Study Abroad Content Specialist
Those preparing to study in New Zealand must not only choose the step to apply for admission, but also check at what time of the year they should apply. Whether a candidate is applying for a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree, the admission intake in New Zealand is mainly based on two semesters where semester one runs from February to June, meanwhile, semester two runs start from July and end in November.
Also Read: How to Apply to Study in New Zealand: Deadlines, Student Visa, Application Timeline
Check out the Complete Guide to Study in New Zealand Before Applying for Admissions
Intake in New Zealand Universities
The admission date may vary depending on the university, but the majority of the universities follow the same intake for admission. Aspirants applying for admission in New Zealand must be aware of the intake corresponding to the semester. All study abroad aspirants willing to study in New Zealand are advised to apply at least 6 months before the commitment to their respective programs.
| Semester | Session | Admission Intake Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | February to June | January to February |
| Semester 2 | July to November | July |
| Rolling Intakes | Anytime throughout the year | No Deadline |
January/February Intake
The January/February intake in New Zealand may differ from university to university, which is formerly known as the January semester. The semester usually commences at the beginning of the year. It is best advised to apply for January Semester before the start of November.
Timeline for January/February 2024 Admission Intake in New Zealand
Those willing to apply to a university in New Zealand in January intake, must understand the entire admission timeline and the activities they will be required to complete. Understand the activity that must be done while you are applying for admission during the January semester.
| Application Timeline | Activities for January 2024 Intakes in New Zealand |
| April-May 2023 | Short list the courses and universities based on your preference |
| June-November 2023 | Attempt the basic standardized test that are mostly required by the majority of the universities such as IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT or GRE |
| August-September 2024 | Gather all the required documents as asked by the university you are willing to apply and upload them accordingly |
| October-November 2023 | Accept the admission offer received from the university via email and confirm your intake |
| November-December 2023 | After receiving the acceptance letter, apply for students visa and look for scholarships available in New Zealand |
| December-January 2023-2024 | Gather all the immigration documents and make arrangements for accommodation in New Zealand in advance |
Universities that Accepted January Intakes in New Zealand
Below are the top universities in New Zealand, including that accept students for January intakes.
| University | Undergraduate Deadlines | Graduate Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | December 8, 2023 (For most courses) | November 1, 2023 - December 8, 2023 (for most courses) |
| December 20, 2023 - February 27, 2023 (Education and Social Work) | February 19, 2024 (Master of Professional Supervision) | |
| University of Otago | November 15, 2023 (closed) | November 15, 2023 (closed) |
| Massey University | October 31, 2023 (closed) | October 31, 2023 (closed) |
| November 30, 2023 - January 31, 2024 (for some courses) – | January 22, 2024 (MBA) | |
| Lincoln University | November 30, 2023 (closed) | November 30, 2023 (closed) |
| Auckland University of Technology | November 30, 2023 (closed) | November 30, 2023 (closed) |
| University of Canterbury | October 31, 2023 (closed) | October 31, 2023 (closed) |
July intakes
The July intake is preferred by the majority of the international students planning to apply for admission in New Zealand. International students who wish to apply for this generally have to wait for one year, regardless of what course they are applying to. To be considered for admission, international applicants must apply by April to May whether they are applying for a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or short-term courses.
Timeline for July 2024 Admission Intake in New Zealand
Those willing to apply to a university in New Zealand in January intake, they must understand the entire admission timeline and the activities they will be required to complete. Understand the activity that must be done while you are applying for admission during the January semester.
| Application Timeline | Activities for July 2024 Intakes in New Zealand |
| August-December 2023 | Short the list of courses and universities that match your preference |
| December-February 2023 – 2024 | Attempt the basic standardized test that are mostly required by the majority of the universities such as IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT or GRE |
| February-March 2024 | Gather all the required documents as asked by the university you are willing to apply and upload them accordingly |
| March-April 2024 | Accept the admission offer received from the university via email and confirm your intake |
| April-July 2024 | After receiving the acceptance letter, apply for students visa and look for scholarships available in New Zealand |
| June-July 2024 | Gather all the immigration documents and make arrangements for accommodation in New Zealand in advance |
Universities that Accepts July Intakes in New Zealand
Below are universities in New Zealand, including some top universities that accept students for July intakes.
| University | Undergraduate Deadlines | Graduate Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| University of Otago | April 30, 2024 | April 30, 2024 |
| University of Canterbury | April 30, 2024 | April 30, 2024 |
| Auckland University of Technology | April 30, 2024 | April 30, 2024 |
| Massey University | May 1, 2024 | May 1, 2024 (for most courses) |
| June 30, 2024 (for some courses) | May 20, 2024 (MBA) | |
| Eastern Institute of Technology | N.A | N.A |
| Unitec Institute of Technology | N.A | N.A |
| University of Auckland | July 4, 2024 | July 4, 2024 |
Documents Required for Intakes In New Zealand
After deciding the admission intake of their choice, the candidate’s may now apply for admission in New Zealand. Listed below are the documents that are required for admission into a university in New Zealand. The major requirements vary by program and university the candidate is applying to, the following are basic admission requirements in the majority of New Zealand universities.
- Official academic transcripts with copies
- English language proficiency proof
- IELTS - 6.0-6.5
- TOEFL iBT - 80-90
- Standardized score
- GMAT - 550-600
- GRE - 300 or higher
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Two to three letters of recommendations
- Letter of intent
- Statement of purpose
Check Out: Exams to Study in New Zealand for International Students
As the number of international students applying for universities in New Zealand is increasing, it is best advised to first understand the admission timeline and based on that apply as soon as possible to avoid any delay in the application process. The admission intake is similar in most of the universities in New Zealand, but the deadlines and other requirements may vary by each university.
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