The Land of the Long White Cloud aka New Zealand is probably the only country where kiwi is more than just a fruit or a bird. It is no secret that students who choose to study in New Zealand get to have a high-quality education. But the Pacific island nation has so much more to offer.
Stunning views, for example.
New Zealand home to many amazing landscapes where you can go on hikes, do watersports, and observe the wildlife. Although it’s quite a new country, it has a very diverse culture and there are many museums and cultural activities.
If you are wondering what it’s like to study abroad in New Zealand, good news—you have a lot of interesting study options in a one-of-a-kind country!
Should I study abroad in New Zealand?
Picking the right country for study abroad is tricky—there are dozens of choices after all. Choosing to study abroad in New Zealand could be based on whether you find a study abroad program that matches your academic goals. To make sure that you’re choosing the right program for you, don’t forget to take your time to research and read reviews.
On the other hand, you should also think about what your lifestyle will be like in your destination country. What do you want to do in your free time when you’re not studying? If you want to travel to many other countries besides your host country, New Zealand might not be the best option. But if you want to be in an English-speaking country with storybook scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, then it might be the perfect place for you.
8 studying abroad in New Zealand tips
Here’s a tip: Take SO many photos. You’ll want to remember this forever.
1. Learn some practical information before you go.
It never hurts to learn some basics about the country you’re planning to go to. For example, New Zealand has two official languages: English and Māori, the indigenous language.
The indigenous Maori people are actually the reason why New Zealanders have the nickname “kiwi” even today! New Zealand is working to preserve the Māori language and you will be able to discover many aspects of the Māori culture in New Zealand.
Other important information is that the local currency is called the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) and, as of writing, 1 NZD is around 0.60 USD. The academic year is typically from March to October, but you can study abroad in New Zealand pretty much any time of the year. Don’t forget they’re in the Southern Hemisphere—so summer is from December to March!
2. Get ready for high-quality education!
No matter which city you choose to study in New Zealand, you will get a world-class education. The country only has eight universities, but in this case it’s quality over quantity. All these universities are ranked among the top 3% of the universities in the world. They’re well-known for their student-centered teaching style.
Plus, you will be studying in a country that cares about you beyond your grades. New Zealand was the first country in the world that had an international student well-being strategy to make sure that everyone is economically, physically, and mentally well.
3. Get your visa and make a pre-departure checklist.
Take the time to plan so your study abroad experience goes off without a hitch.
If you want to study in New Zealand for more than three months, you will need to get a student visa. Make sure you check what you need to study in New Zealand on their official website as it depends on the length of the program and your country of origin. Don’t forget to check what other kind of documentation you may need in order to travel to New Zealand.
GoAbroad has a pre-departure checklist for study abroad students. You can use it to track things like your packing list, budget and finances, and documents you need before you go.
4. Make the most of the outdoors.
Many people consider New Zealand one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The island nation is home to many national parks, hiking trails, and picturesque beaches.
If you like hiking, you will feel like you’re in paradise in New Zealand. It’s considered one of the best hiking destinations, featuring many gorgeous and well-maintained hiking trails that you can explore with a guide or on your own. Whether you’re a hiking beginner or seasoned trekker, you’ll find a trail perfect for you.
Plus, New Zealand’s scenery is so beautiful that the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed there! (But you knew that already, right?) So you can understand why appreciating the outdoors would rank high on the list of studying abroad in New Zealand tips!
5. Take some time to discover the culture and meet new people.
While studying abroad, you have plenty of time to learn about the country—the culture, the food, and the people. If you’re heading to New Zealand, you’re lucky because Kiwis are known as some of the friendliest people in the world! You will enjoy spotting LOTR scenes, participating in the traditional Kiwi summer BBQ, and learning sweet as New Zealand slang.
You should also take time to book an excursion to a Māori village, like Tamaki in Rotorua. You’ll get to see a Haka dance and try delicious food prepared during Hangi, the traditional Māori feast where food is cooked inside a pit underground.
6. Beware of the weather and climate.
The North Island is mostly mild, but you’ll need to prepare for chilly temps on the South Island.
New Zealanders say that in New Zealand you have four seasons in one day. The weather in New Zealand is very unpredictable and it would be best to pack accordingly, especially considering their seasons are opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere.
Make sure to pack a raincoat. The North Island mostly gets rain during the autumn and winter, with little to no snow. If you’re considering being based in a city on the South Island, like Dunedin or Queenstown, you’ll need to pack warm clothes for every season except summer.
7. Decide when you want to study abroad in New Zealand (you have options!)
You can study abroad in New Zealand during high school or during college. Or, if you’re not after school credit, you can consider spending a whole gap year in New Zealand on a working holiday visa after you graduate! You’ll effectively get paid to travel this incredible country. There are many different study abroad programs in New Zealand to choose from for any stage of your education.
8. New Zealand is safe but still be careful.
New Zealand ranked second on the 2022 Global Peace Index, meaning it’s exceedingly safe for every type of traveler. With low crime rates, many people agree that New Zealand is one of the safest countries to travel in the world, making it an ideal and easy destination if you’re a first-time traveler.
That said, it’s still recommended to keep in mind some basics about how to stay safe while studying abroad. Nowhere is completely immune to danger.
Get matched with 5 study abroad programs in New Zealand for FREE
Are there disadvantages of studying in New Zealand?
You’ll find yourself never wanting to leave. Is that a disadvantage?
Naturally, studying abroad in New Zealand isn’t completely perfect! (It’s pretty close though, trust us.) There are a couple disadvantages to consider, which could be deal breakers for some students.
It’s far away.
New Zealand is located far away from many other countries in the world and is relatively isolated. A flight from the US or from Europe to New Zealand will take up to 14 hours or more and it’s likely to be very costly. The closest country, Australia is a three-hour flight away.
One of the disadvantages of studying in New Zealand is that you might not be able to travel to many other countries if that’s something you’re interested in doing while studying abroad. Thankfully, there is a lot to do in New Zealand and you can take your time to explore the country.
Education can be expensive.
Tuition fees in New Zealand are higher for international students and it may not be possible to get a student loan through your provider at home. Rent can also be quite high (some of the most expensive in the world), especially in big cities such as Auckland and Wellington.
You can check out public or private student accommodation—it might be cheaper and more convenient than if you were to rent a flat on your own.
Our best advice? Go study abroad in New Zealand!
Listen carefully: You. Will. Never. Regret. It.
Studying abroad is a unique experience that will not only boost your resume but also broaden your horizons. This is true for any place in the world, including New Zealand. Don’t forget, the best way to find out what it’s like to study abroad in New Zealand is to go for it! If you want to live in a Pacific paradise, meet friendly people, and enjoy the outdoors, New Zealand is the place to be.
Explore ALL Study Abroad Programs in New Zealand on GoAbroad.com
Look for the Perfect Study Abroad Program Now
Start Your Search
