Top 10 Universities in New Zealand for International Students 2024

International students can opt for New Zealand to pursue their preferred course of study, as this nation is one of the most uprising countries in the world for study abroad destinations 2025. Students can enjoy different benefits by studying in New Zealand.

New Zealand offers a cost of living that is affordable, a top-class education system, prestigious universities, and state-of-the-art research facilities. Moreover, the most significant advantage is the availability of work opportunities in New Zealand which helps students reduce their financial burden. For one who is looking to study abroad at a low cost, the affordable cost of studying in New Zealand is a major attraction.

This Story also Contains

1. Best Universities in New Zealand for Indian Students 2025
2. Application Process for Top Universities in New Zealand 2025
3. Scholarships Given by Top Universities in New Zealand 2025

Hence, it is indeed a good choice for international students to study abroad due to the compelling benefits of studying in New Zealand. It is home to the best universities in New Zealand for international students. Some of the top 10 universities in New Zealand for international students include University of Auckland, the University of Otago, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, the University of Waikato, Auckland University of Technology, and many more. Moreover, these universities are very cost-effective, along with an impressive ROI, making them one of the cheapest universities in New Zealand as well.

Students are highly recommended to explore the entry requirements before applying to any of the top 10 universities in New Zealand 2025 and others. Students are solely selected for their preferred course in New Zealand depending upon their eligibility.

Read the below article to learn more about the best universities in New Zealand for international students, along with their QS rankings in the world and France.

Best Universities in New Zealand for Indian Students 2025

International students can refer to the below table to learn more about some of the top 10 universities in New Zealand 2025. They are impressively within the top 500 universities in the world.

Top 10 Universities in New Zealand as per their Rankings 2025

The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is a public research university located in Auckland and is considered among the top 10 universities in New Zealand. The University of Auckland QS rankings impressively are at 65 in the world and 1st in New Zealand.

University of Auckland Highlights

University of Otago

The University of Otago is a public research university that was established in 1869. This institution is ranked 2nd in New Zealand (2025) and 214 in the world as per the University of Otago QS rankings 2025. Moreover, the University of Otago main campus is located in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. Established in 1869, the University of Otago is the first university in New Zealand. It was established under the act of the Otago Provincial Council. The University of Otago offers a wide range of graduate, postgraduate and PhD courses in different areas such as Economics, Business, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Pharmacy, Management, Medicine, Law, Arts, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Social Sciences Mathematics, Physics, Botany, Zoology, and Computer Science. Otago is New Zealand's only true student city, with more than 21,000 students living, working, and studying. The University of Otago has high scores for student satisfaction. It produces the most employable graduates all over the world, having 95% of their students go directly into either further study or work.

University of Otago Highlights

Massey University

Massey University is a public university established in 1964 in Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand. Massey University is in the top 250 best universities in the world. Impressively, it secured 3rd in New Zealand (2025) and 239th place in the world as per Massey University QS rankings 2025. Massey University is unique among New Zealand universities in terms of its ability to provide research-led teaching and research training on its campuses in Auckland, Palmerston North, and Wellington. The university offers various programmes and scholarships for students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It also offers a broad range of study support services and resources designed to help students develop scholarly abilities at every stage of their studies.

Read more about: Massey University Courses

Massey University Highlights

Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington is a public research university established in the year 1897 and is located in Wellington, New Zealand. It is one of the oldest and best universities in New Zealand for Indian students. Exceptionally, it is recognised as 4th place in New Zealand (2025) as well as 244th position in the world as per Victoria University of Wellington QS rankings 2025. Established in 1897, Victoria University of Wellington was formed by an act in the parliament. Victoria University of Wellington offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. This institution is served by faculty members of about 1,000 members who provide intensive quality education. Victoria University boasts approximately 40 research institutes and centres, which provide students with valuable opportunities to gain hands-on knowledge. This university is home to 22,000 students, including more than 3,000 international students from over 100 countries. Victoria University of Wellington offers courses in the areas of Architecture and Design Innovation, Education, Business and Government, Health, Humanities and Social Sciences, Engineering, Law, and Science.

Victoria University of Wellington Highlights

University of Waikato

The University of Waikato is a public research university that was established in 1964 and is located in Waikato, New Zealand. It is a comparatively young institution with quite good academic performance. As per the University of Waikato QS Rankings 2025, it has been ranked 235 in the world and 5th place in New Zealand (2025). The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waika was established in 1964. It is one of the leading universities in New Zealand, ranked 235th in the QS World University Rankings 2025. The University of Waikato is a public higher education and research institution in New Zealand. The university offers various courses, which include social science, arts, engineering, mathematics, health, education, business, mass communication and management. The University of Waikato has schools that offer various programmes; 11 of the subjects are ranked by QS in the top 350 globally.

University of Waikato Highlights

University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha

The University of Canterbury was established in 1873. It is the second university in Aotearoa, New Zealand. There are five colleges, which include the College of Engineering, the College of Arts, the College of Education, the College of Science, the College of Business and Law, and Health and Human Development. There are more than 35 research institutes and each of these institutes offers programmes like commerce, fine arts, music, health sciences, technology, sports and law. There are many programs that focus on physical education, language pathology, teaching and forestry.

Read more about: University of Canterbury Courses

University of Canterbury: Key Highlights

Lincoln University

Lincoln University New Zealand, established in the year 1878, is a world-ranked public institution for higher education and research. Lincoln University offers career-focused diplomas and degree programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. The university offers courses in different specialisations, including engineering, tourism, environment, agriculture, sciences, business, landscape architecture, forestry, sports, transport, hospitality, horticulture, property valuation, food, sports and recreation.

See Also: Lincoln University Courses

Lincoln University: Key Highlights

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) was founded in the year 2000. It is a public institution for higher education and research and the second-largest university in New Zealand. Auckland University of Technology offers more than 250 programs in different disciplines, including economics, business, education, mathematics, languages, tourism, public health, nursing, social science, design, sciences, psychology, creative technologies, law, public health and sports. Auckland University of Technology is ranked #412 in QS World University Rankings 2025.

More about: Auckland University of Technology Courses

Auckland University of Technology (AUT): Key Highlights

Application Process for Top Universities in New Zealand 2025

Students can check the steps of the application process for Top Universities in New Zealand for international students:

• Students will have to choose the university and program that they want to pursue

• They will have to check the academic and language requirements of the program

• Fill out the application online on the university's official website and attach all the necessary documents, including academic transcripts, recommendations, etc.

• During the application process, students need to pay the requisite application fee for the program

• Students will have to wait until the university reviews their application and gives the decision.

Scholarships Given by Top Universities in New Zealand 2025

Scholarships can be one of the most important sources that significantly reduce the burden on students when they decide to study at top universities in New Zealand. Many of you don’t know, but the University of Otago Global Scholarships will benefit international students from China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, or Vietnam who will start their studies in the year 2025 or 2026. Some major scholarships are the University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship, Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship, University of Otago Global Scholarships, ADB-Japan Scholarship Program and Kathleen Ann Stevens Scholarship.

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