If you’re ready to study in New Zealand, find out how soon you should prepare for what would be a stunning adventure.

New Zealand has continued to be a popular destination for international students, charming with a vibrant mix of breathtaking scenery, landmarks and world-class institutions.

The country also sees its universities offer an array of unconventional courses - including courses in areas like Forestry Science, Antarctic Studies and Disaster Risk and Resilience.

While our education counsellors can help narrow down the universities that are ideal for you and guide you through the application process, it is always handy to find out what’s required and what to expect.

We’ve also created a university application timeline which depicts how early you can apply as well as the documents and actions required.

For New Zealand, the main intake periods are:

Semester 1: February to June

Semester 2: July to November

Usually, students choose an intake based on a range of factors such as preferred choice of study, the availability of a program in a particular university and academic records.

There are also application deadlines for each intake (below), and these can vary for certain institutions and programs with a different intake from the main ones. It would be best to speak with one of our counsellors to get tailored advice and up-to-date information.

Student Application Journey in Detail

Stage 1

Explore study abroad options

Stage 2

Make an appointment with a Counselor (6 months to 2 years to course commencement)

- Bring along any questions you wish to ask - such as cost of living, which is the most ideal university, etc.

Stage 3

Book an IELTS test if required (Within 2 years to course commencement)

- Take IELTS Academic

- *English waiver for schools - please check with Counselor

Stage 4

Prepare necessary paperwork

- Transcripts and certificate / diploma

- Passport

- Explanation of gap period after studies: Statement of activities in form of CV/resume, enlistment letter, etc

- Additional: Statement of purpose, supplementary forms, portfolio, etc

Stage 5

Apply to universities

- Check with Counselor for application fee waiver

- Application deadline: If there is one, make sure that you submit to us at least 1-2 weeks in advance.

- Entry to schools: Courses are either by GPA only or competitive placing

Stage 6

Receive offer

- Postgraduates will receive offer in 4 to 8 weeks after application

- Undergraduates will receive offer in 4 to 6 weeks after application

Stage 7

Accept offer (4 months to commencement)

**Note: This does not apply for limited space program – closes as soon as spaces are filled

Stage 8

Receive Confirmation of Enrolment (1 to 2 weeks after accepting offer)

- Apply for essential services concurrently

Stage 9

Apply for visa

- Your Counselor would have gone through the acceptance checklist which will cover on the process and items needed for your student visa

**Note: Visa is on a yearly renewal basis. IDP will assist student only with their visa application for the 1st year only. In the subsequent years, the individual schools will be assisting students with their visa.

Stage 10

Receive visa

- 4 to 8 weeks after clearing necessary appointments

- Introduction of onshore services

Stage 11

Arrive in destination

Keen to embark on an exciting study abroad adventure? Simply fill in your details and chat with our Counselor for free!