New Zealand is in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and is internationally acclaimed for having a world-class education system, excellent quality of life and a safe, welcoming environment. New Zealand offers eight state-funded universities consistently ranked in the top 3% of universities in the world and the Te Pūkenga (unified vocational institute network) which provides Nepalese students with practical qualifications that are industry focused, solid prospects and rights to access the labor market after study and opportunities for career growth.

Study in New Zealand

Why New Zealand is one of the best destinations for Nepalese students

• Post-Study Work Visa (PSW): The graduates of Bachelor’s (Level 7), Master’s (Level 9) and PhD (Level 10) receive up to 3 years of post-study working rights in order to gain international employment experience
• Working While Studying: The student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during their academic semesters and full time during their scheduled breaks
• Safety and Diversity: New Zealand is often ranked as being amongst the safest and least corrupt nations in the world and offers a supportive environment for the Nepalese students.
• Fee Rates for PhD candidates: The PhD candidates pay the same low tuition fees as the New Zealand local students (NZD $6,500 to $9,000 per year).

Popular courses for Nepalese students

1. Degree Programs

• Engineering and Technology: Civil, Construction, Mechanical and Software Engineering.
• Information Technology and Computing: Data Science, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Business, Management and Logistics: International Business, Supply Chain Management, Accounting and Business Analytics.
• Environmental Science and Agriculture: Agribusiness, Forestry, Environmental Management and Viticulture.

2. Vocational and Applied Diploma (Te Pūkenga)

• Nursing and Healthcare (Level 7/ Postgrad): Registered Nursing and Public Health.
• Construction Management and Quantity Surveying: Highly demanded fields of New Zealand’s green list for skilled immigration.
• Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts: Professional Cook and Tourism Operations.

Popular and Affordable New Zealand Universities for Nepalese Students

• LincolnUniversity:Known for offering affordable agricultural, environmental and business degrees with strong employment rates after graduation.
• University of Waikato: It is in Hamilton and offers competitive tuition fees across the business, IT, engineering and education departments.
• Massey University: Known for aviation, veterinary science, creative arts and a flexible multi-campus learning environment.
• Auckland University of Technology (AUT): It is a modern university that is known for engineering, tech and health related programs.
• University of Canterbury: One of world’s topmost ranked research institutions that offers top engineering, law, science and humanities programs.
• University of Auckland: New Zealand’s top ranked public research university providing wide range of courses and programs to choose from.

Top 5 popular cities in New Zealand for Nepalese students

1. Auckland: Considered to be New Zealand’s largest economic and international hub, housing major universities, wide and diverse range of multicultural communities and extensive part-time job opportunities.
2. Wellington: It is known as the cultural and political capital of New Zealand and is ideal for students who are looking to study in fields such as public policy, creative arts, IT and business.
3. Hamilton: A vibrant river city located in the agricultural heartland of New Zealand and offers affordable housing and top research facilities.
4. Christchurch: A city located in South Island, is known for reconstruction engineering, tech innovation, low living costs and high post-graduation job demands.
5. Dunedin: A city that comprises of over 20% of the student population, which ultimately creates a vibrant campus culture environment.

Types of courses

1. Diplomas (Level 5 to 6): These are 1-to-2-year practical vocational courses delivering entry level skills required for trade and industry.
2. Bachelor’s (Level 7): 3-to-4-year programs focused on academic and practical knowledge and experience.
3. Postgraduate Diploma (Level 8): Consist of 1 year of advanced coursework for students holding a bachelor’s degree.
4. Master’s (Level G): These are specialized programs typically of 1.5 to 2 years and are often thesis research-based qualifications.
5. Doctorate (Level 10): A 3-to-4-year research degree which is charged at low domestic fee rates.

Academic Requirements

Level of Course	Academic Requirement (NEB)	English Language Requirement
Diploma (Level 5 to 6)	Class 12/+2 minimum GPA 2.4+	IELTS: 5.5 overall (no band less than 5.0) PTE: 42 overall (no score less than 36)
Bachelor’s (Level 7)	Class 12/+2 minimum GPA of 2.8+	IELTS: 6.0 (no band less than 5.5) PTE: 50 overall (no score less than 42)
Master’s (Level 8)	3 to 4-year bachelor’s degree with a strong GPA	IELTS: 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) PTE: 58 overall (no score less than 50)
Doctorate (Level 10)	Relevant master’s degree with strong GPA + detailed Research Proposal with designated supervisor approval	IELTS: 6.5-7.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in all bands) PTE: 58 – 65 overall

New Zealand University Application Process

1. Make an offer to place: Directly to the University or through an authorised agent with academic transcripts, bio-page passport, recommendation letters and Statement of Purpose (SOP).
2. Conditional / Unconditional Offer: Obtain an official place / conditional place offer from the institution.
3. Medical Check s Police Clearance (PCC): Full panel physician medical health checks (chest X-ray and full body exam) also a Nepal Police Clearance Certificate.
4. Financial Documentation Prep: Prepare 3 to 6 months of historical bank statements, sanctioned education loan letters or prepare for the ANZ Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS).
5. Online Visa Submission: Make your Fee-Paying Student Visa application online via the RealMe / Immigration New Zealand Portal.
   • Once you receive Approval in Principle (AIP) make the first year’s tuition fee in the initial payment, and transfer funds for living expenses into your ANZ FTS account.
6. Final Visa Issuance s Travel: You will get your electronic visa label (eVisa) and can then travel to New Zealand.

Types of Scholarships

• Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships: Fully funded New Zealand government scholarships for eligible study programmes for tuition fees, living allowance, establishment grants, and travel.
• University Scholarships: These are merit-based scholarships that are automatically awarded by the university on admission, such as scholarships at Waikato, Lincoln, AUT, and Canterbury, that offer a discount from the tuition fee of NZD $5,000 to $10,000.
• PhD Domestic Fee Subsidy: Government subsidy to limit international PhD tuition fees to domestic fees (NZD$6,500 – $9,000 per year).

Cost breakdown from Nepal to study in Germany

1. Pre-Departure and Administrative Expenses

Items	Cost in NZD	Cost in NPR
New Zealand Student Visa and IVL Levy	NZD $850	NPR 68,000
VFS Global Service Fee and Biometrics	Nil	NPR 3,500
Panel Physician Medical Examination	Standard clinic fee	NPR 12,000-15,000
Nepal Police Clearance Certificate	Free	Free
No Objection Certificate	Nil	NPR 2,000
Health and Travel Insurance	NZD $600-$900 per year	NPR 48,000-72,000
English Exam (IELTS or PTE Academic)	Depends on the exam	NPR 28,000-31,000
Flight Ticket	Varies	NPR 95,000-140,000

2. Living Costs and Maintenance Funds

Compulsory Immigration New Zealand Maintenance Requirements:

• NZD $20,000 per year (or NZD $1,667 per month for courses under 12 months) (NPR 15.8 to 16.5 Lakhs held in a verifiable bank account or ANZ FTS account)

Return Travel Reserve:

• An additional NZD $2,000 in reserve (NPR 160,000) or a prepaid return ticket.

New Zealand visa application process and documents check list

New Zealand Visa Application Process

1. Get Ready (3-6 Months ahead of time)

• Language Proficiency: Achieve certified IELTS (6.0+) and/or PTE Academic (50+).
• Health C Character Clearances: Medical clearance by the approved Panel clinics and Nepal Police Clearance Certificate
• Financial Proof: 3-6 months’ bank statements or an approved education loan for NZD $20,000 per year for living costs, tuition fees and NZD $2,000 travel costs.

2. Submitting a Digital Application

• INZ Portal: Create an account on the official Immigration New Zealand portal.

• Upload the documents: Upload the offer of place, your SOP, financial proof, medical reference number, police certificate and academic credentials.

3. Visa Fee and AIP

• Visa fee payment: Pay the NZD $850 visa fee (this includes International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) online.
• AIP: Wait and receive the Approval in Principle (AIP) after all the document verification (usually 4 to 8 weeks).

4. Payment of Fees and ANZ Funds Transfer Scheme

• Pay the 1st year tuition fees to the institution you applied to after receiving the AIP
• If requested by the INZ, transfer the living funds (NZD $20,000) to an ANZ bank account through the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS).

5. eVisa and Arrival

• Collect your e-VISA letter, fill in your MoEST New Zealand on-line, arrange your flights and take to NZ.

Documents Check List

1. Passport s Travel History: Valid passport (with at least six months of validity) and all previous passports with travel/history of visas.
2. Personal Identification: Nepalese Citizenship, Birth Certificate, and Relationship Verification certificates by Ward (certified English translation).
3. Academic Credentials: Official transcripts and certificates for class 10 (SEE), class 12 (+2) and Bachelor’s/Master’s degree (if applicable). Official IELTS Academic/PTE Academic score report with a minimum of course level requirement.
4. Offer of Place: Unconditional offer letter from an NZQA approved NZ university/institute.
5. Statement of Purpose (SOP): An essay that describes the academic background and the reasons for choosing academic course/NZ and the future career plans in Nepal.
6. Work Experience Records: Appointment letters, pay slips, and experience letters to provide a description of any gaps after graduation.
7. Proof of Financial Funds: Education loan sanction letter or 3-6 months bank statements of the 1st year of tuition + NZD $20,000 living costs + NZD $2,000 travel funds.
8. Sponsor documents: Financial Undertaking Form, Ward income certificates, tax/business income proofs and property valuation report.
9. Health s Character Clearances: eMedical receipt from an authorized panel clinic and Digital Nepal Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).
10. MoEST No Objection Certificate (NOC): A digital No Objection Certificate issued by the Ministry of Education from Nepal for making payments of tuition.
11. Post AIP Receipts: 1st year tuition payment receipt and ANZ Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS) confirmation (after Approval in Principle).