Mericler Education
Study Destination

Study in New Zealand

Home to the world's most innovative universities and the largest student community.

Book Free Counselling Explore Universities
Education System

New Zealand Student Visa & Education Overview

The USA hosts more international students than any other country — Ivy League prestige, cutting-edge research and unmatched career outcomes across STEM, business and the arts.

8
Universities
115k+
Intl. students
NZD 22–35k
Avg. tuition
Up to 3 yrs
Post-study work
Why New Zealand?

Why Study in New Zealand?

  • Largest selection of universities and programs
  • World-leading research
  • funding Strong STEM-OPT career pathway
  • Vibrant campus life and global alumni networks
  • Pathway to H-1B and long-term immigration

Top Universities

Globally ranked institutions we partner with in New Zealand.

  • Harvard University
  • Stanford University
  • MIT
  • Princeton University
  • Yale University
  • Columbia University
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • Carnegie Mellon University

Popular Courses

In-demand programs with strong career outcomes.

Computer Science Data Analytics MBA Engineering Biotechnology Finance Public Health AI & Machine Learning

Intakes

  • Fall (Main) August / September
  • Spring x Spring January
  • Summer May

Living Cost

$10,000–$18,000 per year. Major metros (NYC, SF, Boston) trend higher; college towns are more affordable.

Work Rights

On-campus work up to 20 hrs/week. CPT during studies and OPT after graduation.

Post-Study Opportunities

Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides 12 months of work authorization, extended by 24 months for STEM graduates — total up to 3 years.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa Requirements
  • I-20 from a SEVP-approved school
  • DS-160 form & SEVIS fee receipt
  • Visa interview at US embassy
  • Proof of financial support
  • Academic transcripts & test scores (SAT/GRE/GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL)
Top Student Cities

Where students love to live in New Zealand

Boston, MA

Home to Harvard and MIT — the academic capital of the US.

New York City

Finance, media, fashion — Columbia and NYU lead the way.

San Francisco Bay

Stanford, Berkeley and Silicon Valley internships.

Los Angeles

UCLA, USC and entertainment industry powerhouse.

Chicago

UChicago and Northwestern — strong business and economics.

Seattle

UW and Amazon/Microsoft co-op opportunities.

Admission Process

Step-by-step to New Zealand

Step 1

Take SAT / GRE / GMAT + TOEFL

Standardized tests required by most US universities.

Step 2

Submit applications via Common App / direct

Essays, LORs and SOPs are critical for admission.

Step 3

Receive I-20 from chosen university

After accepting offer, school issues the SEVIS I-20.

Step 4

F-1 visa interview at US embassy

DS-160, SEVIS fee and document verification.

Scholarships

Funding opportunities in New Zealand

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Prestigious fully-funded master's and PhD scholarship.

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation

Up to $100,000 for top US institutions.

AAUW International Fellowships

For women pursuing graduate study in the US.

University Assistantships

TA/RA positions covering tuition + stipend at most schools.

Ready to begin your New Zealand journey?

Free counselling, university shortlisting, application and visa — all under one roof.

Talk to a counsellor