| Updated On - Sep 8, 2024
New Zealand is currently one of the top student destinations for higher education. The country is home to 8 universities, with all of them ranking among the top 500 according to QS World University Rankings, 2025. Last year, 69,135 students enrolled in New Zealand for higher education, reflecting 67% increase than its previous year. With the skyrocketing international student number, the competition for admission is rapidly increasing.
To stay in the competitive admission process in New Zealand, Indian students should properly follow the step-by-step process. The application process includes several steps, from course selection, application, arranging finances, document submission, accommodation selection, and interview. The detailed application process is provided in this article.
Application Deadlines for New Zealand
New Zealand offers admission to international students in a trimester format. The main intakes in New Zealand are as follows:
| Semester | Intake | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Semester - 1 (February to June) | January | January/ February |
| Semester -2 (July to November) | July | June/ July |
| Rolling Admission (February-April, May, July) | Rolling | No deadline (Anytime in the year) |
Intakes in New Zealand: Application Timeline
| January Intake Timeline | July Intake Timeline | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| April-May | August - December | Research and segregate the best-fit universities for you |
| June-July | December-February | Complete the standardized exams (GRE/GMAT) and English proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.) |
| August-September | February-March | Fill the university application forms and submit necessary documents |
| October-November | March-April | If you get an admission offer, accept it and confirm enrolment |
| November-December | April-July | Make fund arrangement, apply for scholarships, and apply for New Zealand student visa |
| December-January | June-July | Make arrangement for accommodation and reserve flight tickets |
How to Apply to Study in New Zealand?
The universities in New Zealand accepts application from international students through their respective online application portal. The link to these application portals are generally available on the specific university’s website.
The application portal remains open before the deadline. In case some portal remains temporarily closed, they will mention the opening date in the same page. Indian students are advised to apply at the earliest to have a higher chance of securing admission.
New Zealand Admission Requirements
For admission to the universities in New Zealand, Indian students need competitive, university-specific academic scores. An average score of 70% or above is considered satisfactory to be eligible for application.
Postgraduate Admission Requirements in New Zealand
- Successful completion of bachelor’s degree from a recognized institute, in a stream relevant to your study area in New Zealand
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (85%)
- Official or certified copies of official transcripts
Undergraduate Admission Requirements in New Zealand
- Successful completion of higher secondary from a recognized board
- A least 55-60% aggregate in high-secondary
- Completion of some subjects for specific courses, such as Mathematics for Computer Science courses.
Diploma/Certificate Admission Requirements in New Zealand
- 18 years or above age
- Higher secondary (Class 12) certificate or equivalent.
English Proficiency Requirements to Study in New Zealand
Indian students generally require the following minimum English proficiency test scores to be eligible for admission to New Zealand:
| Test | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 to 7.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 to 100 |
| PTE Academic | 58 to 76 |
Supporting Documents Required to Study in New Zealand
The supporting documents required for admission in New Zealand are as shown below:
Note: The universities in New Zealand might expect you to appear in an interview as a part of application.
New Zealand Student Visa Application
Indians studying for over 3 months in New Zealand require a student visa. To be eligible for a New Zealand student visa, you will require the following:
- An offer of admission from an approved institute in New Zealand
- Proof of finances for tuition fees or proof of scholarship covering your tuition fees
- Proof of fund availability to live in New Zealand
- Full medical and travel insurance
- Return ticket from New Zealand or proof of enough money availability to buy one.
Document Requirements for New Zealand Student Visa
The documents to be provided along with your visa application in New Zealand are as follows:
- Your Identity:
- A colour photo of your head and shoulders
- A passport, valid for at least 3 months after your anticipated return date from New Zealand
- Other Supporting Documents:
- Medical certificates
- Police certificates
- Translation of any non-English Document submitted.
Tips to Avoid Rejection in New Zealand
Here are a few tips for Indian students to avoid student visa rejection in New Zealand:
- Apply early to maximise your chances of getting the visa.
- Complete the forms, double check them and submit valid and accurate documents.
- Provide appropriate documents to proof finance availability towards tuition and living expenses for entire duration of stay.
- Provide the health and character requirements (police clearance if required by the university).
- Meet the English proficiency requirements with satisfactory test scores.
- Write an appealing statement of purpose, you must be able to justify the facts stated in it.
- Show intention to return to India after completion of your studies. You can provide family connection information, return tickets, or proof of fund availability for return ticket.
- Avoid inconsistency in your information. Check for errors in terms of grammar, sentence formation and facts.
- Comply with all the visa rules. Ensure you know the step-by-step visa application process, study requirements, work restrictions, and your stay duration.
If you are doubtful about certain steps of your New Zealand visa application process, you can seek professional assistance. You can contact a licenced immigration adviser or lawyer to get proper guidance in the application process.
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