Ranking fourth on the Global Peace Index 2023, New Zealand is undoubtedly the safest country to study in. With globally ranked universities and a responsive education system, it has the right mix of opportunities, culture, economy and climate to thrive for a Nepalese student. Not to miss, its unspoiled scenery will make your experience worth every penny.
Here are the main reasons to choose New Zealand as your study destination:
New Zealand offers various types of student visas tailored to meet the needs of international students planning to study for more than six months. The Fee Paying Student Visa allows students to study full-time for up to four years while working part-time. The Exchange Student Visa provides opportunities to study full-time for up to four years in an approved student exchange program. For students supported by foreign government loans or scholarships, the Foreign Government Supported Student Visa enables full-time study for up to four years. Lastly, the Pathway Student Visa allows students to pursue up to three consecutive courses over five years on a single visa, with the added benefit of part-time work eligibility. These visa options make studying in New Zealand flexible and accessible, catering to a wide range of academic pathways and financial situations.
If you want to know the total cost of studying in New Zealand for Nepalese students , you can get in touch with an IDP expert . Most commonly humanities, arts and education courses are cheaper, while subjects such as medicine and engineering are likely to be more expensive. If you wish to study at the postgraduate level, the tuition fees are typically higher, and the costs vary depending on the program. As with most other countries, MBA programs are often the most expensive. The average cost for these programs ranges between NZD 31,000 and NZD 50,000 (indicative).
Nepalese students aiming to study in New Zealand can benefit from a variety of scholarship programs designed to ease financial burdens while offering exceptional opportunities. Here is a detailed explanation of the scholarship programs outlined in the table:
New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)
Funded by the New Zealand government, this scholarship is specifically for Nepalese students pursuing a PhD. It covers university tuition fees, student levies, a living stipend of up to NZD 25,000 annually (tax-free), and health insurance worth up to NZD 600 per year for three years. This program supports academic excellence and fosters advanced research opportunities in New Zealand.
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships
Available for master’s and PhD students, the Commonwealth Scholarship provides a wide range of benefits, including full tuition fees, a weekly living allowance of NZD 491, an establishment allowance of NZD 3,000, medical and travel insurance, and funding for research costs. It is designed to empower students from Commonwealth nations like Nepal by covering essential costs for academic success.
New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)
These scholarships, funded by Education New Zealand (ENZ) and New Zealand universities, aim to attract talented Nepalese students across all eight universities in the country. They offer 28 postgraduate scholarships worth NZD 5,000 each and three undergraduate scholarships worth NZD 10,000 each, enabling students to excel in their chosen fields while experiencing New Zealand’s renowned education system.
NZ-GRADS New Zealand Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarship
This program focuses on research in agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and offers comprehensive funding for PhD students. It covers tuition fees (up to NZD 10,000 annually), a stipend of NZD 28,000 per year (tax-free), medical insurance (up to NZD 700), visa application fees (up to NZD 1,000), airfare for returning to New Zealand (up to NZD 6,000), and a research allowance of up to NZD 1,500. The scholarship supports innovation and sustainability in agriculture.
SEG Scholarship
Funded by the Soshi Educational Group, this scholarship supports students pursuing studies in geophysics and related geosciences. It offers three types of scholarships: NZD 7,000 annually (Scholarship A), NZD 5,000 annually (Scholarship B), and NZD 3,000 annually (Scholarship C). The program is available for one year and encourages academic growth in specialized fields of science.
Palmerston North City Mayor’s Goodwill Ambassador Scholarship
Sponsored by the City Council of Palmerston North, this scholarship promotes the city as a favorable destination for international students. It provides NZD 1,000 towards the first year’s tuition for students enrolled in vocational, undergraduate, or postgraduate courses, emphasizing the city’s commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for global learners.
These scholarships not only alleviate financial stress but also empower Nepalese students to access world-class education, pursue their academic aspirations, and immerse themselves in New Zealand’s vibrant culture and research opportunities.
February Intake (Primary): Most programs begin in February, making it the main intake for universities and colleges.
July Intake (Secondary): A smaller intake for selected programs.
New Zealand offers favourable job prospects for Nepalese students. Graduates can apply for post-study work visas, and the country periodically highlights skill shortages, making it easier to find employment in those areas. Quality education, work experience opportunities, and networking can enhance job prospects. Proficiency in English is crucial, and familiarity with the New Zealand work culture is essential. Explore diverse job opportunities in sectors like healthcare, IT, engineering, and more, and consider long-term residency options if desired.
The cost of living in New Zealand can vary depending on factors such as location, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Generally, New Zealand is considered to have a moderately high cost of living. Here are some key expenses to consider when estimating the cost of living in New Zealand:
| Expense category | Estimated monthly cost (NZD) |
| Accommodation | 1,200 – 2,500+ |
| Food (Groceries) | 300 – 500 |
| Dining Out | 150 – 300 |
| Transportation (Public) | 150 – 250 |
| Transportation (Car Ownership) | 150 – 250 + additional expenses |
| Healthcare (Basic Public Coverage) | Covered by taxation |
| Private Health Insurance | 50 – 200+ |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Heating) | 150 – 250 |
| Internet | 70 – 100 |
| Education (Tuition and Educational Expenses for International Students) | Varies by institution |
| Entertainment and Leisure | 100 – 300+ |
| Insurance (Rental, Car, etc.) | Varies based on coverage |
| Miscellaneous | 100 – 200+ |
Global Opportunities Nepal envisions a world where Nepalese students have seamless access to the best educational opportunities across the globe. We strive to be the foremost study abroad consultancy, guiding students towards achieving their academic and career ambitions through personalized support and expert advice. Our commitment is to empower the youth of Nepal with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to excel in international environments. By fostering global connections and facilitating access to world-class education, we aim to contribute to the development of a globally competitive and highly skilled workforce, ultimately driving progress and prosperity for Nepal. Global Opportunities Nepal is a leading study abroad consultancy that significantly impacts the lives of Nepalese students by providing comprehensive guidance and support for international education. Global Opportunities Nepal offers personalized counseling to help students identify the best educational institutions that match their academic and career aspirations. This tailored approach ensures that each student receives advice and support that is specific to their needs and goals, making the process of selecting and applying to universities more efficient and less stressful.