Top Universities in New Zealand - Courses, Cost & Admission Requirements

The primary reason why students apply to study abroad is the potential career growth opportunities that come with an international degree. New Zealand is a great choice if you're also searching for a study destination that provides high-quality education at an affordable cost. With globally recognized institutions, excellent job prospects, and reasonable tuition fees, pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's course in New Zealand is a wise decision. Additionally, the government's extensive support of the education system in New Zealand ensures ample resources to strengthen and improve it. In this article, we will examine why New Zealand is becoming a popular study destination for Sri Lankan students.

Why study in New Zealand Universities?

New Zealand is known all over for its picturesque landscapes and impeccable climate. But it is now slowly emerging as an excellent education destination. When it comes to pursuing higher education, New Zealand has a lot to offer to Sri Lankan international students. The country boasts some internationally recognized universities and institutions in the world.
Let us have a look at some reasons to study in universities in New Zealand:

1. Internationally Recognized Institutions: New Zealand is home to many internationally recognized universities, colleges, and institutions. It offers the best education at affordable rates as compared to other eminent countries of the world.

2. Unmatched Learning Environment: New Zealand is known for its unmatched learning environment in top-class universities. Besides its pleasant weather and abundant greenery, it offers a comfortable outdoor environment for students worldwide.

3. No Language Barrier: International students choose to study in New Zealand because there is no language barrier. English is the country's most commonly spoken language, making it easier for international students to communicate with the locals during their study stay.

4. Variety of Courses: New Zealand offers many courses to international students interested in pursuing UG or PG. Many institutions also provide financial aid through scholarships to talented students from across the globe.

5. Brilliant Career Opportunities: Students from countries like Sri Lanka can work up to 20 hours a week during their study stay in New Zealand with a tertiary study programme. Upon completing studies at the best universities in New Zealand, a student can fetch many lucrative job offers.

Ranking of Top Universities in New Zealand for International Student

Make sure to review the list of top universities in New Zealand for international students before selecting a university for your higher studies. The table below will acquaint you with the QS World University Ranking 2025 (globally):

^{*Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings?countries=nz}

^{*Source: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/latest/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/NZL/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats}

Top New Zealand Universities for Undergraduate Degree

New Zealand universities offer a wide choice of undergraduate courses to international students. The common graduate programs available in the country for Sri Lankan students are B.A., B.Sc. and B.B.A. in different subjects. The list below highlights the top UG courses offered in the top universities of New Zealand:

Top Universities in New Zealand for Master’s Degree

Several international students choose to study in New Zealand to pursue their Ph.D. and PG. The list below mentions the top PG courses in some of the best internationally recognized universities in New Zealand:

Admission Requirements to Study in Top Universities in New Zealand

International students must learn about the admission requirements for study in New Zealand universities, so they can apply for admission without missing the deadlines. Have a look at the eligibility, Visa requirement, and study in New Zealand IELTS requirements:

• A valid passport

• Recent passport-size photograph

• Duly-filled admission form

• Academic transcripts

• Updated resume

• Admission essay

• Standardized test SAT, MCAT, or LSAT score for a UG course, and GRE or GMAT scores for a PG course

• A minimum score of 6.0 – 6.5 required in the IELTS

• Statement of Purpose or SOP

• Letter of Recommendation or LOR

• Letter of Acceptance from the university

• Evidence of sufficient funds to pursue the studies in New Zealand universities

• Exchange Student Visa/ Visitor Visa/ Pathway Student Visa/ Foreign Government supported Student Visa

Cost of Studying in New Zealand Universities for Sri Lankan Students

Before you proceed with the admission procedure, you should check the study in New Zealand. This is because the cost of studying in New Zealand varies in terms of the course and the level of the course chosen by a Sri Lankan student.

The average cost of studying in New Zealand universities for a Sri Lankan student is approx. 21,000 – 25,000 NZD per annum for a UG course. The average cost of studying a PG course in New Zealand is approx. 20,000 – 30,000 NZD per annum. Therefore, Sri Lankan students interested in pursuing an MBA in New Zealand must be ready to bear approx. 32,000 – 50,000 NZD per annum as the cost of studying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ques 1: Which cities in New Zealand are best for international students?

Ans: Several international students choose New Zealand to pursue higher education. Auckland is the best city to study in New Zealand for international students from places like Sri Lanka. Wellington, Hamilton, Dunedin, and Christchurch are other popular cities for education.

Ques 2: How to apply to universities in New Zealand from Sri Lanka?

Ans: Sri Lankan students must follow these steps to apply for admission to New Zealand universities:

• Choose a course to study

• Research the best university to pursue that course

• Check the eligibility and admission requirements

• Consult an IDP counsellor

• Obtain the minimum score required in the IELTS test

• Obtain a student Visa

• Obtain an acceptance letter from the university

• Write an SOP and get a LOR

Ques 3: What is the acceptance rate of international students in top New Zealand universities?

Ans: The acceptance rate for overseas students in the top universities of New Zealand is approx. 50 –45% - 50%. Auckland University of Technology offers the highest acceptance rate of 50% for international students in New Zealand.

Ques 4: What IELTS score is required to study in New Zealand?

Ans: The minimum IELTS score required to study in New Zealand is 6.0. It is mandatory to obtain this score to obtain a student Visa to New Zealand.

Ques 5: Can I apply for PR in New Zealand after studying at the top universities?

Ans: Obtaining a 2-year Post-Study Visa is essential to pave the path for a PR in New Zealand. Consult an IDP expert to learn how to apply for PR in New Zealand after studying at the top universities.

Ques 6: What courses are best to study in the universities of New Zealand?

Ans: The best courses to study in New Zealand universities are:

• Master of Information Technology

• Master of Professional Accounting

• Bachelor of Hospitality Management

• Master of Tourism Management

• Diploma in Animation and Graphic Design

^{Updated on November 14, 2024}