Study in New Zealand from Nepal: Visa, Costs and Work

Why study in New Zealand

New Zealand is small, safe and calm, with smaller classes and a practical style of teaching. Nepali students mostly choose IT, business, engineering, hospitality, agriculture and nursing. Auckland has the most jobs and the highest rent; Hamilton, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Dunedin are cheaper.

Student visa requirements

• Offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Tuition paid, or evidence it will be paid.
• Proof of funds for living costs for each year; check the current amount on Immigration New Zealand.
• IELTS, PTE or another accepted English test.
• Medical and chest X-ray certificates, and a police certificate where required.
• Sponsor documents such as bank statements, CA valuation and income source.

Work rights

Students on eligible courses can work part-time during term and full-time in scheduled holidays. The weekly hour limit has changed recently, so check the current rule. After an eligible bachelor’s or master’s, the post-study work visa lets you work for any employer for a set period linked to your qualification.

New Zealand or Ireland?

Many New Zealand master’s degrees take 1.5–2 years, while most Irish taught master’s take one year. Ireland also gives access to a much larger EU job market in tech, pharma and finance. New Zealand suits students who prefer a smaller country and specific courses offered there.

Step by step

1. 1

   Course shortlist

   Choose universities or polytechnics that fit your grades and budget.

2. 2

   English test

   Take IELTS or PTE.

3. 3

   Offer and fees

   Accept the offer of place and pay tuition.

4. 4

   Visa documents

   Prepare funds, sponsor, medical and academic documents.

5. 5

   Apply online

   Lodge your student visa with Immigration New Zealand.

Frequently asked questions