New Zealand vs Australia: Best Country for Indian Students
Talk to Expert
International students who have to choose between New Zealand or Australia can first check about the country's acceptance of international students and how friendly they are for them. There are other factors like country-specific - rankings, courses offered, course fee variation, admission selectivity, scholarships available for international students, accommodation, visa acceptance rate, travel, etc. which can be taken into consideration also by international students.
Australia and New Zealand are two popular island nations. Both countries are on the list of top study destinations of the world, where international students reach for higher studies. Australian universities are majorly famous for STEM courses, particularly for specialized fields like medicine or engineering. On the other hand, New Zealand offers affordable with smaller class sizes and a focus on personalized learning. Both countries are known for high-quality education and beautiful landscapes.
This comprehensive guide focuses on touching upon each of the factors and compares the two countries for international students only. Student Guide to Australia and student guide for New Zealand touches upon various aspects of living costs, studying costs, the admission process and other areas of importance. This guide also gives an overview addressing these factors that would influence a student's choice between Australia or New Zealand.
Australia vs. New Zealand Country Highlights
| Factors of Difference | Australia | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Area | 7,617,932 km sq | 270,467 km sq |
| Capital | Canberra | Wellington |
| Currency | Australian Dollar (AUD) | New Zealand Dollar (NZD) |
| Population | 25,890,773 (as of March 31, 2022) | 5,124,100 (as of June 30, 2022) |
| Higher Education Institutions | TAFE | Australian Universities | ITPs | PTEs | New Zealand Universities |
| Average Cost of Studying (Annual) |
|
|
| Average Annual Cost of Living | AUD 29,710 | NZD 20,000 - NZD 25,000 |
| Part-Time Working Hours While Studying | 48 hours per fortnight | 20 hours a week |
| Popular Job Sectors | Education, Healthcare, Construction & Architecture, ICT, etc. | Medicine, Agriculture, Education, Oil & Gas, Finance & Business, Engineering, etc. |
Popular Courses in New Zealand vs Australia
Following are the popular courses opted for by international students in both Australia and New Zealand, read on for more details:
Popular Courses in New Zealand
Some of the popularly opted courses in New Zealand are in the areas of Business, Engineering & Technology, Sciences and Arts & Humanities. Following is a list of top courses offered in New Zealand for international students:
- Engineering
- Business Studies
- IT/Computing
- Tourism & Hotel Management
- Visual Communications
Popular Courses in Australia
Some of the popular courses offered in Australia are in the areas of Business, Technology & Engineering, Science, Arts & Humanities, Social Work and others. Popularly opted courses in Australia by international students are as follows:
Top Universities in Australia & New Zealand
Students planning to apply to universities in either Australia or New Zealand based on ranking can check out the latest rankings below:
| Top Universities in Australia | QS World University Ranking 2025 | Top Universities in New Zealand | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Melbourne | #13 | The University of Auckland | #65 |
| The University of Sydney | #18 | University of Otago | #214 |
| The University of New South Wales | #19 | University of Waikato | #235 |
| Australian National University | #30 | Massey University | #239 |
| Monash University | #37 | Victoria University of Wellington | #244 |
| The University of Queensland | #40 | University of Canterbury | #261 |
| The University of Western Australia | #77 | Lincoln University | #371 |
| The University of Adelaide | #82 | Auckland University of Technology | #412 |
Admission Requirements: Australia vs New Zealand
This section throws light on the admission requirements at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in both New Zealand and Australia for international students who choose to apply to these countries.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
New Zealand Admission Requirements
It is easier to get into diploma courses than degree courses in New Zealand, as the level of competitiveness is different for both these qualifications. Higher education or tertiary education in New Zealand has 10 levels of study. Level 1 is for a certificate and level 10 is for a PhD.
Here are the levels and their corresponding qualifications -
- Certificates - Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Diplomas - Levels 5 and 6
- Graduate Certificate / Graduate Diplomas / Bachelor's - Level 7
- PG Diploma / PG Certificate / Bachelors Honours Degree - Level 8
- Masters Degree - Level 9
- Research / Doctoral Degree - Level 10
Read: Education System in New Zealand
For each course, Indian students will have to meet a minimum English language requirement. As a general rule, getting admission to degrees is more difficult as compared to diplomas. Foundations and Diploma programs are available to students who have secured below 60% score in higher secondary education. This rule, in turn, does not apply to Indian students due to study visa risk. Class XII students can opt for either a bachelor's degree or a 2-year-long diploma course. A diploma of 2 years is mandatory for all undergraduate students. Admissions finally would depend upon course requirements and minimum aggregate fulfilment of at least 60%.
Australia Admission Requirements
For UG courses in Australia, almost all universities require 12 years of pre-university education, which makes it easier for Indian students to get admission directly to the course/degree of their choice.
Check: Education System in Australia
In PG courses, you can get admission after finishing a three-year UG degree. In the case of engineering, you will need a four-year UG degree in engineering. To get admission, it is not always mandatory to submit either GMAT or GRE scores. Admissions for international students are based on NOOSR guidelines which discuss the country-wise eligibility of students.
Read: Eligibility Requirement and Application Procedure - Australia
You might not be required to have work experience in the case of management courses at some colleges. In the case of no work experience, you need to enrol in a graduate certificate or graduate diploma program. TOEFL or IELTS may or may not be waivered by the university depending upon the course and case.
The overall cost of studying and living in New Zealand and Australia is dependent on many factors like university, course, and location.
Cost of Studying in New Zealand & Australia
The cost of studying in New Zealand and Australia varies for each level of course, following is a brief reference for some of the top courses and their fee structure as well.
Costs for UG Courses in New Zealand vs Australia
In order to understand the fee that is required at the undergraduate level for international students choosing to study in either New Zealand or Australia, can be compared from the table below:
| Particulars |
Undergraduate courses in New Zealand |
Undergraduate courses in Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition Fee |
BSc: INR 19.82 Lakhs BTech: INR 22.08 Lakhs BBA: INR 16.37 Lakhs |
BSc: INR 15.05 Lakhs BTech: INR 20.74 Lakhs BBA: INR 16.80 Lakhs |
| Average Living Expense |
INR 18.51 Lakhs |
INR 16.37 Lakhs |
| Duration |
3-4 Years |
3-4 Years |
| Exams Accepted |
IELTS, PTE |
IELTS, PTE |
(Source: studyabroad.shiksha.com)
Cost of PG Course in New Zealand vs Australia
The following table draws a comparison between various postgraduate courses and their corresponding fees in New Zealand and in Australia for prospective international students. This will help you to know the average cost of studying in Australia and New Zealand.
| Particulars |
Postgraduate courses in New Zealand |
Postgraduate courses in Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition Fee |
MA: INR 9.50 Lakhs MS: INR 25.12 Lakhs MBA: INR 25.89 Lakhs |
MA: INR 19.89 Lakhs MS: INR 26.18 Lakhs MBA: INR 90 Lakhs |
| Average Living Expense |
INR 18.51 Lakhs |
INR 16.37 Lakhs |
| Duration |
1-2 Years |
1-2 Years |
| Exams Accepted |
IELTS, TOEFL |
IELTS, TOEFL |
(Source: studyabroad.shiksha.com)
Related Blogs:
New Zealand & Australia Student Visas
The most important section of the student visa throws light upon the different requirements that are required for applying for and obtaining a student visa in both countries - New Zealand and Australia. Read on for more details.
New Zealand Student Visa Requirements
For NZ student visas, the following rules apply along with these requirements:
- A student visa will cost you Rs 15,000 (approximately).
- The average time taken by the New Zealand High Commission for the visa procedure is anywhere between 8 to 12 weeks depending on the individual’s background. So the students need to apply for their visas at least three months before their course commencement.
- As an international student, you must complete your course within the minimum course duration listed on your acceptance letter. If you do not yet have a job offer, you may apply for a Post-study work visa. Visas granted are valid for up to 12 months and allow you to work in a temporary job while you look for a job in your field.
- In most cases, the spouse and dependent children of a student will be granted a visitor visa for the same duration as their partner or parents' stay. Spouses of the student on a Work Visa can work full-time in NZ. However, the dependents of students on visitor visas have no work rights.
Australia Student Visa Requirements
For Australian student visas, the following rules apply:
- The Australian student visa is not granted in the form of a sticker.
- It costs AUD 1,600 for Subclass (500) visa and AU 1,945 for a Subclass (485) visa to apply for this visa and its processing time.
- Spouses get dependent only if the student is pursuing master's degree or a PhD. The spouses of Master's and PhD students can work unlimited hours.
- Student visa holders are allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight during their study in Australia.
Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand vs Australia
This section focuses on details on the post-study work visa and their corresponding details for New Zealand and Australia. Check out for more details the following sections.
PSW Visa in New Zealand
If you are a student with an offer of employment relevant to your qualification, you may be eligible for a work visa for a maximum period of two years. You will need to provide evidence of the relevance of your job offer to your qualification, and the proof of successful completion of a qualification in New Zealand that meets the Study to Work qualification requirements.
Check: All About Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand
Australia Post-Study Work Visa
Graduates who have completed a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree may be eligible to apply for a two-year post-study work visa. Other graduates may be eligible to apply for an 18-month subclass 485 visa through the graduate work stream.
Read: Post-Study Work Visa in Australia
Popular Job Sectors in New Zealand vs Australia
International students are usually interested in knowing about job prospects while they study abroad and pursue degrees which could get them a job in the popular sectors. This section throws light on the popular job sectors of both New Zealand and Australia, which usually have a high demand for the workforce.
Popular Job Sectors in New Zealand
The most popular job industries in New Zealand are as follows:
- Education
- Engineering
- Finance/business
- Medicine
- ICT and electronics
- Recreation
- Hospitality & tourism
For more details check: Popular Job Sectors in New Zealand
Popular Job Sectors in Australia
The top job sectors in Australia are in the areas of:
- Education
- Medical services
- Hospitality industry
- Computer system design
- Accounting
Check: Popular Job Sectors in Australia
Note - The Indian concept of campus placements and on-campus recruitment does not apply to foreign universities. Students are expected to look for internships and jobs on their own.
PR in New Zealand vs Australia
Applying for a permanent residency after studying abroad is usually the next best option for international students once they complete their studies. PR is offered to limited applicants in New Zealand and Australia. More details are elaborated in the respective sections.
PR in New Zealand
Because of the limited population in New Zealand, some skills are in chronically short supply. Immigration New Zealand has lists of industries where there is a serious skill shortage. Once you finish your chosen course in New Zealand and are offered a job which is marked under the skill shortage category and you have the relevant qualifications plus experience, getting the work visa and permanent residency will be easier. That is because the New Zealand govt. has realized that companies and organizations need to employ people from outside NZ to help meet demands for the skill.
To meet the skill shortage demands, the Green Occupations List in New Zealand has been introduced. There is a fast track in the PR process, in turn attracting a skilled labour force for its country. Those applicants whose jobs fall under this green occupation list would also be able to bring their spouses who would also be eligible to work in New Zealand. Because of this reason, New Zealand is considered one of the popular destinations for immigration purposes.
Read: How to get PR (Permanent Residency) in New Zealand after study?
PR in Australia
Getting a permanent residency permit to Australia is possible but it is a long process. The immigration officials conduct a thorough background check on the candidate to make sure s/he is not fraudulent. Because of the complicated process, the PR permit may take some time to get approved but it is possible to get Australian citizenship.
Abroad, most universities have a provision for financial aid. You can find out about the scholarships your university offers through its Financial Aid department. Apart from universities, there are a lot of scholarships made available to organizations, funds etc. Here are a few scholarships for Indian students interested in studying in either New Zealand or Australia.
Check: How to get PR in Australia with Student Visa?
The following scholarships are offered to international students studying in Australia and New Zealand:
Check out more details at:
Climate in New Zealand & Australia
To adapt to a country where international students would be studying, it is important to understand its topography. Following is a brief on the climatic conditions of both New Zealand and Australia.
New Zealand Climate
Both the North and South Islands of New Zealand enjoy a moderate, maritime climate and temperatures. The country is located in the southern hemisphere. This means summer starts in December and winter begins in June. New Zealand has moderately high rainfall and many hours of sunshine throughout most of the country.
Australia Climate
The country is located in the southern hemisphere. This means Australia's summer starts in December and winter begins in June. Nearly a third of Australia is in the tropics where the average temperatures are in the mid-20 degrees Celsius. The southern areas are in a temperate zone.
Which One to Choose: Australia or New Zealand?
Applicants looking at admissions in Australia or New Zealand can choose them based on four major factors:
Q: Is Torrens University good for international students?
Torrens University Australia is one of the fastest growing universities in Australia. It offers a culturally vibrant and comfortable environment for international students. Each year thousands of international students from all over the world come to study at various courses of the university. currently, there are 3932 total students at Torrens University out of which 986 are international students.
Q: Is New Zealand good for Indian students?
With a good educational system, excellent quality of life, and a number of research opportunities, New Zealand offers a lot to international students. Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand has a 39 percent population of overseas citizens, making it a culturally diverse city. Moreover, the post-study work visa in New Zealand can offer up to three years of stay back. As per Stats New Zealand, its unemployment rate is 3.4 percent. Students enrolled in a course of 12 months or more can also work part-time in New Zealand for up to 20 hours a week during the semester and holidays.
Q: Is it worth studying at Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia?
Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia (MITA) is largely regarded as one of Australia's top institutions. It has a solid reputation in engineering, business, and science.
To begin with, Melbourne Institute of Technology Australia provides a world-class education with an emphasis on hands-on learning. You will be able to gain practical knowledge and abilities in a range of disciplines. Furthermore, the institution provides a wide range of courses and programmes that will provide you with the skills and knowledge required for a successful profession.
Second, the university is well-known on a global scale. It has the highest graduate employability rate in Australia. This is due to the great level of education and possibilities provided by the university to its students.
Third, the university boasts a broad and vibrant culture. While learning, you will be able to pursue your hobbies and meet like-minded people. This will aid in the development of your professional chances and the formation of strong relationships that will continue long after you graduate.
Fourth, the institution provides a wide range of facilities and services to make your studies more pleasurable and productive. You will be able to locate
Q: Why to choose Bond University for MS in Australia rather than University of Queensland?
Bond University and the University of Queensland are both prestigious institutions in Australia, each with its own unique strengths. Bond University is ranked 20th in the Times Higher Education rankings of the Best Small Universities in the World and has been Australia's top university for the educational experience for 17 consecutive years.
On the other hand, the University of Queensland, located in Brisbane, is one of the leading research and teaching institutions in Australia. The university is ranked in the world's top 100 universities according to several major ranking systems, including QS (50), ARWU (47), and Times Higher Education (53).
Q: How hard is it to get to Notre Dame?
The acceptance rate of the University of Notre Dame Australia is 19%, So for every 100 applicants, only 19 students get admitted. This means that it is a relatively competitive University. Candidates must fulfill the specific course requirements to secure admission to Notre Dame University. While the acceptance rate is competetive, it is suggested that the student applies early for higher chances of getting selected.
Q: Is it hard to get into Newcastle University Australia?
The University of Newcastle is amog the universities that does not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources, the University of Newcastle Australia acceptance rate is 80%. This makes Newcastle University Australia moderately selective in admissions. Please note that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
Q: Which is better? university of notre dame australia vs sydney university?
Sydney University and Notre Dame Australia are renowned institutions offering unique campus cultures and various academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. However, University of Sydney is in the upper hand as the university is amog the top 100 in the world (according to the QS ranking). The below table compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rate of Notre Dame Australia and Sydney University. Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them.
Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the Universities:
Name of The University | Ranking | Acceptance Rate | 1st Year Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
Notre Dame Australia | 1401+ | 19% | UG: INR 17 L PG: INR 13 L |
Sydney University | 54 | 30% | UG: INR 18 L - 33 L PG: INR 24 L - 29 L |
(The comparison of fees was between the B.Sc course for UG and the MBA course for PG)
Q: What is the ranking of University of the Sunshine Coast Australia?
The University of the Sunshine Coast ranking is 501-600 by Times Higher Education. If we talk about the University of the Sunshine Coast QS Ranking 2024, then UniSC ranks 1001-1200 in the world. The university maintains its current positions since 2022. We have also mentioned Sunshine Coast University ranking below:
· 1st in Queensland
· 1st in Queensland for ‘Climate Action’ impact
· 3rd in the world for our global impact on 'Clean Water and Sanitation'
· 23rd globally for 'Life on Land'
Note: Above ranking is given by Times Higher Education
- Globally ranked universities
- Course availability with preferred curriculum
- Fee for studying in New Zealand or Australia and availability of scholarships
- Accommodation options are available easily on-campus, if not then decent off-campus options.
Based on these parameters applicants can choose how their shortlisted countries fit in - Australia or New Zealand and then apply for admissions.
Also Read:
If you are looking at admissions abroad, you can sign up for free Shiksha Abroad Counselling and seek expert guidance for application and admissions.
Australia vs New Zealand FAQs
Q. Which country is best for study, Australia or New Zealand?
- Based on research specific programs and university rankings in both countries Australia and New Zealand.
- Considering tuition, living expenses, and scholarship opportunities in the countries.
- Deciding if smaller class sizes and personalized attention are important to you like in New Zealand.
- Prefering a bustling city life or a more relaxed, nature-oriented environment?
Q. Is education better in Australia or NZ?
A. Education is better in New Zealand because of smaller class sizes and allowing for more personalized attention from instructors. On the other hand, Australia has bigger class sizes, resulting in lower attention from instructors. Education from both Australia and New Zealand are popular in their own ways. Degrees from either of these countries are globally accepted. Thus, it is up to applicants to choose their kind of education setting preferably in either Australia or New Zealand.
Q. Is it more expensive to study in Australia or New Zealand?
A. Yes, studying in Australia is 20% more expensive than studying in New Zealand. The costs of living in Australia are also higher than that of New Zealand. Thus, based on the overall fee, Australia is more expensive that New Zealand.
Q. Is it better to go to New Zealand or Australia?
A. The choice between New Zealand and Australia depends on individual preferences and priorities. New Zealand offers smaller class sizes, lower costs, and a more nature-oriented lifestyle, while Australia boasts a wider range of universities, stronger reputations in certain fields, and potentially more scholarship opportunities. Ultimately, the best country for applicants depend on various factors such as field of study, budget, and desired learning environment. After this is decided, applicants can choose which is better for them and apply for admissions.
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio
Armed with B.Com from Delhi University, Anuradha Sharma has accumulated rich experience as an education counsellor. She is especially adept at handling Australia and NZ admission procedure. Before becoming a GTE Exp... Read Full Bio
- Universities in New Zealand70 Universities
- Universities in Australia122 Universities
- Universities in USA1037 Universities
- Universities in Canada174 Universities
- Universities in UK175 Universities
- Universities in Ireland32 Universities
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Comments
(16)
F
3 years ago
Report Abuse
Reply to Farzeen Ahmed
R
3 years ago
Report Abuse
Hello Farzeen. When you apply for a New Zealand student visa you would have to show them the requisite funds for your education and your entire stay in NZ. Shortage of funds would lead to you not getting an NZ Student Visa. Know more about NZ Student Visa here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/new-z
...more
S
4 years ago
Report Abuse
Reply to Shweatal Jaybhay
R
4 years ago
Report Abuse
Hello Shweatal. take a look at the popular universities in New Zealand and Canada and you can check the eligibility criteria for the universities and plan your next step accordingly. Study in Canada: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/canada Study in New Zealand: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/new-z
...more
U
5 years ago
Report Abuse
Reply to Umang Nakrani
R
2 years ago
Report Abuse
D
5 years ago
Report Abuse
Reply to Digvijay Singh Bundela
S
5 years ago
Report Abuse
Reply to Sahil Pachchigar