Popular Courses in New Zealand for International Students in 2025

Thinking about studying in New Zealand? You’re definitely not the only one. In 2025, this small-but-mighty country is climbing the ranks as one of the top picks for international students and honestly? It’s not hard to see why. But here’s the thing: not all courses are created equal. And picking the right one? Yeah, it matters. You don’t just want a fancy piece of paper.

You want a qualification that’ll actually open doors and help you build a career whether you’re eyeing an MBA, an IT diploma, or a creative degree that lets you flex those artistic muscles. So what’s trending right now? Which courses in New Zealand are pulling in students from around the world in 2025? Let’s go.

Why Is New Zealand a Great Study Destination in 2025?

Let’s be honest, New Zealand’s got a lot going for it. And if you ask me? In 2025, it’s looking like one of the best places you could pick to study abroad. No kidding, over 50,000 international students made the move here in 2024 alone. And the numbers are only going up. So why the hype? Well, here’s what’s drawing students in:

1. Globally recognised universities and colleges: Yep, this tiny island nation punches way above its weight. All 8 of its universities sit comfortably within the top 3% globally (QS World University Rankings). Not bad for a country known mostly for rugby and epic landscapes, right?

2. Super diverse and welcoming culture: If you’re worried about fitting in, don’t be. Over 120 nationalities are represented across New Zealand campuses. Whether you’re rolling in from Mumbai, Manila, Milan or somewhere in between, you’ll find your people.

3. Jaw-dropping scenery: Let’s not pretend this doesn’t matter. Those Insta-worthy views? Totally legit. Think snow-capped mountains, wild beaches, hot springs, hiking trails, you’ll never run out of ways to spend your weekends. And yeah, a few Lord of the Rings spots might sneak onto your bucket list.

4. Safe and stable environment: Ranked the 2nd safest country in the world (Global Peace Index 2024), New Zealand lets you focus on the stuff that matters, like acing that assignment or prepping for job interviews instead of stressing about your personal safety.

5. Streamlined visa processes: The new Pathways Student Visa makes it easier to combine language courses + degree programs. Translation? Less hassle, smoother transitions—and more flexibility if you want to explore different fields of study.

What Are the Most Popular Courses in New Zealand for International Students?

Okay, let’s get to the good stuff. If you’re wondering which courses in New Zealand are getting chosen by international students in 2025, you’re not alone. The options here are pretty diverse, and yeah, it can get overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. So what’s actually hot right now? Which fields are students opting for? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Business and Management:

Still one of the top picks. And honestly, it makes total sense. Business and management courses in New Zealand are super practical and well respected globally. MBA programs here consistently attract international students because they:

• Rank in the top 200 worldwide (QS Global MBA Rankings 2024)
• Focus heavily on real-world projects and industry placements
• Offer small class sizes, so you actually get face time with professors and industry mentors

Students love that it’s not just theory. You’re networking with global companies based in NZ and the Asia-Pacific region. Other in-demand business courses include accounting, finance, and marketing. If you want a degree that opens doors worldwide, yep, business is a solid move.

Engineering

Engineering courses in New Zealand? Yep. super popular and in high demand both locally and globally. The country faces a shortage of engineers across multiple disciplines. So, great news if you’re eyeing job prospects. Bonus? New Zealand unis are known for small class sizes, hands-on learning and direct links with industry partners. Think about internships, site visits, and paid project work. Most popular engineering specialisations in New Zealand include:

• Civil Engineering: NZ’s massive focus on infrastructure means big opportunities (the NZ Govt allocated NZ$60 billion for infrastructure through 2029) 
• Electrical Engineering: Huge demand as the country moves toward green energy. 
• Mechanical Engineering: Advanced manufacturing & robotics are key growth areas 

Information Technology

If you’re thinking future-proof, IT is where it’s at. And New Zealand knows it. The tech sector here is one of the fastest-growing in the country—contributing NZ$13 billion to GDP annually. Demand for skilled IT grads is skyrocketing. Areas seeing the most growth:

• Artificial Intelligence: Used in healthcare, fintech, and more
• Cloud Computing: Companies are shifting to cloud-first architecture
• Cybersecurity: NZ Govt recently increased funding to fight rising cyber threats
• Software Development: Start-ups + big corporates alike are hiring

Internship and job opportunities? Loads. Unis work closely with companies like Datacom, Xero, Fujitsu, and Amazon Web Services. If you want a sector where you’ll never be bored, this is it.

Healthcare

Massive demand is an understatement. New Zealand’s healthcare system requires healthcare professionals, which spells great opportunity for international students. Top healthcare courses include:

• Medicine: Unis like the University of Auckland and Otago are globally ranked for this.
• Nursing: The NZ Govt announced 1,000 new nursing places to combat shortages
• Healthcare Management: Healthcare sector contributes 11% to NZ’s GDP

Plus, clinical placements are built into most healthcare degrees, so you’re gaining real-world experience as you study. Long-term career prospects here? Very strong, with pathways to permanent residency for many healthcare roles. 

Other Fields

And no—it’s not just about business or tech. Plenty of students are drawn to these too:

• Agriculture: NZ is a world leader in sustainable agriculture and agritech; exports are worth over NZ$50 billion annually
• Tourism and Hospitality: Tourism is still a huge part of the economy, contributing nearly NZ$17 billion pre-pandemic; demand for skilled workers is bouncing back
• Creative Arts and Design: NZ punches way above its weight here. Film, animation, visual arts—think Weta Digital, the creators of the Lord of the Rings films, which still partners with local unis on creative programs

If you’re a creative, NZ’s supportive culture and thriving arts scene could be exactly what you’re looking for.

What Should International Students Know About Post-Study Work Visas in New Zealand?

One of the biggest reasons international students pick New Zealand? It’s got one of the most generous post-study work visa policies out there. If you complete an eligible qualification at a New Zealand university or college, you can apply for a post-study work visa, aka your golden ticket to gaining real-world work experience right after graduation. In 2025, you can stay in New Zealand for up to 3 years, depending on:

• The level of your qualification
• The city or region where you studied (regional areas often offer longer visas to encourage more grads to settle outside Auckland)

The post-study work visa is open. Which means you’re not stuck working for a single employer or in one role. You can work full-time, switch employers, or even start your own business. You can apply for the post-study visa if you’ve completed:

• A Level 7 Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Certain Level 7 diplomas
• Some Level 4–6 qualifications (subject to occupation shortages and industry needs)

According to Immigration New Zealand, approx 80–85% of eligible students apply for this visa after graduation. That’s how popular it is. Work experience gained on this visa can also boost your chances of qualifying for: Skilled Migrant Category visas (leading to permanent residency) and Employer-sponsored visa options. Plus, New Zealand’s labour market forecasts show that demand for highly skilled grads will remain strong through 2030 especially in tech, healthcare, and infrastructure.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in New Zealand as a Student?

Ah yes, the money question. And it’s a good one to ask. Cost of living in New Zealand can vary a lot depending on where you base yourself. Big cities? Yep, they’ll set you back a bit more. Smaller ones? Much easier on your wallet. In cities like Auckland / Wellington, the cost is around NZ$1,500–$2,000 per month. Whereas in smaller cities like (Dunedin, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Christchurch, etc.), the cost is around NZ$1,200–$1,600 per month. What’s that actually covering?

• Accommodation: Your biggest expense (expect to pay NZ$800–$1,200/month in Auckland; NZ$600–$900/month in smaller cities)
• Food: About NZ$300–$400/month if you cook at home
• Transport: NZ$50–$100/month (public transport is discounted for students)
• Entertainment & personal expenses: NZ$100–$300/month, depending how social you are.

According to the New Zealand Government’s visa guidelines, international students are advised to show they have at least NZ$20,000–$25,000 per year to cover living costs while studying. Pro tip? Student discounts are everywhere. From bus fares to movie tickets, gym memberships, and even clothing stores. Flash your student ID and you’ll save a lot more than you think.

Are Scholarships Available for International Students in New Zealand?

Good news? Oh yes—absolutely. In 2025, New Zealand is going all out to attract international talent—and scholarships are a big part of that. Where can you find them? Plenty of places:

1. The New Zealand Government: Check out New Zealand Scholarships (Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships). In 2024 alone, over 700 scholarships were awarded to students from over 70 countries. Expect those numbers to grow in 2025 as the government pushes for more global engagement.

2. Individual universities and polytechnics: Every major uni offers its own range of scholarships. Examples:

• University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship: Awards up to NZ$10,000
• Victoria University of Wellington International Excellence Scholarship: Covers partial tuition fees
• University of Otago International Research Master’s Scholarships: Full tuition + stipend for master’s students

3. Private organisations & industry partners: Some scholarships target specific fields like: IT & Engineering, sustainability, creative arts and Agriculture. These scholarships typically cover tuition fees (partial or full), living expenses sometimes up to NZ$15,000–$20,000 per year and Flight costs. Yep, some full scholarships even include return airfare.

Conclusion

If you ask me? Studying in New Zealand in 2025 is one of the smartest moves you can make. Sure, the cost of living isn’t pocket change but with smart budgeting (and plenty of student discounts), you’ll be able to balance study, life, and a few epic adventures. And don’t forget scholarships are out there.  

And hey, while you’re sorting your uni plans, don’t leave your accommodation to the last minute. With University Living, you can easily compare and book safe, fully verified student housing in New Zealand so you’ll have a comfy base sorted before you even land. Good luck and maybe we’ll see you down there soon.

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