Why do so many international students choose to study in New Zealand? New Zealand offers a high-quality education system recognised worldwide, and its reputed universities and institutes consistently rank highly in international rankings.
New Zealand universities offer a wide range of courses in different disciplines so that students can explore extensive opportunities for research and study. As the cost of studying abroad in New Zealand is low compared to other countries, you can also make long-term savings, which will help during and after study.
To learn more about why studying in New Zealand can be a perfect place to boost your career, enquire today with SI-New Zealand.
Top Universities in New Zealand 2025
Here is the list of the best universities in New Zealand as per the QS World University Rankings 2025:
1. The University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is a public research university established in 1883 and is New Zealand’s largest university by enrollment. It gathers around 7426 international students with a student-faculty ratio of 61:7. With an acceptance rate of 45% and 65th rank in the QS World Ranking 2025, the UoA believes in achieving equity in employment and education, making it New Zealand’s leading place to work and study.
|
Acceptance rate |
45% |
|
Top courses |
Law, business, engineering, and medical |
|
Eligibility criteria |
IELTS 6.5| UCAT 1200-3600 (medical)|, TOEFL UG - 80 |
|
Number of international students |
7,426 |
|
Top scholarships |
ASEAN High Achievers Scholarship, India High Achievers Scholarship |
2. University of Otago
The University of Otago, founded in 1869, is one of the oldest universities in Oceania. The public research university gathers around 1,400 international students each year with a student-faculty ratio of 14:1. With an acceptance rate of 58% and 214th in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and 2nd in New Zealand, the university aims to preserve, create, and apply knowledge, critical thinking, and independence to enhance understanding and development of individuals and communities.
|
Acceptance rate |
58% |
|
Top courses |
Human sciences, law, and business |
|
Eligibility criteria |
IELTS-6 | TOEFL UG-80 |
|
Number of international students |
3,000 |
|
Top scholarships |
NG Stewart Scholarship, The Sophia McMillan Crestani Memorial University Scholarship |
3. University of Waikato
The University of Waikato is one of the top universities in New Zealand, established in 1964. It has two campuses located in Hamilton and Tauranga. The university stands proudly worldwide as a future-focused, international education provider and an active player in global research. With an acceptance rate of 72%, the university ranks 235th in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is the #1 in New Zealand for research. With around 13,000 students and 1500 staff members, the University of Waikato is committed to delivering a world-class education and research portfolio.
|
Acceptance rate |
72% |
|
Top courses |
Biochemistry, geology, and software engineering |
|
Eligibility criteria |
High school- 85%, TOEFL-80 and IELTS -6 |
|
Number of international students |
2,000 |
|
Top scholarships |
University of Waikato International Entrance Scholarships for school leavers
|
4. Massey University
Massey University is a public research university established in 1927 in Palmerston North, Auckland, Wellington, New Zealand. The university gathers around 5,000 international students with a student-faculty ratio of 10:1. With an acceptance rate of 65% and a ranking of 239th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, the university aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment for you to succeed and thrive in every moment.
|
Acceptance rate |
65% |
|
Top courses |
Biology, Environmental science, Liberal arts, and social sciences |
|
Eligibility criteria |
GPA 2.75 (on a 4.00 scale), IELTS 6+, and TOEFL- 80 |
|
Number of international students |
5,000 |
|
Top scholarships |
Edna Waddell Undergraduate Scholarships for Women in Technology and Engineering and Allan Kay Undergraduate Memorial Scholarship |
5. Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington is a public research university established in 1897 in Wellington, New Zealand. The university gathers around 3,000 international students each academic year and has a 75.3% student satisfaction rate. Victoria University Wellington consistently ranks among the top 300 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings. It performs well in subject rankings for development studies, law and politics, and international studies.
|
Acceptance rate |
64% |
|
Top courses |
Legal and law studies, English language and literature, Library and information, and psychology |
|
Eligibility criteria |
IELTS 6+, CAE -169, TOEFL -67+, High School - 65% |
|
Number of international students |
3,400 |
|
Top scholarships |
Tongrewa Scholarship for Excellence and Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship |
6. University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury is a public research university established in 1873 in Christchurch, New Zealand. It is New Zealand’s second-oldest university after the University of Otago. The university is known for its engineering and science course programs, with its civil engineering, fine arts, law and social work courses ranking well in world subject rankings. With an acceptance rate of 50%, the university prepares students to find their best career path and change their lives.
|
Acceptance rate |
50% |
|
Top courses |
Science, commerce, arts, and criminal justice |
|
Eligibility criteria |
Mathematics at AS Level, TOEFL-80, and IELTS -6 |
|
Number of international students |
4,500 |
|
Top scholarships |
Ah Nua Scholarship |
7. Lincoln University
Lincoln University was established in 1990 in Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand. It is a top public university and is considered one of the best universities in New Zealand for international students. The university offers bachelor's and master's degrees in agriculture, arts and humanities, business and management and life sciences.
|
Acceptance rate |
60% |
|
Top courses |
Agriculture, business, finance, and archaeology |
|
Eligibility criteria |
IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL-80, High School (English)- 75% |
|
Total number of international students |
3,000 |
|
Top scholarships |
International student merit scholarship |
8. Auckland University of Technology
Auckland University of Technology was established in 2000 and is the second-largest university in New Zealand. The university is located in Auckland, New Zealand, and has received five-star ratings for teaching, employability, research, internationalisation, facilities, innovation, and inclusiveness. AUT consistently ranks in the world's top 500 universities and, with an acceptance rate of 50%, the university’s mission is to prepare and create graduates for the rapidly changing world.
|
Acceptance rate |
50% |
|
Top courses offered |
Business, communication studies, health science, and hospitality management |
|
Eligibility criteria |
High school- 75%, IELTS - 6+, and TOEFL -80 |
|
Total number of international students |
5,000 |
|
Top scholarships |
International Scholarship - South Asia |
Eligibility Criteria
Undergraduate courses
- Students must have completed their higher secondary education from a recognised institute or school
- Language/English proficiency tests, such as IELTS/TOEFL
Master's courses
- A minimum GPA score of 50-60% from a recognised university
- GMAT or GRE scores for students applying for management studies
- Some New Zealand universities might ask for internships or previous work experience
- Language/English proficiency tests, such as IELTS/TOEFL
MBA
- Bachelor's degree with 70% or above
- A minimum IELTS score in each module
- A minimum of 4 to 5 years of work and internship experience in a relevant field
Documents Required
To study in New Zealand, you must fulfil specific requirements to become an eligible candidate. Here are some essential eligibility criteria apart from academics
- Fill out the application form
- Identity proof
- Proof of funding statements, such as expenses
- Statement of purpose (SOP)
- A passport from the native country that is valid for at least three months post-completion of the desired degree in the country
- Relevant educational documents and certificates, such as GRE/GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL
- Passport-size photographs
- Job experience certificates
Study in New Zealand
To learn more about studying in New Zealand, how to begin your application, or what course is right for you, contact SI-New Zealand today for a free consultation.
