Best Courses in New Zealand for Indian Students
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Best Courses in New Zealand for Indian Students

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Raj Vimal
Assistant Manager Editorial
Updated on Jul 31, 2025 19:12 IST

Fortifying its position among other international study destinations, New Zealand offers quite a few high-quality courses. These courses range from graduate diploma (bachelor level) to postgraduate diploma level. Some of the top courses in New Zealand for Indian students are available at large at all major levels of study. Business management, medicine, tourism, and engineering are some of the popular courses offered in NZ.

top courses in new zealand

New Zealand is one of the selected study destinations preferred by Indians. A safe environment, a reputed education system, top-ranked universities and ample job opportunities after higher studies attract international students to study in New Zealand. The universities in New Zealand offer courses from different fields. There are certificates, diplomas, graduate diplomas, and undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral-level courses offered in New Zealand.

Some of the most demanding courses in New Zealand are related to engineering, information technology (IT), medical, architecture and law fields. This article will help students who are planning to study in NZ but have limited information about the course options and eligibility. 

Table of content
  • Top Courses in New Zealand
  • Green Occupations List of New Zealand
  • Eligibility to Study in New Zealand
  • Popular Courses Offered by QAG
  • How to Choose the Best Course for Study in New Zealand?

Top Courses in New Zealand

Here’s a lowdown of some of the top courses offered by New Zealand to its international learners after which they would be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa depending upon their level of study:

Graduate Diploma in Information Technology: Level 7

Graduate Diploma in Information Technology -Level 7 includes Project management, systems analysis and design, information technology management, database administration, and E-business strategies. Learners will acquire a sound knowledge of the information technology environment and will be able to apply high level skills within a business organization to advise on the efficient use of IT within the organization.

Course Overview
Total Cost of Studying NZD 18,900 to  NZD 26,440
Intakes November / April / February / July

GDICT (Graduate Diploma in Information and Communications Technology): Level 7

GDICT teaches you professional practice; special topics; and software development endorsement including advanced programming, java mobile and web, advanced database, IT project management etc. This 40-week-long program endows students with focused instruction in Software Development or Computer Networking, as well as covering core aspects of professionalism relating to the ICT industry.

Course Overview
Total Cost of Studying NZD 15,422 to NZD 22,033
Intakes February / July

Graduate Diploma in Animation: Level 7

Graduate Diploma in Animation - Level 7 includes courses in Computer Practical, Video and Sound Design, 3-D modeling, Maya I, Illustration, Typography in Motion, Animation, Maya II. Through the program, students will acquire an advanced level of knowledge and skills in creative animation techniques, advanced knowledge of the principles and processes involved in generating animation and will be able to employ technical understanding in the relevant industry utilized software.

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Course Overview
Total Cost of Studying NZD 18,083 to NZD 24236
Intakes July

Read More: Jobs in New Zealand

Post Graduate Diploma of Computer Graphic Design - Level 8

The program encompasses self-directed research and assigned projects relating to each student's selected area of specialization. Students will be able to develop applied skills and expertise in their chosen area of specialization. They will also gain a computer graphic design qualification which enables a variety of employment opportunities in design and technology.

Course Overview
Total Cost of Studying NZD 18,083 to NZD 24236
Intakes Feb

Read More:

Graduate Diploma in Lab Technology (level 7)

The USP of this program is that it helps with job placements to enhance a student’s employment opportunities. Ideal for Indian science graduates, this industry endorsed qualification opens up gateways for students for a career as a laboratory technician.







Course Overview
Total Cost of Studying NZD 18,690 to NZD 24,236 + NZD 500 (Books)
Intakes Feb

Most of the courses mentioned above are offered by government-owned institutes. So the quality of education provided is assured. However, some private education providers offer some very popular courses at highly competitive rates. For instance, Queens Academic Group (QAG) is an extremely well-known private education provider in New Zealand. 

Green Occupations List of New Zealand

The following is a brief of top courses that are pursued by international students in New Zealand, which are a part of the Green Occupation List, hence helping them in turn by getting a job faster in comparison to other subjects' degree programs:

Green Occupation Job Roles in New Zealand Degree Level Requirements
Construction Related Roles
  • Bachelor's - Engineering / Construction / Engineering & Technology of Level 7
  • Graduate Diploma of Level 7 or,
  • Diploma of Level 6
Engineering Related Roles Bachelor's in Engineering with any relevant specialisations of Level 8
Health & Social Services Roles Registered Practioner registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand
Primary Industries & Science Roles Research Scientists - Degree level of 7
ICT, Electronics & Telecommunications Roles Degree Level of 7 at least

Check: Green List Occupations in New Zealand

Eligibility to Study in New Zealand

Here is course course-wise eligibility to get enroll in the different courses offered by universities in NZ. This is generic eligibility, which can vary for selected courses: 

Course Type Requirements
Undergraduate Degree
  • Completion of 10+2 (Class 12) from a recognized board
  • Minimum 60–70% aggregate (may vary by university and stream)
  • IELTS: Overall 6.0 with no band below 5.5
  • TOEFL iBT: 79+
Other Requirements
  • Some courses may require specific subject prerequisites
Postgraduate Degree (Master’s)
  • Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
  • Minimum 50–60% aggregate depending on the discipline and university
  • IELTS: Overall 6.5 with no band below 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: 90+
Other Requirements
  • GRE/GMAT required for some programs
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation, and CV commonly requested
Postgraduate Diploma
  • Bachelor’s degree or relevant professional qualification
  • IELTS: Overall 6.0 with no band below 5.5
  • TOEFL iBT: 79+
Other Requirements
  • Focus on practical/vocational training; often used for career transitions
  • Some institutions may accept work experience
PhD (Doctoral) Programs
  • Master’s degree or equivalent in a related field (with good academic standing, typically 60%+)
  • Some universities may accept outstanding bachelor’s degree holders
  • IELTS: Overall 6.5–7.0
  • TOEFL iBT: 95+
Other Requirements
  • Research proposal and supervisor approval required
  • Letters of recommendation and CV are mandatory
  • Scholarships or funding applications are often part of the admissions process

Related Read: What is your Preferred Level of Study in New Zealand?

Popular Courses Offered by QAG

Some of the courses offered by QAG (Queen's Academic Group) which are highly popular among Indian students, are:

  • Diploma in Information Technology – Level 7 (BusIT): This two-year program endows business organisations with multi-skilled personnel who are able to contribute significantly to Information Technology strategies and support within the organization.
  • Diploma in Electronics and Telecommunications – Level 7: This two-year program imparts advanced skills in electronic circuitry and telecommunications engineering technology. The program provides complex technical competence in electronic devices, electronic communications technologies such as radio, integrated electronics systems, and software that governs the application of this technology.
  • National Diploma in Engineering – Level 6: This program imparts basic knowledge and skills for a career as an engineering technician in electronics engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or telecommunications.

How to Choose the Best Course for Study in New Zealand?

Some useful tips and information for study abroad aspirants in India aiming for top course admission in New Zealand are as follows:

  • Give yourself some time. Trust your own judgment. Make friends with at least a few Indian students/ residents. They have gone through the same experience as you and will be able to guide you through the initial hiccups.
  • Make genuine efforts to make friends with students from other countries, try and learn their language, know about their culture, etc.
  • Most of the information you need is freely and easily available in New Zealand. Hence, it is not really difficult to get your IRD number, find details of bus routes, rent a room on rent etc.

She adds, “Don’t always concentrate on your studies and work. Make time to go out with your friends - there’s so much to do in NZ - bungy jumping, kayaking, jet boating and whitewater rafting. No matter where you live in New Zealand, you are probably less than an hour from the ocean and less than four hours from a ski field. Which means on the same day you can mountain bike, snowboard and surf! ".

Read related articles about studying in New Zealand:

Feel free to mention any query in the comment section and we will be happy to answer your question. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors

Q:   Is New Zealand good for Indian students?
A:

With a good educational system, excellent quality of life, and a number of research opportunities, New Zealand offers a lot to international students. Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand has a 39 percent population of overseas citizens, making it a culturally diverse city. Moreover, the post-study work visa in New Zealand can offer up to three years of stay back. As per Stats New Zealand, its unemployment rate is 3.4 percent. Students enrolled in a course of 12 months or more can also work part-time in New Zealand for up to 20 hours a week during the semester and holidays.

Q:   How much funds are needed for a New Zealand study visa?
A:

International students need to show sufficient funds for getting a New Zealand student visa. Students need to show NZ$ 20,000 for a full year of study or NZ$ 1,250 per month for getting a New Zealand study visa.

Cost of New Zealand Student Visa Application

  • New Zealand Visa Cost: Students who are submitting their Student Visa Application online are required to pay a base Visa fee of NZD 375 which is INR 19,200 (approximately).
  • Candidates who are applying for their Student Visa online from New Delhi are required to pay NZD 430 which is INR 22,000 (approximately) as the receiving centre fees.
  • Those applying for a student visa in New Zealand on paper (offline mode) should note that the immigration costs would be INR 22,600, in addition to this students are required to pay a receiving Centre fee of INR 1,520.
Q:   How to apply for a New Zealand visa?
A:

To apply for a New Zealand visa:

Applicants should be aware that applying online is the recommended way to submit their New Zealand visa application. 
Gather your documentation, scan it, and prepare all of your primary and supporting papers in PDF format. Ensure you have scanned and attached a photo of yourself. Applicants are advised to check the official website for the embassy's needed picture criteria. 
Depending on the applicant's history, the New Zealand High Commission typically requires 63 calendar days to process a visa. Thus, in order to start their courses, students must apply for their visas at least three months in advance. Finish your online application – You must first register online and complete the form.

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About the Author
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Written by
Raj Vimal
Assistant Manager Editorial
Hi, I am Raj. I help Indian students figure out study abroad without the confusion. For 8+ years, mostly in Ed-Tech, I have written about the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. I cover what peo Read Full Bio
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Comments

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PARDEEP KUMAR

5 years ago

Hello sir, I have completed B.pharmacy in India in 2011, after that I have work experience in medicine marketing field since, now I got offer letter from newzealand in infection and risk management pg diploma. Is it good and relevent to me, and visa chances for that I have 6 overall writing 5.5

Reply to PARDEEP KUMAR

R

Rahul Singha

5 years ago

Hello Pradeep. whether infection and risk management pg diploma is relevant to you or not is something you would have to decide that for yourself. if you have your documents in place and adhere to all the New Zealand visa rules and regulations, getting a student visa should not be a problem. read m

...Read more

R

Ravi Kiran

5 years ago

i did my undergrad in electronics and instrumentation is there any course that i can opt for masters in Newzealand and will it have any scope in the future

Reply to Ravi Kiran

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Rahul Singha

5 years ago

Hello Ravi. follow the links below to get answers to all your queries. Job prospects for Indians who have studied in New Zealand https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/job-prospects-for-indians-who-have-studied-in-new-zealand-articlepage-637 Popular Job Sectors in New Zealand https://studyabroad.shiksh

...Read more

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Jaspreet kaur

5 years ago

I’ve been a hospitality student and i wish to change my field to marketing and digital media i have few certifications and some work experience in digital marketing. should i opt for masters in hospitality because it will be easy or is it possible i can change my field of interest.

Reply to Jaspreet kaur

R

Rahul Singha

5 years ago

Hello Jaspreet. you can change your field to marketing and digital media if you want to. however, you would have to look at the eligibility criteria for getting admissions to the same. do write to us for more information.

J

Jaspreet kaur

5 years ago

Hi, Thanks for the information it was helpful. I have certain questions. i’ve completed my bachelors in tourism studies and i’m looking for masters in new zealand. is it better to do masters or post graduate diploma?

Reply to Jaspreet kaur

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Rahul Singha

5 years ago

Hello Jaspreet. you can check out popular colleges in New Zealand here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/new-zealand whether you should pursue your masters or postgraduate diploma would depend on your ultimate goal.