TRNew Zealand has eight universities: Auckland, Otago, Canterbury, Victoria University of Wellington, Waikato, Massey, Lincoln and Auckland University of Technology. A master's can take 1 year, 18 months or 2 years depending on the program. After graduation, the work visa can be for up to 3 years.
Photo: Wolf Zimmermann, Unsplash
The University of Otago treats many foreign high school diplomas as equal to New Zealand's university entrance qualification. You check your country's status on the university's list. Auckland's foundation program, the Certificate in Foundation Studies, accepts the Devlet Lise Diploması (state high school diploma) in its 2025 entry table. For the 12-month option of this program, 70/100 is required in the 3rd year of high school.
The academic year in New Zealand starts at the end of February or in early March and ends in November. At Otago, the first semester of 2027 starts on 1 March and the second on 12 July. So you can also start university in July. At Canterbury, commerce and science bachelor's take 3 years, and engineering and law take 4 years.
New student visas granted from 3 November 2025 allow up to 25 hours of work a week during term. The previous limit was 20 hours. Most student visas also allow full-time work in the summer holiday and planned breaks. There is no hour limit for research master's and doctoral students.
For a student visa, you show living money of 20,000 NZD a year for an academic year or longer of study. If the study is shorter than a year, 1,667 NZD is required for each month. The University of Auckland says applying for the visa three months before travel gives the best chance.
The Post Study Work Visa can give the right to work in New Zealand for up to 3 years after graduation. The length depends on the qualification you earn and your field.
The universities are the country's top three schools according to the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Examples from current fees for international students, as published on the schools' own pages.
University of Otago, International Office estimate, Dunedin (University of Otago, UniFlats standard room, single student, on campus), based on 2025 costs
For a student visa, you show 20,000 NZD a year for an academic year or longer of study. For study shorter than a year, 1,667 NZD is required for each month. For school students (years 1 to 13), the yearly amount is 17,000 NZD.
A month-by-month plan for 2027 entry. Official date Our suggestion
Choose the language school and the course length. For example, at NZLC Auckland, General English courses start every Monday except public holidays.
Decide the visa type by course length: with a visitor visa you can take a course of up to 3 months within 12 months. For a longer course, a student visa is required.
To find your level at the start of the course, we recommend reviewing your current English level.
Submit your registration and accommodation application. At NZLC, the 2027 prices for homestay accommodation apply from 1 January 2027.
For a course longer than 3 months, apply for a student visa. The University of Auckland says applying three months before travel gives the best chance.
Example: the second block of Academic English 2027 at the University of Waikato College starts (31 May to 6 August 2027).
Choose your start Monday according to public holidays: NZLC is closed on 7 June (King's Birthday) and 25 June 2027 (Matariki).
Your course starts on the Monday you chose.
Plan for Semester Two (July 2027) entry: we recommend asking the target university whether you can apply directly to the bachelor's with your high school diploma or need a foundation program.
For those considering February/March 2027 (Semester One) entry: the last day to apply from abroad at Otago. At Canterbury the international closing date is 1 December, and at Auckland it is 8 December 2026 for most bachelor's programs.
We recommend preparing for an English proficiency exam and choosing the exam date according to your application date.
International application deadline for Semester Two 2027 at Otago.
International application closing date for Semester Two 2027 at Canterbury, and also the application date for standard programs at Massey.
Last day for international bachelor's applications for Semester Two 2027 at the University of Auckland. Not every bachelor's program opens a July intake.
Apply for the student visa when the acceptance letter arrives. For one year or longer of study, show 20,000 NZD a year in living money.
Semester Two 2027 classes start (Otago and AUT). The compulsory international student orientation at Otago is 5 to 9 July 2027.
For Semester Two (July 2027) entry, we recommend choosing your target master's programs and noting the number of points (120 or 180) and whether there is a July intake.
For those considering February/March 2027 entry: Auckland recommends that international master's applicants apply by this date to allow time for the visa. The general closing date is 8 December 2026.
Application date for international Semester Two 2027 for the Massey MBA.
International application deadline for Semester Two 2027 at Otago.
International closing date for Semester Two 2027 at Canterbury, and application date for standard programs at Massey (later applications are also considered if there is space).
Last day for international master's applications for Semester Two 2027 at the University of Auckland.
Apply for the student visa after acceptance. Show the 20,000 NZD a year in living money.
Semester Two 2027 classes start (AUT and Otago). Orientation week at AUT starts on 5 July 2027.
For a student visa, you show at least 20,000 NZD for the first year's living costs. For students in years 1 to 13 of school, this amount is 17,000 NZD. For study shorter than a year, a lower amount is required.
A master's in New Zealand can take 1 year, 18 months or 2 years. The length is decided by the program and the student's earlier qualifications. Each institution states its entry requirements on its own website.
Most student visa holders can work part-time while studying. Some can work full-time during planned holidays. There is no hour limit for research master's and doctoral students.
Last checked: October 2026. Rules and amounts can change. We check the current situation together before you apply.
A master's takes one year, 18 months or two years depending on the program and earlier qualifications. For entry requirements, we recommend checking each institution's own website.
For a student visa, you must show at least 20,000 NZD to cover the first year's living costs, and at least 17,000 NZD for school students (years 1 to 13). A lower amount is required for shorter study periods.
Most student visa holders can work part-time during their studies, and some can work full-time during planned holidays. There is no hour limit for research master's and doctoral students.
The Post-Study Work Visa can give the right to work for up to three years, depending on the qualification level and field.
Courses of up to 3 months in total within 12 months can be taken on a visitor visa. For a longer course, a student visa is required. The summer holiday in Türkiye falls in the winter term in New Zealand. Courses are open all year.
In the QS World University Rankings 2026, the University of Auckland is 65th, the University of Otago is 197th (equal) and Massey University is 230th (equal). All eight universities in the country are in the top 500 of this list.
Depending on the program, it can take 1 year, 18 months or 2 years. For example, the Master of Commerce is 120 points at Otago and 180 points at Canterbury. The number of points directly affects the length and the fee.
Applications are still open at several universities: the last day from abroad is 15 November 2026 at Otago, 1 December 2026 at Canterbury, and 8 December 2026 at Auckland for most bachelor's programs. At Auckland, programs such as medicine, optometry and pharmacy closed on 1 July 2026. Massey's 31 October 2026 date is not a final deadline. Later applications are also considered if there is space.
The University of Otago calculates the 40-week year at 24,439 NZD for a student living in a campus flat in Dunedin, based on 2025 costs. This amount includes rent, food, personal expenses and insurance. According to Study with New Zealand, the yearly estimate for Victoria and Auckland is between 20,000 and 27,000 NZD.
28 subjects, 4 schools. Programmes were checked on the schools’ own websites. Tap a subject to see what you study, what graduates do and the options in other countries.
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