Study in New Zealand

Overview

Why Study in New Zealand?

New Zealand provides a supportive, safe, and high-quality education environment with strong post-study work pathways and lower tuition costs compared to Australia and the UK.

Key advantages:

Post-Study Work Visa: Up to 3 years after graduation
20 hours/week work during studies
Lower tuition costs than Australia: NZD 22,000–35,000/year
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): Points-based PR pathway
Green List: Fast-track residence for 65+ shortage occupations (Health & IT prominent)
Safe, clean, English-speaking country with high quality of life

Living Costs: NZD 15,000–18,000/year

Detailed Visuals Coming Soon

Education System & Courses Available

New Zealand has 8 universities, 16 polytechnics, and numerous private training establishments (PTEs). English Council partners with institutions across both islands.

IT Programs: Computer Science, Software Engineering, IT, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity

Health Programs: Nursing, Midwifery, Healthcare Assistance, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy

Partner Institutions:

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) — #1 for Employability, Auckland
University of Auckland — QS Top 100, Strong Health & IT programs
Victoria University of Wellington — Top CS/AI Programs
Otago Polytechnic — Health Sciences, Nursing — Dunedin (regional bonus)

Pathway Programs: Foundation Studies, Graduate Diploma (GD), Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) — bridge to degree-level study for students who don't meet direct entry.

New Zealand Visa / Permit Types

Complete breakdown of all visa categories and pathways

Visa Type	Purpose	Key Features	Duration
Student Visa	Full-time study at NZQA provider	20 hrs/week work during term; unlimited in holidays; NZQA-listed provider required	Course duration
Post-Study Work Visa	Open work after graduation	Open work visa after qualifying study (Level 7+ bachelor's or Level 8+ from any region) Bachelor: 3 years \| GD/PGD: 1-2 years depending on location	1-3 years

Visa Type	Purpose	Key Features	Duration
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)	Points-based PR	160+ points needed; job or job offer in NZ; age, qualifications, NZ experience weighted	PR on grant
Green List — Straight to Residence	Fast-track PR	Tier 1: Direct residency for highest-shortage roles (RN, Software Engineer, etc.)	PR on grant
Green List — Work to Residence	PR after work period	Tier 2: Work for 2 years in NZ then apply for residence	2 yrs → PR
Accredited Employer Work Visa	Employer-sponsored	Employer must be accredited; job check; ANZSCO skill level match	Up to 5 years

Application Roadmap — New Zealand

Your pathway from Nepal to New Zealand

1. Free Consultation

Assess your academic profile, IELTS/PTE scores, and career goals. Identify the right institution and program.

1. Free Consultation

Assess your academic profile, IELTS/PTE scores, and career goals. Identify the right institution and program.

2. University Application

Submit applications to NZQA-listed institutions. Include transcripts, SOP, English test scores, and financial documents.

2. University Application

Submit applications to NZQA-listed institutions. Include transcripts, SOP, English test scores, and financial documents.

3. Offer & Fee Payment

Receive Offer of Place. Pay first semester/year tuition (or get a provisional conditional offer).

3. Offer & Fee Payment

Receive Offer of Place. Pay first semester/year tuition (or get a provisional conditional offer).

4. Student Visa Application

Prepare and submit to Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Proof of funds, medical, police clearance, IELTS/PTE score.

4. Student Visa Application

Prepare and submit to Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Proof of funds, medical, police clearance, IELTS/PTE score.

5. Visa Grant & Travel

Receive your Student Visa. Book flights, arrange accommodation, and attend pre-departure briefing.

5. Visa Grant & Travel

Receive your Student Visa. Book flights, arrange accommodation, and attend pre-departure briefing.

6. Post-Study Work & SMC

After graduation, apply for Post-Study Work Visa. Gain NZ work experience and apply for SMC or Green List residence.

6. Post-Study Work & SMC

After graduation, apply for Post-Study Work Visa. Gain NZ work experience and apply for SMC or Green List residence.

New Zealand IELTS / English Requirements

Minimum English language requirements

Purpose	IELTS Overall	Each Band	Notes
Undergraduate Study	6.0	5.5+	Varies by institution
Postgraduate Study	6.5	6.0+	Top universities may require 7.0
Nursing Council (NCNZ)	7.0	7.0 all bands	Non-negotiable for nursing registration
Skilled Migrant Category	6.5	6.5	CLB equivalent accepted
Post-Study Work Visa	--	--	English met at student visa stage

Green List Occupations — NZ

Tier 1

Registered Nurse (Level 1) — Direct to Residence; NCNZ registration; IELTS 7.0 all bands

Tier 1

Software Engineer — Direct to Residence; high demand across NZ

Tier 1

ICT Security Specialist — Direct to Residence; growing cyber demand

Tier 1

Midwife — Direct to Residence; critical shortage

Tier 2

Physiotherapist — Work to Residence (2 years); strong demand

Tier 2

Occupational Therapist — Work to Residence; health sector shortage

Tier 2

ICT Business Analyst — Work to Residence; NZ tech sector growth

Tier 2

Data Scientist — Work to Residence; emerging demand in NZ

TOP UNIVERSITIES IN New Zealand

University Map Preview Coming Soon