New Zealand is fast becoming a key study-abroad destination for Indian students, registering a 34% jump in enrolments between January and August 2024, according to data from Education New Zealand. The number rose from 7,930 for the full year in 2023 to 10,640 in just the first eight months of 2024, as reported by IDP Education.
This shift comes as Indian students begin to widen their focus beyond the traditional "Big Four" - the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, in response to evolving visa rules and policy uncertainty. With its English-speaking environment, transparent policies, and growing ties with Indian institutions, New Zealand is now seen as a promising alternative.
Indian students now second largest group
Education New Zealand’s latest statistics reveal that Indian students now make up 11% of all international enrolments in New Zealand universities, second only to Chinese students. IDP Education data further highlights a 100% rise in enrolments by Indian female students between 2023 and 2024.
“New Zealand offers a safe and viable academic destination,” said an IDP spokesperson in an official statement, reflecting on the steady increase in Indian student interest.
World rankings and academic breadth
All eight of New Zealand’s universities are ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The University of Auckland leads at #65, followed by the University of Otago (#197), and Massey University (#230). The institutions offer a wide range of programs in areas such as engineering, data science, business analytics, hospitality, nursing, and education.
Affordable education and living
The annual tuition fees for international students in New Zealand range between NZD 20,000 and 40,000. These figures are lower than those in the US or UK and comparable to Australian and Canadian rates. Combined with lower living costs, this affordability makes the country attractive to Indian families evaluating overseas education options.
Post-study work policy a major draw
New Zealand’s post-study work (PSW) policies have also contributed to its appeal. As per Immigration New Zealand, students who complete at least 30 weeks of Master’s or Doctoral-level study can stay and work in the country for up to three years. In 2024, the government extended PSW eligibility to cover shorter stackable qualifications, such as a 30-week Postgraduate Diploma (Level 8) followed by a shorter Master’s program.
The unemployment rate in New Zealand stood at 5.1% as of March 2025, adding to the perception of a favourable labour market for graduates.
Growing bilateral education links
Education partnerships between Indian and New Zealand institutions are also deepening. In 2024, New Zealand signed academic collaboration agreements with key Indian entities including IIM Ahmedabad, GIFT City, and the Karnataka State Higher Education Council. These tie-ups aim to align with India’s growing education sector and increase academic exchange.
Indian community and quality of life
New Zealand’s 270,000-strong Indian diaspora supports incoming students with cultural familiarity and community networks. The country ranks #12 in Global Finance’s 2025 list of the world’s happiest countries and has held the first position on Remote’s Global Life-Work Balance Index for three years running. It also ranks third globally on the Global Peace Index 2025.
As visa rules tighten in some countries, students are prioritising destinations offering safety, affordability, and employment prospects. New Zealand, with its student-friendly policies and consistent quality of life, is increasingly becoming a preferred choice for Indian students.
This shift comes as Indian students begin to widen their focus beyond the traditional "Big Four" - the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, in response to evolving visa rules and policy uncertainty. With its English-speaking environment, transparent policies, and growing ties with Indian institutions, New Zealand is now seen as a promising alternative.
Indian students now second largest group
Education New Zealand’s latest statistics reveal that Indian students now make up 11% of all international enrolments in New Zealand universities, second only to Chinese students. IDP Education data further highlights a 100% rise in enrolments by Indian female students between 2023 and 2024.
“New Zealand offers a safe and viable academic destination,” said an IDP spokesperson in an official statement, reflecting on the steady increase in Indian student interest.
World rankings and academic breadth
All eight of New Zealand’s universities are ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The University of Auckland leads at #65, followed by the University of Otago (#197), and Massey University (#230). The institutions offer a wide range of programs in areas such as engineering, data science, business analytics, hospitality, nursing, and education.
Affordable education and living
The annual tuition fees for international students in New Zealand range between NZD 20,000 and 40,000. These figures are lower than those in the US or UK and comparable to Australian and Canadian rates. Combined with lower living costs, this affordability makes the country attractive to Indian families evaluating overseas education options.
Post-study work policy a major draw
New Zealand’s post-study work (PSW) policies have also contributed to its appeal. As per Immigration New Zealand, students who complete at least 30 weeks of Master’s or Doctoral-level study can stay and work in the country for up to three years. In 2024, the government extended PSW eligibility to cover shorter stackable qualifications, such as a 30-week Postgraduate Diploma (Level 8) followed by a shorter Master’s program.
The unemployment rate in New Zealand stood at 5.1% as of March 2025, adding to the perception of a favourable labour market for graduates.
Growing bilateral education links
Education partnerships between Indian and New Zealand institutions are also deepening. In 2024, New Zealand signed academic collaboration agreements with key Indian entities including IIM Ahmedabad, GIFT City, and the Karnataka State Higher Education Council. These tie-ups aim to align with India’s growing education sector and increase academic exchange.
Indian community and quality of life
New Zealand’s 270,000-strong Indian diaspora supports incoming students with cultural familiarity and community networks. The country ranks #12 in Global Finance’s 2025 list of the world’s happiest countries and has held the first position on Remote’s Global Life-Work Balance Index for three years running. It also ranks third globally on the Global Peace Index 2025.
As visa rules tighten in some countries, students are prioritising destinations offering safety, affordability, and employment prospects. New Zealand, with its student-friendly policies and consistent quality of life, is increasingly becoming a preferred choice for Indian students.
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