Top Undergraduate Colleges in New Zealand
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Is New Zealand a good place to study after 12th? There are multiple colleges in NZ which offer a variety of undergraduate courses related to Engineering, medicine, arts, science, law, tourism, and hospitality. The UG degree of this university is valid globally.
According to official data, more than 7300 Indian students are studying in New Zealand till the end of 2024. It is expected that this number will increase in the upcoming year. There are several reasons behind this such as the increasing popularity of New Zealand, the reputed education system and top-ranking institutes. Another reason to choose NZ as a study destination is the variety of courses to choose from.
It is a great place to study for undergraduate courses as the curriculum is easier to adapt to for Indian students. Although most of us know the popular colleges in USA, UK or Australia, not many have heard about New Zealand universities. Here are the top 12 universities/polytechnics in New Zealand.
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Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, Wellington
The University is New Zealand's leading distance learning provider with a yearly enrollment of 34000 students. Open Polytechnic is government-owned and funded, delivering courses throughout New Zealand and internationally. This Polytechnic also adopted internationally proven models for distance learning course design, student support and quality control. Some of the popularly offered undergraduate courses are as follows:
| UG Courses at Open Polytechnic | |
|---|---|
| Engineering | |
| Business | Bachelor of Business (Management) |
| Science | Bachelor of Applied Science |
Victoria University of Wellington
The University is particularly well known for its programmes in law, the humanities, and some scientific disciplines. Victoria University of Wellington had the highest average research grade in the New Zealand Government's Performance-Based Funds. Popular undergraduate courses offered include:
| UG Courses at Victoria University of Wellington |
|
|---|---|
| Humanities | |
| Business | Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) |
| Engineering | Bachelors in Electronic and Computer System Engineering |
| Science | Bachelors in Physics |
University of Auckland, Auckland
It is the largest and leading university in the country and is ranked 82 worldwide with more than 40,000 students. The University has a strong emphasis on serving the student body with the main campus is in the heart of Auckland city and it has four specialist campuses. The University is also the highest-ranked New Zealand University in the Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities. The university is the only New Zealand member of ‘Universitas 21’, the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) on international ground. Popular undergraduate courses are:
| UG Courses at University of Auckland, Auckland |
|
|---|---|
| Business | BCom (Hons) in Accounting |
| Engineering | Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering |
| Computers |
Bachelors in Computer Systems Engineering |
| Humanities | Bachelors in Arts |
| Science | |
University of Waikato, Hamilton
The University of Waikato is ranked in the top 50 universities under 50 years old by UK-based Times Higher Education. It is now ranked in the 401-410 band in the world by QS in its world rankings index. Its six subject areas ranked in the top 200 worldwide. Popular undergraduate courses:
| UG Courses at University of Waikato |
|
|---|---|
| Business | Bachelor of Business Analysis (BBA)-Financial Bachelor of Management Studies Bachelor of Electronic Commerce |
| Science | |
| Computers | |
| Engineering | |
| Humanities | Bachelor of Communication Studies |
Massey University, Palmerston
Massey University is an innovative, self-reliant, outward-facing institution committed to defining our future with approximately 35,000 students. It is the only university in New Zealand offering degrees in aviation, dispute resolution, Veterinary Science. It has three campuses in the North Island, and the highest number of extramural students. Massey University is consistently ranked in the top 3% of universities worldwide. Popular undergraduate courses:
| UG Courses at Massey University |
|
|---|---|
| Medicine | Bachelors in Veterinary Sciences |
| Engineering | |
Wellington Institute of Technology, Wellington
The teaching staff are specialists and researchers in their fields and are investing in exciting new technology. WelTec has had an important place within the wider Wellington region for over 100 years. They offer a comprehensive range of education to almost 11,000 students each year. WelTec’s business, industry and professional partnerships are of enormous benefit to the students. Popular undergraduate courses
| UG Courses at Wellington Institute of Technology |
|
|---|---|
| Engineering | Bachelor of Engineering Technology- Mechanical |
| Humanities | |
| Computers | Bachelor of Creative Technologies |
Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Tauranga
The College provides the highest-quality learning, support and overall experience for all our students and the communities we serve. It offers a unique, dynamic and hands-on learning environment where one can discover your strengths and potential. Bay of Plenty Polytechnic celebrated its 30th anniversary with the "30 years 30 Heroes" exhibit. Popular undergraduate courses
| UG Courses at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic | |
|---|---|
| Computers | Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science with a Specialisation in Applied Computing |
| Engineering |
|
| Business |
|
Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki, New Plymouth
The College is the largest territory education institution in the Province of New Zealand. It is the 13th-largest technical institute in New Zealand. The College aims to promote institutional research culture. Popular undergraduate courses
| UG Courses at Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki |
|
|---|---|
| Engineering | |
| Computers | Diploma in Information and Computing Technology |
| Business | National Certificate in Business Administration & Computing Level 2 |
University of Canterbury, Christchurch
The University of Canterbury is the first constituent college of New Zealand. It is the third highest-ranked university in New Zealand. The University has received the prestigious QS 5-Star ranking for overall excellence. Popular undergraduate courses
| UG Courses in University of Canterbury |
|
|---|---|
| Science | |
| Computers | |
| Business | Bachelors In Economics |
AUT University of Technology, Auckland
The university ranked 82nd worldwide in 2011 with a total number of student 40,000. The campus has world-class training facilities, athlete accommodation and sports science laboratories. AUT became a university in 2000 turning to be the largest and leading university in the country. Increased from 2 to 4 campuses, with a new one in Manukau City and added a 2nd the AUT Millennium Campus - in North Shore City. Popular undergraduate courses
| UG Courses at AUT University of Technology |
|
|---|---|
| Science | |
| Engineering | Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electrical Engineering |
| Business | Bachelors in Business Administration |
| Humanities | Bachelors in Arts |
Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, Christchurch
CPIT is the largest vocational training institute in the South Island of New Zealand which offers practical, hands-on training and education in a supportive and welcoming environment. Established in 1906 CPIT has an average class size of 20 students. Popular undergraduate courses
| UG Courses at Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology |
|
|---|---|
| Business | |
| Engineering | Bachelors in Engineering in Electrical |
| Humanities | Bachelor in Design in Visual Art |
UC International College, Christchurch
The University of Canterbury (UC) is ranked in the world’s top 250 universities and is the only New Zealand university to receive a five-star rating from the international university ranking research company QS. The University’s world-class education is also enhanced by the many outstanding international academics who visit each year on staff exchange programmes. Located on the east coast of New Zealand and near the Southern Alps, Christchurch is close to both the sea and the mountains, offering students a huge range of recreational options Popular undergraduate courses:
| UG Courses at UC International College | |
|---|---|
| Computers | Certificate in Information Technology |
| Business | Certificate in Business |
| Science | Bachelor of Science |
| Engineering | Bachelor of Engineering |
Candidates looking to study abroad can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance with university applications. Candidates can also write to us in the comments section below.
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: Which course is better, Master in Management or Master in Project Management at the University of Auckland, New Zealand?
The University of Auckland offers the best UG and PG programs for international students at an affordable tuition fees. Auckland Unversity Master in Project Management is slightly better than the Master in Management because of its tuition fees for first year. Mentioned below is the tuition fees for first-year for international students:
| Program | First Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Master in Project Management | INR 25.11 L |
| Master in Management | INR 26.11 L |
Q: How much funds are needed for a New Zealand study visa?
International students need to show sufficient funds for getting a New Zealand student visa. Students need to show NZ$ 20,000 for a full year of study or NZ$ 1,250 per month for getting a New Zealand study visa.
Cost of New Zealand Student Visa Application
- New Zealand Visa Cost: Students who are submitting their Student Visa Application online are required to pay a base Visa fee of NZD 375 which is INR 19,200 (approximately).
- Candidates who are applying for their Student Visa online from New Delhi are required to pay NZD 430 which is INR 22,000 (approximately) as the receiving centre fees.
- Those applying for a student visa in New Zealand on paper (offline mode) should note that the immigration costs would be INR 22,600, in addition to this students are required to pay a receiving Centre fee of INR 1,520.
Q: What is the cost of studying in New Zealand?
The tuition fees that a student would need to pay will depend on the type of qualification and the university they are looking at to pursue their education. While courses such as humanities, education, and arts are likely to cost less pursuing subjects such as medicine and engineering costs on the higher side.
The below table sheds light on the tuition fee charged level-wise in New Zealand from international students applying to their universities:
Study Program Level | Annual Costs in NZD |
|---|---|
Diploma or Certificate courses | NZD 23,000 - NZD 47,000 |
English Language courses | NZD 350 (per week) |
Undergraduate degree | NZD 22,000 - NZD 32,000 |
Master's degree | NZD 26,000 - NZD 37,000 |
Doctoral degree | NZD 6,500 - NZD 9,000 |
Q: Is living in New Zealand expensive?
The cost of living does not includes only the tuition fee but also other expenses like textbooks, NON-tuition fee, accommodation cost and other personal expenses. The moment a student lands in New Zealand, they need to pay $35 international visitor and tourism conservation levy. The living cost can vary as per the accommodation option, location and personal spending habits.
In addition to your tuition and insurance fees, you will need between $20,000 and $25,000 per year ($380–480 per week) for accommodation/rent, food expenses, transportation costs, phone bills, internet usage and entertainment.
Q: Is New Zealand good for international students to study?
New Zealand is one of the top destinations for international students going abroad for higher education. All of eight universities in New Zealand are ranked among the top 3% universities in the world. New Zealand education sets up students with a globally recognised qualification and real-world skills. Each year thousands of students from India apply for various universities in the New Zealand. As per Govt. of India, there are more than 2,500 Indian students that went to study in 2022 in various universities in New Zealand.
Q: How do I get a study visa for New Zealand?
Each year, thousands of students from all over the world come to New Zealand to pursue higher education. International students can apply for a study visa to the New Zealand in 4 different ways; Online, offline, through an immigration advisor or at a visa center. An overseas student may have to furnish the following:
- Name of the course you are allowed to study;
- Name of education provider;
- Must hold an acceptable insurance;
- Valid passport;
- Completed student visa application form; and
- 2 passport sized photographs.
Q: How much does it cost to get a study visa in New Zealand?
After submitting their student visa application, international students are required to pay a base visa fee of NZD 375 (INR 18 K). However, candidates who are applying for their student visa online from New Delhi as their receiving center are required to pay NZD 430 (INR 20.6 K) as a visa application fee. International students, including Indian students are advised to check the official immigration website of New Zealand to know the current and exact visa application fees.
Conversion Rate: 1 NZD = INR 48.13
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- Universities in New Zealand70 Universities
- Universities in USA1037 Universities
- Universities in Canada174 Universities
- Universities in Australia122 Universities
- Universities in UK175 Universities
- Universities in Ireland32 Universities
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