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Study in New Zealand – Is It Worth It? Cost, Quality, PR & More

Introduction – Why Nepali Students should Study in New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the best places to study abroad if you're thinking about it. Because it is safe, peaceful, and full of beautiful nature, many students from Nepal and other countries choose to study in New Zealand. New Zealand isn't just about lakes and mountains, though. It also has some of the best colleges and universities in the world.
Nepali students who study in New Zealand say they like the friendly people, simple way of life, and helpful teachers. Because the classes are small, your teachers can pay more attention to you. The education is hands-on and skill-based, so you don't just read books; you learn by doing.
The Post-Study Work Visa is one of the main reasons students choose New Zealand. You can stay and work for up to three years after you finish your course. If you get a full-time job in your field, this can help you apply for PR in New Zealand after study (Permanent Residency). This means that you might be able to live and work in New Zealand for a long time, maybe even forever.
The cost of living in New Zealand is also lower than in the US or UK. You can also work part-time while you study, which helps you pay for things. A lot of colleges and universities also give scholarships to students from other countries.
Is it worth it to study in New Zealand? Yes, if you want a good education, a real job, and a chance to live in a peaceful, friendly country. Many Nepali students are already living their dreams in New Zealand. You can do it too!
Cost & Scholarships to Study in New Zealand – Affordable Tuition and Living Compared to Others
One big reason why a lot of students choose to study in New Zealand is that it costs less than other popular places like the US, UK, or Australia.
You need to think about two main costs when you plan to study abroad:
- Tuition fees (money paid to the university)
- Living expenses (like food, rent, transport, etc.)
Tuition Fees
International students in New Zealand don't have to pay too much in tuition. In general:
- Bachelor’s degrees: NZD 22,000 to 32,000 per year
- Master’s degrees: NZD 26,000 to 37,000 per year
Costs for similar programs in the US or UK can be more than NZD 50,000 per year, so this is often cheaper.
Living Costs
The cost of living in New Zealand is also lower compared to many other countries. It usually costs around:
- NZD 15,000 to 20,000 a year for rent, food, travel, and other things.
- Christchurch and Hamilton are two cities that are cheaper than Auckland.
- You can work part-time, up to 20 hours a week, to make money while you study.
Scholarships for Nepali Students
International students, including those from Nepal, can get a lot of scholarships in New Zealand. These scholarships can help you pay for school or even pay for it all. Some of the best choices are:
- Scholarships from the New Zealand government
- Scholarships that are only available at certain universities, like the University of Otago or Auckland University of Technology
Most scholarships look at how well you do in school, your leadership skills, and your plans for the future. So, it's best to apply early and make sure your application is strong.
Study in New Zealand: Education Quality & Student Experience
People all over the world know that New Zealand has great schools. The country has the best universities, modern classrooms, and hands-on learning. That means students don't just read books; they learn by doing things that get them ready for real jobs.
World-Class Education
New Zealand universities are ranked among the top in the world. Some well-known universities are:
- University of Auckland
- University of Otago
- Victoria University of Wellington
People all over the world respect the degrees from these schools. Your education will be up to international standards, no matter if you study engineering, IT, health, business, or science.
New Zealand colleges and universities also teach students how to think critically, work together, and solve problems. This helps students get smarter, more sure of themselves, and ready for work.
Great Support for International Students
People are happy to welcome students from places like Nepal. Schools and colleges have special groups to help you get used to your new life. They help you with:
- Finding housing
- Getting a part-time job
- Dealing with homesickness or stress
- Learning how things work in New Zealand
There are also orientation programs, tutoring, and language support to help you do well in your classes.
Friendly Environment and Student Life
Life outside the classroom is just as exciting! New Zealand is:
- Safe and peaceful
- Full of natural beauty – beaches, mountains, and forests
- Home to friendly people who are kind and helpful
Most students say they like the peaceful way of life, the mix of cultures, and the sense of being part of a close-knit community while they study in New Zealand.
Study in New Zealand: Work & Post-Study Opportunities
A big reason why a lot of students choose to study in New Zealand is that they can work while they study and after they finish. This means you can get paid, get work experience, and even stay in the country longer after your course is over.
Part-Time Work During Studies
As an international student while you study in New Zealand, you are allowed to:
- You can work up to 20 hours a week while you study.
- Work full-time on holidays
This is a great way to:
- Support your living costs
- Get real-life work experience
- Learn how workplaces in New Zealand work
Jobs in cafes, supermarkets, delivery, or internships are common for students.
Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)
You can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa after you get your bachelor's, master's, or diploma in New Zealand.
With this visa, you can:
- Live and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years
- Work for any employer in almost any job
- Use this time to apply for Permanent Residency (PR)
This is one of the main reasons why students from Nepal and other countries want to go to New Zealand: it makes it easy for them to find work and settle down.
Skilled Jobs in Demand
New Zealand needs skilled workers in many areas, such as:
- Nursing and healthcare
- IT and software
- Engineering
- Construction and trades
- Agriculture and horticulture
If you study in these fields, your chances of getting a job and PR are much higher.
Pathways to Permanent Residency (PR)
Many students choose to study in New Zealand because they can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) there. With PR, you can live and work in New Zealand forever without needing another visa.
Step-by-Step PR Pathway for Students
If you are a student from Nepal or any other country, here’s how your PR journey in New Zealand can look like:
1. Complete Your Studies
Choose a course that is in New Zealand’s skill shortage list, such as:
- Nursing
- IT
- Engineering
- Agriculture
- Teaching
Completing a course in these fields gives you a better chance at finding a job and applying for PR later.
2. Apply for Post-Study Work Visa
After graduation, apply for the Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV). This visa lets you:
- Stay in New Zealand for up to 3 years
- Work full-time for any employer
This step is important because you need New Zealand work experience to apply for PR.
3. Get a Skilled Job
Try to find a job in your field that is on the Green List or the list of jobs that are in high demand. You get more points for PR with these jobs.
4. Apply for PR through the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
Once you have:
- A job offer
- Some work experience
- English language skills
- Good health and character
You can apply for PR as a skilled migrant. Your chances get better the more points you have based on your job, education, and experience.
Why PR in New Zealand Is a Great Option
- You can live with your family.
- You can use public education and healthcare.
- After a few years, you can apply for citizenship.
New Zealand is one of the safest and friendliest places for international students who want to live there for a long time.
Final Thoughts – Is Studying in New Zealand Worth It for You?
To study in New Zealand is a big choice. But a lot of international students think it's a good idea because the country has low tuition and living costs, a high-quality education, and lots of job and PR opportunities.
New Zealand is a peaceful and safe place for students to learn and grow as people. There are also clear ways to stay longer after you finish your studies, like the Post-Study Work Visa and Permanent Residency (PR) options.
If you want a country that will help you with your education, career, and future living, you should definitely think about New Zealand. Keep in mind that each student's path is unique. Before making a decision, think about your goals, budget, and dreams.
Consultancies like our Global Education Counselling Centre (GECC) and others can help you with your studies in New Zealand from Nepal by giving you expert advice and support like career counseling, interview assistance, admission gudelines and much much more so contact us now to get your journey started.
