Top Universities in New Zealand: Courses, Fees & Average Salary
New Zealand has become one of the most popular destinations for international students. In recent years, it has become a widely chosen country among international students.
As per the reports of Financial Express, 17% of Indian students are going to New Zealand to further their studies. In the blog, you will learn about the top universities, including their rankings, tuition fees, scholarships, and more.Â
Benefits of Studying at Top Universities in New Zealand
Why study in New Zealand is frequently asked by students who are planning their higher studies abroad but are confused about which country to choose. This section will help you understand the key benefits of studying at the top universities in New Zealand.Â
Affordable Tuition Fees: New Zealand universities like the University of Otago, Auckland, and Massey University are known for their affordable tuition fees, which make higher education accessible to international students. The average tuition fee ranges from NZ$20,000 to 50,000 (INR 10 Lakhs to 24 Lakhs) per year, but it varies from university to university. Â
Diversity of Courses Research Facilities: Students get an opportunity to choose different courses based on their interests and passions. The New Zealand government emphasises innovation, aligning theory with practice. It also offers qualitative research in various fields like science, technology, and medicine.Â
Part-Time Opportunities: The part-time opportunities help students bear their living expenses by working while studying. International students in New Zealand can work upto 20 hours per week and full-time during their vacation. Some of the part-time roles are tutor, freelance writer, receptionist, and library assistant.Â
High-Paying Jobs: Companies offer high-paying jobs with salaries between NZD 60,000 and NZD 70,000 (INR 30 to 35 lakhs).Â
Top Universities in New Zealand for Bachelor's Courses
The table below provides a detailed overview of the top universities in New Zealand for bachelor’s courses, along with their QS world university rankings for 2025 and annual tuition fees. This will help students understand the annual tuition fees and quality of education offered at New Zealand universities.Â
| University | QS World University Ranking 2025 | Average Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | 65 | NZ$30,000-50,000 |
| University of Otago | 214 | NZ$25,000-70,000 |
| University of Waikato | 235 | NZ$30,000-38,000 |
| Massey University | 239 | NZ$39,900-79,450 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 244 | NZ$33,360-43,821 |
| University of Canterbury | 261 | NZ$32,800-49,900 |
| Lincoln University | 371 | NZ$32,500-36,000 |
| Auckland University of Technology | 421 | NZ$42,692-47,092 |
Top Universities in New Zealand for Master's Courses
The tabulated data shows the top universities in New Zealand for master’s, along with their QS World University Rankings 2025 and average annual tuition fees.Â
| University | QS World University Ranking 2025 | Average Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | 65 | NZ$40,000-52,000 |
| University of Otago | 214 | NZ$35,000-50,000 |
| University of Waikato | 235 | NZ$37,695-51,085 |
| Massey University | 239 | NZ$32,280-40,070 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 244 | NZ$36,134-45,652 |
| University of Canterbury | 261 | NZ$36,800-49,900 |
| Lincoln University | 371 | NZ$51,000-69,000 |
| Auckland University of Technology | 421 | NZ$44,792-49,892 |
Top Public Universities in New Zealand
Some of the top public universities in New Zealand offer high-quality education and research techniques with affordable tuition fees. The universities in New Zealand are also known for their worldwide reputation in the fields of science, medicine, and pharmacy. Some of the best-performing public universities of New Zealand are listed below.
| University | QS World University Ranking 2025 | Average Tuition Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | 65 | NZ$40,000-52,000 |
| University of Otago | 214 | NZ$35,000-50,000 |
| University of Waikato | 235 | NZ$37,695-51,085 |
| Massey University | 239 | NZ$32,280-40,070 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 244 | NZ$36,134-45,652 |
| University of Canterbury | 261 | NZ$36,800-49,900 |
| Lincoln University | 371 | NZ$51,000-69,000 |
| Auckland University of Technology | 421 | NZ$44,792-49,892 |
Popular Courses in New Zealand
Some of the popular courses in New Zealand among international students areÂ
- Accountancy & Business
- Artificial Intelligence
- Architecture
- Data Science
- Engineering & Technology
- Information Technology
- MBA
- Medicine & Health Science
- Law & Politics
Top Career in New Zealand
After graduating from New Zealand universities, students have the opportunity to work with some of the top MNCs in the world. The top job roles and average annual salary are listed below.Â
| Job Roles | Average Salary (per annum) |
|---|---|
| Data Scientist | NZ$ 96,000-100,000 (INR 48-50 lakhs) |
| Human Resource Manager | NZ$ 91,000-105,000 (INR 45-52 lakhs) |
| Automobile Engineer | NZ$ 125,000-200,000 (INR 62-99 lakhs) |
| Business Analyst | NZ$ 85,000-105,000 (INR 42-52 lakhs) |
| Biotechnologist | NZ$ 50,000-60,000 (INR 25-30 lakhs) |
| Financial Analyst | NZ$ 75,000-85,000 (INR 37-42 lakhs) |
| Lawyer | NZ$ 80,000-100,000 (INR 40-50 lakhs) |
| Aerospace Engineer | NZ$ 95,000-150,000 (INR 47-75 lakhs) |
| Psychologist | NZ$ 100,00-110,000 (INR 50-55 lakhs) |
| Accountant | NZ$ 60,000-70,000 (INR 30-35 lakhs) |
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
New Zealand’s universities rank among the top 500 in the world, according to the QS World Rankings 2025. These universities are known for providing concessions in tuition fees and social benefits, making higher education accessible to Indian students.
The high-paid roles, work exposure, and part-time jobs offered to students make New Zealand one of the most desirable destinations for Indian students. If you are also passionate about studying in New Zealand, connect with our expert at AdmitX.
FAQs
What are the average fees for studying in New Zealand?
The average tuition fees for studying in New Zealand vary from NZ$ 40,000-80,000 per year for international students. However, the fee structure depends upon many factors, such as the level of education, course, and university chosen by a student.Â
What are the top universities in New Zealand for Indian students?
Some of the top universities in New Zealand for Indian students are the University of Auckland, Massey University, Lincoln University, and Victoria University of Wellington.
What is the average salary received after studying in New Zealand?
The average salary after studying in New Zealand ranges from NZ$60,000 to 125,000, or INR 30 Lakhs to 62 Lakhs per year.Â
Can I get a scholarship to study in New Zealand?
Yes, students get scholarships to study in New Zealand. Some of the top scholarships in New Zealand are the Manaaki New Zealand scholarships, the New Zealand Excellence Award, and the New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarship.
Is New Zealand an affordable destination for Indian students?
Yes, New Zealand is definitely affordable for Indian students as compared to other countries. In recent years, it has become a favorable destination for students because of its qualitative research, skilled faculty, and better working environment. The country also provides a welcoming atmosphere for Indian students, promoting inclusivity and cultural growth.
