Top Universities and Polytechics in New Zealand with most Nepali Students | Afno Guide

So, you're interested in studying in New Zealand. Of course you are. New Zealand boasts a renowned education system , stunning natural landscapes and welcoming communities, making it an incredibly desirable destination for international students.

But you're feeling a bit puzzled about how the education system actually works. Well, don't worry—we're here to guide you through the process.

There are 10 levels in the New Zealand education system, but we can safely move past the first five levels as your journey into postgraduate degrees starts with level 6. Here is the full breakdown:

     • Level 6: Bachelor's degrees and Graduate Diplomas.

     • Level 7: Bachelor Honours Degrees, Graduate Certificates, and Graduate Diplomas.

     • Level 8: Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Master's Degrees.

     • Level 9: Doctoral Degrees.

     • Level 10: Advanced Doctoral Degrees.

Additionally, let's clarify the few terms:

• Honours Degree:

While many undergraduate programs in New Zealand are three years long, some offer the option to extend studies by one year to obtain an Honours degree.

This extra year focuses on advanced coursework and research, providing opportunities for specialized career paths or further study.

• Graduate diploma:

One-year advanced undergraduate qualification for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree.

In a graduate diploma program, you can gain knowledge and skills on a specific area of your study that goes beyond what you learned in your undergraduate studies.

University and Polytechnics

Now, as an international student applying to study in New Zealand, you have a couple of choices, with universities and polytechnic institutions being the main ones. Let us understand what each of them is.

Universities:

New Zealand is home to 8 esteemed Universities that provide a rich academic environment supported by renowned faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, the extensive alumni networks of these universities offer invaluable connections and opportunities for personal and professional development beyond graduation.

Polytechnic Institutions (Te Pūkenga):

So, we know about universities, but what exactly are polytechnic institutions? If universities are more theory-based, think of polytechnics as hands-on learning in New Zealand. With 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) under its umbrella, Te Pūkenga covers a wide range of industries, from trades to technology. Experts from these industries teach you, helping you gain skills for jobs that are in demand.

It's important to note that there is a significant international, including Nepali, student presence across these institutes. Therefore, let's take a closer look at the New Zealand university list and the unique offerings they provide.

Key Points to Note

 • Tuition fees mentioned are for the 2024 intake.

 • The courses listed above represent major or important options that Nepali students are likely to choose. They do not encompass all available courses. For a comprehensive list of courses, please refer to Thinking about Uni.

 • All universities in New Zealand offer on-campus accommodation. The fees for accommodation vary depending on the college policy. Payment options include weekly, yearly, or in some cases, monthly installments. If you opt for weekly payments, each university has its own policy regarding the weekly rate, which may span over 42 weeks, 40 weeks, 32 weeks, or other durations.

 • Employability rate shows the percentage of students who find jobs within a certain period after completing their degree. It tells us how well a university's programs help students get ready for work.

 • If you are looking for a more comprehensive overview of all the international scholarships, check out our blog on Best Scholarships in New Zealand For Nepali Students.

1. The University of Auckland

2. University of Otago

3. Victoria University of Wellington

4. University of Canterbury

5. Massey University

6. University of Waikato

7. Lincoln University

8. Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Now let us take a look at ploytechnics:

1. Ara Institute of Canterbury

2. Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)

3. Manukau Institute of Technology

4. Whitireia Community Polytechnic

5. Southern Institute Of Technology

6. Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)

For Nepali students considering studying in New Zealand, it's essential to conduct thorough research on both universities and polytechnic institutions to find the right fit for your academic and career goals.

Utilize resources like this blog to gather information on courses, tuition fees, accommodation options, and employability rates. Remember to consider factors such as program reputation, faculty expertise, and campus facilities.

If you are looking for a compact list of the scholarships, check out Scholarships in New Zealand for Nepali Students.

If you want to know more about visa process, we have another blog on How to apply for New Zealand Visa as a Nepali Student. And in case you are just browsing and think you need help, check out Best consultancies For New Zealand in Nepal.

As always, let us know in the comment if we missed anything. Happy college hunting!