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Study in New Zealand from Pakistan: Visa, 25-Hour Work Rights and Costs for 2026–27

Safe, welcoming and increasingly work-friendly: how Pakistani students apply to New Zealand and what the 2025–26 changes mean.

Key takeaways

  • From November 2025 eligible students can work up to 25 hours per week in term time.
  • Proof of funds is around NZD 20,000 per year for living costs plus full tuition.
  • Student visa applications are online only; the fee is about NZD 850.
  • Post-study options include the Post-Study Work Visa (up to three years) and a new short-term graduate work option.

New Zealand has quietly become a favourite for students who want a calmer, safer study environment without losing global recognition. All eight universities rank in the world’s top 500, and class sizes are small.

Quick numbers

Item Approx. amount
Tuition — bachelor’s NZD 25,000–40,000 per year
Tuition — master’s NZD 28,000–45,000 per year
Living funds ≈ NZD 20,000 per year
Student visa fee ≈ NZD 850
Health insurance NZD 700–900 per year (approx.)

What changed recently

  • Work rights: from November 2025, eligible students can work up to 25 hours per week during term (up from 20).
  • Online only: student visa applications must be submitted online — paper applications are no longer accepted.
  • Post-study: alongside the Post-Study Work Visa, a short-term graduate work option (up to six months) has been introduced for those who do not qualify for the longer visa.

Where to study

Auckland, Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, Canterbury, Massey, AUT, Waikato and Lincoln are the universities; Te Pūkenga-linked institutes and private providers offer diplomas and applied degrees. Check that your provider is approved and that your course is eligible for post-study work.

Application steps

  1. Choose a course and apply for an Offer of Place.
  2. Pay tuition as required and arrange health insurance.
  3. Prepare funds evidence: tuition plus about NZD 20,000 for living.
  4. Gather a police certificate and medical documents (if requested).
  5. Apply online with Immigration New Zealand and attend any interview request.

Typical English requirement: IELTS 6.0–6.5 for degrees. See our IELTS vs PTE vs Duolingo guide.

Intakes and timeline

February and July are the main intakes. Start 6–8 months early because police certificates and funds evidence take time.

Working and settling

Work can offset living costs, but job markets are smaller than Australia or Canada. Many graduates use the Post-Study Work Visa to gain experience and later move into skilled-work pathways if they qualify.

Scholarships

University merit awards (for example at Auckland) and government programmes for eligible countries exist but are competitive. See the scholarships hub.

Is New Zealand right for you?

It’s ideal for students interested in agriculture, environmental sciences, engineering, health and IT who value safety and balance. If you want larger job markets, compare Australia or Canada. Our Study in New Zealand page has more details, and you can book free counselling any time.

Want honest advice on your profile?

Message our counsellors — we will tell you what is realistic and what to fix first.

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Frequently asked questions

Is New Zealand good for Pakistani students?

It is safe, has small classes and a post-study pathway, but it is a small market — job opportunities are fewer than in larger countries. It suits students who value quality of life and applied learning.

Which intakes does New Zealand have?

February and July are the main intakes at universities, with some institutes offering additional starts.

How much is New Zealand’s student visa fee?

About NZD 850 at the time of writing, but fees change — confirm on the Immigration New Zealand website.

More New Zealand resources

Abroad In Consultants editorial team. Written by our Islamabad counselling team from official sources and day-to-day experience with Pakistani applicants. Rules change often — please confirm the latest requirements with the official authority or our counsellors before acting. Last reviewed 6 October 2026.

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