Ready to study in New Zealand from Nepal? We will guide you through the whole process, whether it be admission, scholarships, universities, or anything else you may need!
New Zealand is known for its high-quality education system with top-ranked universities like the University of Auckland, University of Otago, University of Waikato, and Massey University which offers innovative teaching methods and strong academic support to international students, allowing you to receive an effective and valuable education.
In New Zealand, you can experience a rich and multicultural environment where students of various races and ethnicities come together to exchange their culture and ideology. This unique opportunity will allow you to learn and grow in a global community.
New Zealand degrees are recognized all over the world. Getting a degree from New Zealand holds value in the global job market and opens doors to multiple career opportunities both locally and internationally.
According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, New Zealand ranks fourth among the safest countries for both native and international students. The people of New Zealand are extremely friendly, and the country's welcoming culture will make you feel supported and comfortable while living and studying there.
New Zealand offers a wide range of courses in fields like engineering, healthcare, and business, helping you achieve your career goals. Whether you're starting with an undergraduate degree or continuing with a postgraduate program, there are plenty of options to match your aspirations.
After finishing your studies, New Zealand offers excellent post-study employment opportunities, allowing you to gain valuable work experience and establish a strong network in the global job market. These opportunities will improve your career prospects while also providing pathways to permanent residency.
The types of New Zealand student visa are as follows:
Types of Student Visas | Descriptions |
Fee Paying Study Visa | Study full-time for up to four years; work part-time (20 hours/week) or full-time during breaks. |
Exchange Study Visa | For exchange program students; allows full-time study in New Zealand for up to four years. |
Government Support Study Visa | Students are funded by a foreign government loan or scholarship, allowing full-time study for up to four years. |
Pathway Study Visa | Allows practical work experience; also, for medical, dental, religious trainees, and apprentice jockeys. |
If you want to study in New Zealand from Nepal, you should first understand the requirements and steps involved in the application process. Here is a list of requirements you must know:
Note: When applying for a student visa, you must show that you have at least NZD $20,000 to cover your living expenses during your first year of study. Shorter study periods will require fewer funds.
These are the basic requirements for studying in New Zealand; additional documents may be required depending on the universities you are applying to. For more information, please visit Search Education and speak with one of our counselors. We have helped thousands of students from documentation to the visa process, ensuring that we meet all requirements for you to study abroad from Nepal.
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to applying for a New Zealand Study Visa. The steps listed below are generic; however, some may differ depending on the type of visa you apply for.
STEP 1: Select an Accredited University and Program
STEP 2: Receive an offer letter
STEP 3: Prepare Financial Proof (Tuition Fees and Living Expenses)
STEP 4: Gather medical and police clearance certificates
STEP 5: Complete and submit the Visa Application
STEP 6: Pay the Visa Application Fee
STEP 7: Submit Biometrics
STEP 8: Wait for Visa Processing
STEP 9: Prepare for Departure
Tuition fees for Nepalese students vary depending on the type of course, university location and length of study. The following tables show the total cost of studying in New Zealand from Nepal.
Study Level | Fee Range (NZD) | Fee Range (NPR) |
Diplomas/Certificates | $23,376 for 1-term $46,752 for 1-year | NPR 18,00,000 for 1-term NPR 36,00,000 for 1-year |
Bachelor’s Degree | $20,000 to $40,000 per year | NPR 15,00,000 to 32,00,000 per year |
Postgraduate Degree | $20,000 to $45,000 per year | NPR 15,00,000 to 35,00,000 per year |
PhDs | $6,500 to $7,500 per year | NPR 5,00,000 to 7,00,000 per year |
The cost of living in New Zealand for Nepalese Students may vary depending on the lifestyle chosen and city you are living in. Generally, cheaper cities have lower living costs while bigger cities have higher living costs. For instance, Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Auckland have living costs between $20,000-$27,000 per year, the University of Otago has around $18,000-$21,000. The following tables show the total cost of living in New Zealand from Nepal.
Expense | Estimated Cost (NZD) |
Living Costs (Annual) | $18,000 - $27,000 |
Accommodation | $140 - $595 per week (depending on type & city) |
Entertainment | $55 per week |
Food | $80 - $120 per week |
Power | $200 - $300 per month |
Transport | $37 per week (public transport) |
Phone | Starting from $19 per month |
Internet | $90 per month (shared flat) |
New Zealand is a popular study abroad destination for Nepalese students due to its world-class education system, globally recognized degrees, research opportunities, and higher standard of living. Here is the list of trending courses that are in high demand among Nepali students for studying in New Zealand.
According to the QS World Rankings, eight universities are ranked outside of the top 500 globally. These universities provide a diverse range of courses in engineering, medicine, business, the arts, and other fields, opening doors to career advancement and employment opportunities all over the world.
Below is a list of top universities according to QS World Ranking 2025:
University List | University Location | University Rankings |
The University of Auckland | Auckland, New Zealand | 65 |
University of Otago | Dunedin, New Zealand | 214 |
University of Waikato | Hamilton, New Zealand | 235 |
Massey University | Palmerston North, New Zealand | 239 |
Victoria University of Wellington | Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand | 244 |
University of Canterbury | Christchurch, New Zealand | 261 |
Lincoln University | Lincoln, New Zealand | 371 |
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) | Auckland, New Zealand | 412 |
The cost of studying in New Zealand varies depending on your lifestyle and the city you live in. In general, Nepalese students can expect to pay tuition ranging from NZD 20,000 to NZD 27,000 per year, plus additional costs for living, transportation, and insurance.
To obtain a New Zealand student visa, Nepali students must show that they have enough money to cover their living expenses during their stay. The total amount needed is:
Details | Fee Range (NZD) |
Courses last more than 9 months | $ 20,000 per year |
Courses less than 9 months | $ 1,667 per month |
The GPA required to study in New Zealand varies according to the university and courses you choose. In general, a GPA of 5.0 or grade B is required for admission to your desired program.
To obtain a student visa from New Zealand, undergraduate programs require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual band less than 5.5, and postgraduate programs require a minimum score of 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0.
You can study in New Zealand without IELTS, but you must demonstrate your English proficiency through other standardized tests such as TOEFL and PTE. Furthermore, if you have completed your previous education in English institutions with good grades, IELTS is not required. However, it is important to note that each university has its own set of criteria, so it is best to check English language requirements specific to your chosen institution.
New Zealand allows students to work part-time to cover their living expenses. Minimum wage is roughly around 23.15 NZD/hour before tax, depending on the city you will stay in, and your skill set.
Gap acceptance to study in New Zealand for international students will majorly depend on the level of study and the purpose of the gap. Normally, for an undergraduate program, an applicant can get a maximum of a two-year gap. For postgraduate programs, one can get a maximum of a five-year gap. Valid reasons with proper documentation in support of the gap period, such as work experience, further studies, or development of skills, need to be provided.
The February and July intakes are the preferred intakes for studying in New Zealand due to the high likelihood of admission to New Zealand universities. However, it depends upon the university and colleges you have selected. So, it is best to research your chosen university or institution to make an informed decision.
The minimum percentage required in your 12th standard examinations for studying in New Zealand varies depending on the level of study and the specific program you are applying to. Typically, a minimum of 60% in your 12th-grade examinations is required to get admitted for undergraduate programs, and for master's programs, 60% or higher along with work experience is required.
Yes, there are a lot of scholarships available for Nepalese Students to study in New Zealand. Some of the scholarships offered by the New Zealand government, universities and other funding organizations for international students to pursue studies in New Zealand are as below:
The length of your Post Study Work Visa depends on your qualification. If you complete a master's or doctoral qualification in New Zealand, after studying for at least 30 weeks, you can work for up to 3 years. If your qualification is at Level 8 or below, the visa is available for the same length as the study shown in your Offer of Place. However, If you take longer than expected to finish your study, you will not be able to extend the visa.
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