Land, sea & sustainability
Agriculture, veterinary science, forestry and environmental research draw on the country’s distinctive ecosystems and primary industries.
The destination edit / NZ
Study in
New Zealand.
Think independently. Go further.
Why study here
What New Zealand is known for
Discover research-led teaching with particular strengths in agriculture, environmental science, engineering and health in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Independent, research-led learning
Universities combine academic foundations with projects and research. Programme size and teaching style vary by institution.
Professional pathways
Engineering, health, technology and business offer applied options. Regulated professions require local recognition or registration.
Your academic pathway
Usually 3–4 years
Bachelor’s degrees commonly take three years; honours and professional qualifications may take four or more. Foundation routes support applicants who need academic preparation.
Typical entry requirements
An accepted secondary-school qualification, relevant subjects and English proficiency. Professional courses may add interviews, portfolios or health checks.
From course to career
10 career pathways worth exploring
An editorial shortlist across technology, health, engineering and business—not an official ranking of the ten most in-demand jobs. These are occupation-wide earnings, not placement or graduate salary promises.
SEEK salaries · Hays NZ jobs report
Salary snapshot: Oct 2026 · Hays 2026 outlook10 of 10 careers · NZD / year · before tax
Career & bachelor’s courseAnnual salary rangeEmployment outlook
01
Software engineer
Computer science / software engineering
02
Data scientist
Statistics / computer science
Employment outlook
Not separately forecast; the report highlights specialist technology hiring.
Outlook source03
Cybersecurity analyst
Cybersecurity / computing
Employment outlook
Cybersecurity specialists are highlighted as in demand across industries.
Outlook source04
Registered nurse
Nursing + professional registration
Employment outlook
Registered nurses are highlighted as in demand; local registration required.
Outlook source05
Civil engineer
Civil engineering
06
Mechanical engineer
Mechanical engineering
Employment outlook
Role not separately forecast; engineering demand varies by specialism.
Outlook source07
Electrical engineer
Electrical / electronic engineering
Employment outlook
Grid engineering is a highlighted demand area; other specialisms vary.
Outlook source08
Accountant
Accounting / commerce
09
Business analyst
Business / information systems
Employment outlook
Not separately forecast; opportunities depend on transformation projects.
Outlook source10
Construction manager
Construction management / engineering
Employment outlook
Role not separately forecast; infrastructure activity is a demand driver.
Outlook sourceSEEK’s typical advertised full-time annual salary ranges, not guaranteed graduate salaries. Outlook uses Hays’ qualitative 2026 sector commentary; roles not separately covered are explicitly identified. Not a national statistical forecast. Pay varies by city, experience, employer and registration. Admission, work authorisation and professional licensing are separate requirements.
Places to make your mark
Five leading universities
The country’s five highest-ranked institutions in the QS World University Rankings 2026 edition. Overall rankings—not subject rankings or an admissions guarantee.
QS 2026 rankings
University of Auckland
Auckland
Engineering, medicine & business
#65QS 2026 · global
University of Otago
Dunedin
Health sciences, dentistry & research
#197QS 2026 · global
Massey University
Palmerston North, Auckland & Wellington
Agriculture, veterinary science & design
#230QS 2026 · global
Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington
Law, public policy & humanities
#240QS 2026 · global
University of Canterbury
Christchurch
Engineering, education & sciences
#261QS 2026 · globalUniversity names and marks identify their respective institutions. No partnership or endorsement is implied. Course availability, fees and entry criteria must be checked with each university.
Arrive prepared
Your student visa essentials
Fee Paying Student Visa
Immigration New Zealand · Reviewed 8 October 2026
Admission & genuine intentions
An offer of place from an approved education provider is required. Meet health, character and genuine-intention requirements, and hold acceptable medical/travel insurance as required by your visa.
Official sourceFinancial evidence
For tertiary study, show NZD 20,000 per year (or NZD 1,667 per month for courses shorter than a year) for living costs, plus tuition and outward travel. Funds, sponsorship or financial undertakings must meet INZ requirements.
Official sourceWork during study
Eligible student visas may permit up to 25 hours per week and full-time work during qualifying holidays. Your eVisa conditions control; older 20-hour conditions do not automatically change. Research master’s and doctoral students have different work provisions.
Official sourceAfter graduation
Eligible graduates may receive a Post Study Work Visa for up to 3 years, depending on qualification and study completed. Non-degree level 7 or lower qualifications must meet specific eligibility and related-work rules. Check current settings before choosing a course.
Official sourceDocuments to prepare
0 of 8 prepared
General planning information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules, funds and evidence can change and depend on nationality, age, programme and personal circumstances. The responsible authority’s current instructions take priority. Neither admission nor a visa guarantees employment, residence or an immigration outcome.
Your next chapter
Let’s build your New Zealand shortlist.
A course that fits your goals. A university that fits your profile. A plan for what comes next.
Editorial review: 8 October 2026. This guide is a dated research snapshot, not a live salary or immigration feed. Salary, career, ranking and visa sources are linked beside the relevant information. Universities and official authorities publish the final requirements.