Azent Overseas Education on why New Zealand Is Fast Becoming a Top Choice for International Students

Jan 29: In recent years, New Zealand has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s most promising destinations for international students, particularly those from India seeking graduate-level education. With rising enrolments, favourable post-study work pathways, globally recognised universities, and a high quality of life, New Zealand offers a compelling mix of academic excellence and career opportunities that is now capturing the attention of students abandoning traditional markets like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

According to recent data, Indian student enrolments surged by 34% in 2024, highlighting growing confidence in New Zealand as an attractive study destination. Indian students now constitute around 11% of all international enrolments. Priyanka Nishar, Founder and Managing Director of Azent Overseas Education explains what makes New Zealand a favoured destination for international students

What makes New Zealand a premier destination?

New Zealand’s appeal rests on a few clear pillars: internationally recognised universities, a safe and multicultural society, flexible work rights for students, and a government that has actively promoted international education as a growth sector. Its universities consistently appear in global rankings while keeping classes relatively small and industry-focused — a combination that helps graduates stand out to employers. In recent years the New Zealand government has explicitly targeted growth in international education and eased certain student/work policies to make study there more attractive, signalling long-term commitment to overseas students.

Universities and popular courses

New Zealand’s public universities are compact but internationally respected.

• University of Auckland — New Zealand’s largest research university; strong in business, engineering, computer science, health sciences and interdisciplinary research.

• University of Otago — globally known for health sciences, life sciences, and research-led postgraduate degrees.

• University of Canterbury — engineering, physical sciences, and emerging tech programs.

• Victoria University of Wellington — law, public policy, data science and the social sciences.

• Massey University, AUT, Lincoln, Waikato — niche strengths such as agriculture and environmental science, applied technology, or business and hospitality.

• University of Waikato — strong in computer science, business, and environmental sciences.

• Lincoln University and Auckland University of Technology (AUT) — smaller but niche strengths in agribusiness, technology, and design.

STEM subjects (engineering, computer science, data science), health and allied health (where local clinical pathways exist), and applied business (MBA, finance, supply chain) are popular for their employability. Agriculture and environmental sciences are also distinctive strengths in New Zealand.

Admission process and fee structure

Compared with the US and the UK, New Zealand offers competitive tuition fees and a relatively affordable cost of living. Annual tuition for international postgraduate students typically ranges between NZD 20,000 and NZD 40,000, which is lower than many traditional study hubs. Combined with living costs that are generally more reasonable than in large metropolitan alternatives, New Zealand gives strong value for investment in higher education.

To apply for a graduate programme, one typically needs:

• A recognised bachelor’s degree (equivalent to NZ’s Level 7).

• English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent).

• A statement of purpose, CV, references, and academic transcripts.

• Some research-oriented programmes (e.g., PhDs) may ask for a research proposal and supervisor confirmation.

Most universities have two main intakes:

Semester 1 – February to June

Semester 2 – July to November.

Early preparation and application submission are crucial to secure offers and visas in time.

Work prospects in New Zealand (while studying and after graduation)

One of New Zealand’s practical advantages is student work rights. Eligible full-time student visa holders are generally permitted to work part-time during semesters and full-time during breaks. From November 3, 2025, the official cap for eligible students was increased to 25 hours per week during term (from 20), improving the ability to offset living costs and gain local experience.

After graduation, the Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) is the main pathway to stay and work. Depending on the qualification level and duration studied in New Zealand, graduates may be eligible for a PSWV of up to three years, which provides time to gain professional experience and — for many — a route toward skilled migration. Work outcomes vary by field and city; STEM, health and certain trades often have strong local demand.

Popular scholarships and funding options

To support international students financially, New Zealand offers a variety of scholarship programmes:

• Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (government-funded) — a flagship fully or partially funded program aimed at building leadership and development capacity in partner countries; covers tuition, living allowance and other costs for selected applicants. Application rounds and country eligibility are set annually.

• New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships – Covers tuition, travel, and living costs for eligible master’s and doctoral students.

• New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) – University-level merit awards for international students.

• University scholarships — most universities offer merit-based or country-specific awards (for example, the University of Auckland’s International Student Excellence Scholarship and India High Achievers awards). These often provide partial tuition reductions or lump-sum grants.

Azent recommends students apply early for scholarships (many close months before intake) and prepare a strong statement of purpose and references — scholarship panels look for academic merit, leadership potential and how study in New Zealand will benefit the applicant’s home country.

Practical tips and important information

Apply early for visas. Immigration New Zealand advises applying several months ahead of your intended travel to avoid delays, especially during peak intakes.

Consider city and campus fit. Auckland and Wellington offer bigger-city opportunities and more part-time jobs; smaller centres like Dunedin (Otago) and Lincoln provide quieter, campus-focused experiences.

Use official resources. Always verify fees, scholarship deadlines and visa rules with your study overseas counsellor.

Priyanka Nishar concludes “New Zealand combines high-quality, internationally recognised higher education with practical work rights and a supportive, English-speaking environment — making it an excellent option for international graduate students who value employability and quality of life. Whether you aim for a research degree at a top university or a professionally oriented master’s that opens doors to work experience in a welcoming country, New Zealand offers a clear, well-signposted route. At Azent Overseas Education, we help students tailor their applications, select suitable programmes, identify scholarships, and navigate the entire admission journey — ensuring you make informed decisions aligned with your academic and career goals.”

Prospective students can log on to https://www.azent.com / or download the Azent App to avail our best-in-class counselling services.