New Zealand is a well-known country in the South of the Pacific Ocean, comprising two main and many smaller islands. The country is a remote, mountainous group of islands located off the southeast coast of Australia. New Zealand is a budding study-abroad destination offering an excellent educational system and internationally accredited qualifications. The country has eight government-funded universities offering a variety of courses across all major fields.
New Zealand's popular universities and admissions to these colleges offer globally recognised degrees. There are two major intake in New Zealand: Semester 1 from February to June and Semester 2 from July to November. It is important for applicants to understand the intakes in New Zealand who are planning to study there, as it helps them with their application process, secure admissions, and prepare for the academic journey.
Why Choose New Zealand for Your Studies?
New Zealand is a world-famous country popular for its friendly citizens, dazzling landscapes, and relaxed yet modern lifestyle, offering an unbeatable place to live and study. Students planning to study in this country must be well aware of the major intakes in New Zealand universities. Interested candidates can also avail numerous benefits, like world-class academia, high ROI, and diverse culture making them choose this country for their higher education. Candidates choosing New Zealand study abroad programs can also look into other major benefits mentioned.
Seamless Communication
Calm and Comfortable Environment
Code of Practice
Superb Climate
Work Opportunities
Internationally Recognized Qualifications
Perfect Balance between academics and welfare
Outstanding Education Institutions
Range of courses offered
New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
Overview of Intake in New Zealand 2025
The educational sector in New Zealand plays a significant role in both its economy and its global placement as a hub of knowledge and innovation. Study in NZ has been a dream for many foreign students due to the multiple benefits the country has to offer. February and July are the major intake in New Zealand for international students offering them admissions in the globally recognised institutes. Here is the basic overview of the major intakes in New Zealand.
New Zealand has long been a favoured destination for international students due to its world-class educational system, picturesque landscapes, and high quality of life. Study in New Zealand international students have two major intakes available, i.e., February and July, and also provide rolling intakes. Each university has its admission timeline set for applicants depending on the program. Here is the detailed timeline available for intake in New Zealand.
Intake type
February Intake
July Intake
Research & Choose Program
March/April
March/April
Gather Documents
May – July (Prepare Applications)
May – June
Submit Applications
August – September
July – August
Acceptance letter
October – November
(Accept letter & Secure Funding)
August – September
(Wait for acceptance letters)
Fundings and logistics
December – January
(Finalise Logistics and start program)
October – November
(Accept Offer & Secure Funding)
Apply for a Visa
-
December – January
Finalise Logistics
-
February
Welcome Week & Start Studies
-
July
Requirements for Studying in New Zealand
International students interested in enrolling at the top university in New Zealand must meet all the basic entry requirements such as English language skills and a high school or university qualification. Many universities in New Zealand require students to have a minimum qualification percentage in their earlier qualifying degree. Students must make study and travel plans before they apply and visit each university's website to check the eligibility criteria and entry requirements for their choice of subject or course.
Required Academic Qualifications for Studying in New Zealand
For study in New Zealand for International students they are required to meet all the basic academic qualifications. The New Zealand university admissions vary for each study program and level. Eligible and non-native candidates should also meet a minimum English language requirement. Here are some basic academic qualifications required during intake in New Zealand.
Completing 10+2 or equivalent qualifications is the first step for most universities abroad.
Some courses may require specific entry criteria regarding scores in particular subjects.
A minimum score of 50-60% or above is required by a college/university for UG admissions.
A minimum score of 50-60% is mandatory in undergraduate studies for PG admissions.
GMAT or GRE grades for students aiming for management studies are crucial.
Some universities consider internships and work experience in the field of study.
English Language Proficiency Standards in New Zealand
Students whose native language is not English will have to meet the minimum qualification's English language proficiency requirements, provided they have attained the required levels. Students must meet their English language requirements in one sitting of their chosen English language proficiency test.
Most universities require academic skills in the English language and subjects.
IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic tests are mandatory in most universities.
The score requirements vary based on the universities and the chosen programs.
The minimum score requirement for the IELTS (6.5-7), TOEFL (79-100), and PTE (58-65).
Depending on the course of study, students might also need to provide subject-specific test scores, like the GRE or GMAT (550-650) exam.
Essential Documents for New Zealand University Applications
When applying to the best university intakes in New Zealand, students must submit additional paperwork/documents like academic transcripts and indicate their course preferences. The list of the major mandatory documents is as follows:
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
Updated CV/Resume
Passport Copy
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Research proposal (for research programs)
Academic Transcripts
Degree Certificates
Proof of English Proficiency like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic scores (if required)
Bank statements or financial documents
Acceptance letter from any New Zealand university
Visa Application Form
Application Fee Details for New Zealand Universities
The application fees for the major universities in New Zealand vary by the institution and the type of application and course applied to. Interested applicants must pay the required application fees to confirm their form submission and proceed to the next enrolment step. Here are some of the popular New Zealand university's application fees.
NZD 500 (INR 24,339) (refundable) [no fees for UG and PG programs]
Top Universities in New Zealand Offering Intakes in 2025
The New Zealand intake for international students varies from university to university and program to program. The country has several top-ranked universities that offer programs with three intakes: February, July, and Rolling Intakes. New Zealand universities also provide multiple intakes throughout the year, including January, July, March, June, and October. The July New Zealand intake is often more popular due to its timing and its multiple benefits. Here are some top universities and their available intake in New Zealand.
New Zealand offers popular courses like engineering, business, IT, and healthcare. These courses have been increasingly in demand and have provided major career benefits in business, engineering, health, education, IT, tourism, and creative arts. Here are some other popular courses offered by the universities in New Zealand.
Artificial Intelligence
MBA (Master of Business Administration)
Engineering
Hotel Management
Accounting
Agriculture
Sports Management
Medicine
Healthcare & Nursing
Animation and Web Design
IT and Computer Science
Scholarships for Studying in New Zealand
Scholarships play an important role in helping students complete their study-abroad programs by lowering their financial burden. International students have many scholarship options from government, private and other institutions. Several scholarships, grants, and fellowships available to help international students study in New Zealandare mentioned below:
New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships
New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)
SEG Scholarship
Palmerston North City Mayor's Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship
New Zealand International Undergraduate Fees Scholarship (NZIUFS)
Agatha Harrison Memorial Fellowship
New Zealand Development Scholarships
Bickerton- Widdowson Trust Memorial Scholarship
LEARN Scholarships
Study Intake in New Zealand: FAQs
Q.- When can students start preparing for a New Zealand intake?
A.- Ideally, interested applicants can begin researching and preparing several months in advance, depending on their chosen intake.
Q.- What factors should students consider when choosing New Zealand study intake?
A.- There are a few things that applicants must keep in mind, such as course availability, program-specific deadlines, weather conditions, and personal preference.
Q.- What are the application requirements for New Zealand study intakes?
A.- Typical requirements include academic transcripts, English language proficiency test scores (like IELTS), a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Q.- Can international students apply for all New Zealand intake in 2024?
A.- International students can apply for all the study abroad intake in New Zealand, but they should check the required university's official website first.
Q.- How many universities are there in New Zealand?
A.- New Zealand has 8 globally recognised universities that play a prominent role in the higher education and research environment.
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