October 24, 2024
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An undergraduate degree, typically referred to as a Bachelor’s degree, is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge and skills in a chosen field of study. International students can apply to study bachelor’s degree in New Zealand on full-time basis. Most degree programs in New Zealand are completed within three years, with the exception of specialized programs like Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Dentistry, which require additional years of study.
Academic requirements for Bachelor's Degree
To apply for an undergraduate degree in New Zealand, international students are required to have completed secondary level education:
- A-Levels
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- High School Diploma or equivalent (depending on the country of origin such as CBSE)
Students who have completed grade 12th Rabai Thanwiya cannot apply for direct admission to bachelor’s degree. These students are required to study foundation year.
Universities in New Zealand also require proof of English language proficiency tests like PTE, IELTS or other acceptable tests.
Foundation Year Pathway
Students who do not meet the academic or English entry requirements for direct admission to an undergraduate program in New Zealand are required to take Foundation year pathway. A foundation year in New Zealand typically lasts 1 year and prepares students for a Bachelor’s degree by strengthening their academic skills and knowledge in their chosen field.
Most foundation year programs offer guaranteed progression to an undergraduate degree, provided the student meets the minimum required grades during their foundation studies.
Undergraduate Tuition Fee in New Zealand
Tuition fees for undergraduate degrees in the New Zealand vary depending on the university and course of study. International students typically pay in the range from NZD 30,000 to NZD 37,000 New Zealand Dollar per year.
The fees can be higher for specialized courses such as medicine, dentistry, or health science degrees, where fees may exceed NZD 40,000 per year.
Below are a few universities along with their Bachelor’s degree courses and tuition fees for a better understanding.
Undergraduate admission intakes
New Zealand universities typically have two major intakes each year:
February/March: Main intake with the widest range of programs.
July: Second intake with select program options.
Cost of living in New Zealand
When planning to study in New Zealand, it is important for students to understand the cost of living. We have outlined a detailed guide on the living expenses for international students in New Zealand, including how much budget you should prepare before traveling and available part-time job opportunities to help manage your finances.
Documents required for undergraduate admission in New Zealand
- Academic certificate and transcript
- Valid passport copy
- Statement of Purpose
- Reference letters from teacher or school
- English proficiency test (PTE Academic or IELTS)
*It is highly recommended not to have more than 9 months study gap to apply for bachelor degree in New Zealand
Initial deposit to pay before Visa
International students residing in Middle Eastern countries (Kuwait, Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman) can apply for a New Zealand student visa based on an undergraduate unconditional offer from a university. Typically, students are not required to pay any initial deposit or tuition fee until they receive an “Approval in Principle” (AIP) document from New Zealand immigration, which grants permission to proceed with tuition payment. It’s usually the first step in the process of getting a student visa, but it doesn’t mean that student have been granted visa to travel
To receive the AIP, students need to upload all required documents and pay the student visa application fee. Once student have obtained the AIP from NZDI authorities, students must pay the full first-year tuition fee of an undergraduate course to the university and upload the payment receipt on the immigration portal to complete their student visa application for entry clearance.
How to apply for New Zealand student visa
Following documents are required to apply for New Zealand visa:
Unconditional Offer of Acceptance: An official offer from an approved university of college in New Zealand confirming your admission.
Proof of Tuition Payment: Evidence that student has paid the tuition fees for the first year of study.
Statement of Purpose: This is the most important document immigration officer reads to understand student’s intention to study in New Zealand
Passport Copy: A copy of valid passport, which should cover the entire duration of your study.
Proof of Maintenance Funds: Showing at least NZ$20,000 (first year) to cover living expenses in a bank statement, along with proof of where these funds have come from.
Return Airfare Proof: Either a copy of return ticket home or proof of sufficient funds to purchase one.
Visa Application Fee Receipt: Evidence of payment for the student visa application fee.
Medical or Police Certificates: Depending on student’s country of residence, a medical certificate, chest x-ray, or a police clearance certificate may be required.
How to apply for undergraduate in New Zealand in 2025
International students can apply for undergraduate programs in New Zealand through an expert agents – Many students prefer to apply through approved agents to get personalized guidance, application support, and direct assistance throughout the process including visa application processing
JNS Education is an approved agency in Kuwait, Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain, and Riyadh for many New Zealand universities in the Middle East. Get in touch with us to start your application today. Our counselors will provide detailed guidance through every step of the process.
Apply for Undergraduate degree with JNS Education
