preferred mode of study.

Many study programmes in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America are English-taught. The most popular international student destinations include the following countries: Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, the United States, and more. However, these are not the only countries offering English-taught education. The rest of the world is full of endless study choices, from highly ranked to smaller, more specialized, universities.

PhD (postgraduate) Degrees

If you want further education beyond the undergraduate level or if you want more personal development or a career in academia, you could obtain a PhD degree. PhD degrees are postgraduate programmes that usually follow a Master's, MPhil or MRes, but there might be additional requirements depending on the university. Students are required to do their own research in a chosen topic. With the help of a supervisor, you develop knowledge and analytical skills in a specific or multidisciplinary field and you carry out independent research. The duration of a PhD degree differs per country and institution. Sometimes your own research is accompanied by work for the department such as giving seminars or small group teaching.

PhD students are required to study on campus under close supervision, but there are universities that accept students enrolled into a part-time distance education PhD degree. Studying on campus can also be full-time as well as part-time, in which case the part-time variant is normally twice as long as the full-time study.

Discover other countries

Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a very popular study destination. Internationals choose this beautiful country because Dutch universities are some of the best in Europe, the living standards are high, foreigners are always welcome, and you get to live in one of the happiest and safest countries in the world. The Netherlands is also renowned for innovative technologies and engineering solutions, which is reflected in the wide range of Engineering degrees offered by universities. English is spoken by around 90% of Dutch citizens, so forget about language barriers. Also, bike lanes and the “cycling culture” will help you to stay fit and healthy, and there are diverse job opportunities and internships for international students.
Finland
Finland
Finland is an excellent choice for all internationals and especially for EU/EEA students who can study at local public universities for free. The beautiful Nordic country has one of the best education systems in the world and ranks among the safest and happiest nations in the world. You can also choose from over 400 English-taught programmes. In your spare time, you can explore the breathtaking Finnish nature and landscapes, as well as the numerous lakes that give the country the nickname ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes.’ From here, you can easily travel to neighbouring countries like Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, or Estonia.
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life, peace, safety, and development. It represents an appealing blend of beautiful landscapes, English-speaking environments, and a strong, welcoming, and rich culture — of which the Irish people are very proud. International students also enjoy the full support of Irish universities, which hire and train staff that are able to help with accommodation, studies, visa details, or any other challenge.
Norway
Norway
Norway is a paradise for anyone who wants to study abroad for free. Public universities don’t charge any tuition fees. This policy applies to all international students, regardless of their nationality. The academic standard is very high, and professors are easy to approach, always willing to go the extra mile for their students. Additionally, classes are organised in small groups, which further improves learning and cooperation. You can choose from a wide range of English-taught programmes, and you don’t need to worry about language barriers outside of classes either, because most Norwegians speak English as a second language. Internationals should find it easy to adapt to Norway’s society, which is based on equality and fair opportunities — reflected both in the legal system and in people’s behaviour.
Greece
Greece
Greece is the cradle of European civilization and the birthplace of philosophy. Greek universities and colleges have a long history in academics, attracting international students from all over the world. Classes are not typically formal, so you can expect open discussions between students and professors, in line with the classical philosophical debate tradition. EU/EEA students don’t pay any tuition at public universities, while non-EU/EEA citizens pay low fees. In Greece, you’ll also enjoy the well-known local hospitality and the wonderful Mediterranean climate. There are many landmarks and monuments waiting to be explored, including the Acropolis, Delphi, the Parthenon, and many others.
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden is a very ambitious, eco-friendly, and visionary country. For example, by 2040, it aims to produce all its energy from renewable sources. Universities play an important role in achieving development goals, thanks to their world-class research facilities. If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can study at public universities for free. As a student, you will discover and easily adopt the three main values of Swedish society: freedom, equality, and sustainability. These values are reflected in every aspect of the local society, and you’ll quickly learn to appreciate them. Language barriers are also almost non-existent since around 80% of Swedes speak English.
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland has one of the most advanced free-market economies, which is reflected in the high living standards and the satisfaction of people living here. In terms of higher education, Swiss universities are constantly ranked among the best in Europe, and they shine in areas like Business, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Engineering. When compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland are affordable, and all studies — especially PhD programmes — are world-class. You’ll have the opportunity to develop in a multilingual environment and try learning international languages like German, French, or Italian. If you settle down here, the unemployment rates are low, and salaries are well above the European average.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Universities in the UK are some of the most highly regarded in the world, and for good reasons. Some of the world's most highly regarded research takes place in British universities, which are regularly featured in international rankings. While studying in the UK, you will be able to develop in a highly multicultural environment with high chances of pursuing lucrative careers after graduation. The teaching in the UK is designed to encourage new idea generation, encouraging individual research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.
Canada
Canada
Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to its high focus on the quality of its universities and its emphasis on attracting international students who can later immigrate. Canadians are very welcoming to international students and they invest a lot into making sure students are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their stay in the country. Study in one of the strongest economies in the world while enjoying a high living standard and a flexible study environment. Classes have smaller student groups ensuring everyone gets the attention they need, and encouraging group assignments and debates.
United States
United States
The United States is home to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world. With over 150 universities featured in international rankings, the U.S. has some of the best business schools, medical schools, and engineering schools. Universities and colleges in the U.S. are well known for academic flexibility and ways to customize your study experience with optional studies and extracurricular activities. Depending on where you will be studying, you will be able to visit iconic places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Goldengate Bridge, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, and much more.
Israel
Israel
Israel attracts international students through high standards of education and a wide range of English-taught degrees. Local universities shine in areas like Technology, Sciences, Business, and Entrepreneurship. In fact, Israel is a renowned land of innovation, having earned itself the nickname ‘Start-Up Nation’. While living and studying here, you will discover a wonderful culture developed throughout 4,000 years of history; different cultural influences are noticeable everywhere, especially in Israeli food, art, and history. In major cities, English is widely spoken, so communication shouldn’t be a problem. In your spare time, you can visit one of the over 400 nature reserves and 80 national parks.
Australia
Australia
By studying in Australia you will take advantage of the great student environment both inside and outside classrooms. In addition to some of the best business and engineering schools in the world, you will be able to explore a greatly developed country that still retains its wild side with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and the Great Outback, with over 500 national parks. Many Australian universities provide internships and work placements, preparing students early on for the job market.
View all countries

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