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Study in New Zealand
From choosing a course to landing in New Zealand, ERN guides you through university selection, applications, your student visa and accommodation. Your first consultation is free.
Why New Zealand
Why Pakistani students choose New Zealand
A welcoming student environment, the right to work while you study and options to work after graduation make New Zealand a popular choice.
A wide choice of courses
New Zealand's universities and other approved providers offer courses from English language and pathway programmes to degrees.
Work while you study
Fee Paying Student Visa holders can usually work up to 25 hours a week during term and full-time in scheduled holidays, subject to their visa conditions.
Work after your degree
Eligible graduates can apply for a post-study work visa. For a master's or doctoral qualification completed in New Zealand with at least 30 weeks of study, it can last up to 3 years.
Pastoral care standards
Approved education providers must follow a national code of practice for the care of international students.
Scholarships and funding
Some institutions offer awards for international students. We help you find the ones you can apply for.
Support from day one
Application help, accommodation guidance and pre-departure briefings, all through ERN.
Where to study
Choose the right type of programme
We shortlist institutions that match your grades, budget and career goals. Ask us for the current list of New Zealand institutions ERN works with.
Universities
Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. A good fit if you meet the entry requirements and want a degree straight away.
Institutes and polytechnics
Practical, career-focused diplomas and degrees that can lead to work or further study.
Pathway and English programmes
Foundation, pathway and English language courses that prepare you for degree study. See our pathway providers.
Course availability, fees and entry requirements change each year. The visa type can differ for pathway and English programmes, so we confirm it for your course.
How it works
Your journey to New Zealand with ERN
Four steps, with a counsellor beside you at each one.
Free consultation
We review your academic background, goals and budget in a one-to-one session.
Course and university choice
You get a shortlist of courses and institutions that fit your profile.
Application and visa
We help prepare and submit your application, then guide you through the student visa process.
Pre-departure support
Accommodation, travel and arrival guidance so you start your course ready.
Student visa
New Zealand student visa at a glance
These are the main points for the Fee Paying Student Visa, listed by Immigration New Zealand. Always check the official page for current rules and amounts.
- An offer of place from an approved education provider (you can apply from outside New Zealand with a conditional offer, but an unconditional offer is needed before approval)
- Proof that you have paid tuition for one course or one year, whichever is shorter
- Enough funds to live: currently NZD $20,000 per year for study of a year or more, or a sponsor or guarantor
- Good health, and police certificates if you are 17 or older and will be in New Zealand for 24 months or more
- Apply at least 3 months before you travel. Processing is busiest from October to March
Need help with the paperwork?
Our counsellors guide you through the documents your provider and the visa application ask for.
Official source: Immigration New Zealand, Fee Paying Student Visa
Plan ahead
Costs, intakes and scholarships
Tuition, accommodation and living costs vary by institution and city. Use our guides to plan before you apply.
Study destinations
Explore other study destinations
Not sure New Zealand is the right fit? Compare other countries we support.
FAQs
Studying in New Zealand: common questions
Can I work while I study?
Fee Paying Student Visa holders can usually work up to 25 hours a week during term and full-time during scheduled holidays, subject to their visa conditions. Check your own conditions before you plan around any income.
Can I work after I graduate?
Eligible graduates can apply for a post-study work visa. Its length depends on your qualification and how long you studied. For example, a master's or doctoral qualification completed in New Zealand with at least 30 weeks of study can lead to up to 3 years. Some rules for diploma graduates change from 16 November 2026, so we check the latest rules for your course.
Do I need IELTS?
Immigration New Zealand says an English test is not mandatory for the student visa, but results can help show your genuine intention to study. Your course may also have its own English requirement. See our guide to IELTS vs PTE.
How early should I apply?
Apply for your visa at least 3 months before you travel, and earlier for your university application. Visa processing is busiest from October to March.
Does ERN charge for the first consultation?
No. Your first consultation with ERN is free and comes with no obligation.
Ready to plan your New Zealand degree?
Talk to an ERN counsellor about courses, institutions, scholarships and your visa. It takes a few minutes to get started.
