Best Courses to Study in New Zealand for Indian Students 2024-25

New Zealand is a popular study abroad destination for international students due to its excellent education system, globally accredited degrees, research opportunities, and quality of life. Courses in New Zealand are recognised worldwide and are ranked among the top courses by many accreditation bodies.

This Story also Contains

1. Best Courses to Study in New Zealand
2. Most demanding courses in New Zealand
3. Top Universities in New Zealand
4. Which course is best in New Zealand?
5. Courses in New Zealand After Graduation
6. Eligibility Criteria to Study in New Zealand
7. Best course to Study in New Zealand for PR

Some of the popular courses in New Zealand for international students include Business Administration, Professional Accounting, PG Diploma in Agricultural Science, Tourism, Artificial Intelligence, Security, Computer Graphic Design, Sport and Leisure Studies, and Environmental Planning.

In addition, the country also has reputable institutes of technology and polytechnics, where students can hone their vocational skills. These institutes offer some of the best courses to study in New Zealand across different disciplines at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Students planning to study in New Zealand can read the complete article to learn more about the top courses in New Zealand for Indian students.

Best Courses to Study in New Zealand

Most international students migrate to foreign countries for studying in expectation of studying professionally oriented courses and getting better career prospects. So, proper research is necessary to know the best courses to study in a country. Similarly, it is important to choose the best courses to study in New Zealand that generate a high return on investment as well as expand a candidate's intellectual capabilities to a global level.

When choosing the courses in New Zealand universities, look at the infrastructure availability, job-related support, teaching facilities, industry orientation along costs. Life beyond academics provided by a university is just as important. While an MBA is the best course to study in New Zealand, Agricultural experts are in high demand in New Zealand. So many universities have started devising industry-relevant curricula for the Diploma in Agricultural Science.

Candidates must also think of the cost of studying in New Zealand before choosing the best courses in New Zealand. There are many courses in New Zealand for international students after graduation for Indian students to study in top universities if they fulfill eligibility requirements.

Most demanding courses in New Zealand

When planning to study in New Zealand, it is beneficial to know the most demanding courses in New Zealand along with top universities ahead. Following are some of the best courses in New Zealand for Indian students that justify the cost of studying in the country.

Best courses to study in New Zealand

• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Professional Accounting
• PG Diploma in Agricultural Science
• Master of Tourism
• Masters in Artificial Intelligence
• Master of Cyber Security
• Master of Computer Graphic Design
• Master of Sport and Leisure Studies
• Master of Environmental Planning

Top Universities in New Zealand

Here is the list of top universities from New Zealand as per 2025 ranking by QS. Studying a course in New Zealand for international students at these top universities is a great advantage for their careers.

List of Top Universities in New Zealand

Which course is best in New Zealand?

Courses in New Zealand After 12th

New Zealand is one of the most popular study destinations with over 21,000 international applicants each year. Students can choose from a number of programs from animation to zoology and must submit IELTS or TOEFL scores along with transcripts.

Admission to the most demanding courses in New Zealand is based on English proficiency test scores, previous academic performance, and (course-specific) interviews. Students who do not meet the eligibility criteria can opt for pathway programs offered by a number of top universities such as the University of Auckland, the University of Waikato, and Massy University.

Courses in New Zealand After Graduation

In order to do top courses in New Zealand after graduation you must have completed an undergraduate degree in the relevant subject. You must have the relevant scores in standard English language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo. Here are some courses you can do in New Zealand after graduation.

Master of Business Administration

Master of Business Administration is 1 in the list of top courses to study in New Zealand. It is the best course to study in New Zealand as there aren’t many degrees that can compete with an MBA degree when it comes to giving your career a definitive edge. In fact, if you want to transform your thinking and decision-making capability, universities like the University of Canterbury are tailor-made for you.

Globally ranked at 256 in the QS list of top universities, the University of Canterbury’s MBA program is accredited by the London-based Association of MBAs (AMBA), which is a stamp of approval for high teaching standards and access to quality resources. It is not the only top university for MBA courses in New Zealand as other universities like the University of Otago and University of Auckland are also in high demand.

Popular Universities in New Zealand for MBA Study

Eligibility Criteria: A bachelor’s degree is the basic requirement. Students also need to submit scores of IELTS/PTE/TOEFL to prove their English language proficiency. Also unlike other courses, work experience is given a lot of weightage in the admission process for MBA programs with universities, generally, demanding a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in managerial, professional, or leadership roles. As MBA is among the top courses in New Zealand, candidates must keep in mind the high competition.

Master of Professional Accounting

With more and more businesses going global, the responsibility of an accountant has ceased to be merely preparing financial reports and has instead evolved into a much more dynamic and overarching profession that includes roles like that of a business consultant or advisor.

The Master of Professional Accounting degree is a course that helps aspiring accounting professionals acquire these particular skills. Another most demanding course in New Zealand, it is the best course to study in New Zealand with job opportunities located right in the country itself. The degree is highly valued by students because they are assured of a good salary and ample growth opportunities.

After completing a course in professional accounting, students can take up any of these career options:

• Chartered accountant

• Tax specialist

• Business Consultant

• Management accountant

New Zealand, with its slew of world-class universities, is an excellent attraction for international students. Apart from the top billing these universities hold, the cost of pursuing this best course in New Zealand is also comparatively lower than in many other countries making it one of the top courses to study in New Zealand.

Universities for Accounting

Eligibility Criteria: Most of the listed universities demand that students complete their bachelor’s degree with a minimum B grade or equivalent. Students also need to submit scores of IELTS/PTE/TOEFL as proof of their English proficiency.

Engineering

The allure of engineering has refused to fade away and continues to be a favourite among students; one of the reasons being specializations like software engineering frequently make it to the list of highest-paid professions. Today there are many universities across the world offering master’s courses across multiple specializations, but New Zealand with its internationally recognized, state-of-the-art training facilities, and low fee structure is giving all of them a run for their money.

It is another best course to study in New Zealand and among the top courses in New Zealand for a high return on investment. The smaller class size is another specialty of engineering courses in the country as it allows stronger student-teacher bonding and better retention of learning.

The University of Canterbury has even its own careers, internships & employment team that helps you launch your career with the business of your choice –the team helps students identify their core strengths, skills, knowledge, and interests which play such a pivotal role in selecting a job. All these factors contribute to making engineering one of the best courses to study in New Zealand. It is counted among the best courses in New Zealand for Indian students.

Universities for Engineering Courses

Eligibility: Students must have completed their bachelor’s degree with a minimum B grade or equivalent. The score of tests like IELTS/PTE/TOEFL is also required to prove one’s English language proficiency.

Popular specialisations: Bioengineering, Mechanical engineering, Construction Management, Earthquake engineering, Civil engineering, Chemical and Process Engineering.

PG Diploma in Agricultural Science

One of the best courses to study in New Zealand, this particular course teaches graduates the finer points of the agricultural sector along with the changes that are taking place. With agriculture being such an integral part of the country’s economy, it is only apt that the agriculture degree in New Zealand is well-received by the student community the world over.

A diploma holder in the subject plays an essential role in such diverse areas as marketing and technology transfer, services industry, and research in addition to contributing to its traditional areas like dairy and sheep farming.

Among the universities offering postgraduate diplomas in agricultural science in New Zealand, Lincoln University is one of the best places to earn the diploma. There is a high demand both in New Zealand and abroad for students who earn a bachelor's degree in Agriculture science making it one of the best course to study in New Zealand.

Universities for Agriculture Degree in New Zealand

Common Eligibility Requirement: The applicant must be a bachelor’s degree holder with a minimum B-grade average in the 300 level. Students also need to present scores of English language proficiency tests like TOEFL/IELTS/PTE as part of the application process for top courses in New Zealand.

Master of Tourism

An interdisciplinary program, Master of Tourism courses for international students in New Zealand blend high-quality teaching with independent research. It is one of the best courses in New Zealand for Indian students offered by institutes like the University of Otago and Lincoln University. Emphasis on contemporary and emerging issues in the field of tourism while remaining rooted in its core philosophy making it the best course to study in New Zealand.

Another reason why it is rated among the top courses to study in New Zealand is its fine balance of practical skills and theoretical knowledge. As such students with a master’s degree from top institutes are easily able to develop a critical and high-level understanding of the tourism sector as an industry and social phenomenon, which helps them in making the right and smart career choices. Below are a few universities with tourism courses in New Zealand for international students.

Universities for Tourism courses

Eligibility: The University of Otago demands that students hold a university entrance qualification before they apply to the master’s program; students also need to have completed their bachelor’s degree. English proficiency test scores that are accepted by universities in New Zealand include IELTS/TOEFL/PTE.

Eligibility Criteria to Study in New Zealand

International students applying for top courses in New Zealand should fulfil the following eligibility criteria to demonstrate their eligibility to the New Zealand top colleges. A few mandatory eligibility criteria for international students in New Zealand are as follows:

• Mathematics in secondary education is a must for science-related courses.

• Students must complete their 12 grade education to apply for top courses in New Zealand for international students.

• Candidates applying for a master’s degree in New Zealand must complete their undergraduate education at a recognised university.

• Qualification for English language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL is mandatory for international students.

• A prior work experience in the relevant field is a plus point.

• For medical courses, qualification for qualification for NEET is mandatory.

• Students applying for a science-related degree must have mathematics in secondary education.

Documents Required for Studying in New Zealand

Documents required for international students to study in New Zealand best courses are as follows:

1. Academic transcripts

2. Bachelor’s Marksheet (for PG courses)

3. GMAT/GRE scores

4. IELTS/PTE/TOEFL scores

5. Letter of recommendation

6. Statement of purpose

7. Work experience certificates

8. CV/Resume

Best course to Study in New Zealand for PR

Getting a PR in New Zealand requires a relevant resident permit. To get a Skilled worker resident permit in New Zealand, it is easy for only those professions that have a large skill gap in their country. Otherwise, getting a resident permit is not easy.

International students must choose the following top courses to study in New Zealand if they want to apply for PR in New Zealand. New Zealand is currently experiencing a huge gap in the availability of skilled workers in these fields.

1. Engineering

2. Accounting

3. Nursing

4. Social work

5. Computer and IT