Study in New Zealand for Sri Lankan Students

Thinking of studying in New Zealand! It's the perfect place to achieve your dream career.New Zealand offers an exceptional environment with globally recognised institutions if you're considering pursuing higher education abroad.The University of Auckland leads the nation, ranking 65th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence.Other notable universities include the University of Otago, University of Waikato, Massey University, and Victoria University of Wellington, all offering diverse programs tailored to your aspirations.

Beyond academics, New Zealand provides a welcoming environment with diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes, enhancing your educational experience so you’ll feel supported from day one.Post-study work opportunities further enrich your career prospects, allowing you to gain valuable international experience.At AECC, our New Zealand education consultants are here to make your study abroad journey smooth and stress-free.

New Zealand offers a transformative educational experience, combining academic excellence, cultural immersion, and global career opportunities. With a strong focus on research, innovation, and real-world application, studying in New Zealand universities sets you up for success in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re aiming for a business, engineering, healthcare, or IT degree, you’ll find study abroad programs in New Zealand tailored to your career aspirations.

Here’s why you should consider it:

• World-Class Education System

New Zealand’s universities rank among the top 500 globally, making it ideal to study in New Zealand.Institutions like the University of Auckland (65th in QS 2025) and the University of Otago (214th) deliver globally recognised degrees.The education system follows the British model, ensuring high academic standards while focusing on practical learning, research, and industry collaboration.

With small class sizes and interactive teaching methods, you’ll develop critical thinking, and leadership skills when you study in New Zealand, giving you a competitive edge.The British-influenced system emphasises innovation and career-driven education, making it highly attractive for international students.

• Top Universities in New Zealand & Programs

New Zealand has eight prestigious universities, all providing outstanding education and strong employment prospects. Some of the top universities in New Zealand include:University of Auckland – Ranked 87th globally, excelling in Engineering, Business, and Health Sciences.Victoria University of Wellington – Top 1% globally for teaching in 19 disciplines.University of Waikato – Renowned for Education, Social Sciences, and Indigenous Studies.With high graduate employability rates, New Zealand universities prepare you for a successful career, ensuring you graduate with in-demand skills and professional experience.

• Safe & Inclusive Environment

New Zealand is ranked the 2nd safest country in the world (Global Peace Index 2023), making it one of the most secure study destinations.

You’ll experience a welcoming, multicultural society where international students are valued and supported.Living in New Zealand as a student offers access to student-friendly housing, public transport, and healthcare.Universities also provide mental health support, career mentorship, and inclusive policies, ensuring a comfortable and enriching study experience.

• Work While You Study

Studying in New Zealand gives you the flexibility to work while pursuing your education, making it easier to support yourself financially.

Work 20 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during breaks.Gain valuable work experience in sectors like retail, hospitality, administration, and tech.

After graduation, you can apply for a three-year post-study work visa in New Zealand.Many students transition to permanent residency (PR) pathways through the country’s skilled migration programs.

• Affordable Tuition & Scholarships

New Zealand provides a high return on investment for international students. It also offers affordable tuition fees, making it an excellent choice for Sri Lankan students.

Compared to other top study destinations, the tuition cost of studying in New Zealand is relatively lower while still providing a world-class education.

On average, undergraduate programs start at NZD 22,000 annually, while postgraduate programs range between NZD 25,000- 40,000 per year, depending on the university and course.

To support international students who study in New Zealand, New Zealand offers various scholarships that help reduce educational expenses.Merit-based scholarships, such as the New Zealand Excellence Awards, provide financial assistance of up to NZD 10,000, making it easier to manage tuition fees.

Many top-ranked universities also offer scholarship opportunities based on academic performance, leadership qualities, and extracurricular achievements.

AECC’s expert counsellors can help you explore the best Scholarships in New Zealand for international students, ensuring you find financial support tailored to your needs.

• High Quality of Life

Beyond its world-class universities, New Zealand is recognised for its exceptional quality of life, making it a fantastic place to study in New Zealand.Ranked 8th in the Human Development Index (2020), New Zealand offers top-tier healthcare, and a balanced lifestyle, ensuring you have a stress-free study experience.Whether you prefer the vibrant city life of Auckland, or the serene landscapes of Queenstown and Dunedin, New Zealand provides a supportive and enriching study environment.The country’s student-friendly atmosphere and multicultural society ensure that living in New Zealand as a student is a seamless experience.

New Zealand universities provide career guidance, student mentorship, and mental health resources, helping you transition smoothly into your academic journey.With so many opportunities waiting for you, the proper guidance can make all the difference. AECC’s expert counsellors help you find the best universities, scholarships, and career pathways.Get in touch today for personalised guidance and take the first step toward studying in New Zealand!

When you study in New Zealand, you gain access to globally recognised programs designed to align with industry demands. Universities emphasise practical learning, research, and career-focused training, ensuring you graduate with in-demand skills.

Best courses to study in New Zealand & Why They’re Popular to Study in New Zealand

• Business & Management – Strong demand for finance, marketing, and MBA graduates.
• Information Technology & Computer Science – High-growth fields like AI, cybersecurity, and software development.
• Engineering & Technology – Career-ready civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering programs.
• Health Sciences & Medicine – Practical nursing, pharmacy, and medical research training.
• Agriculture & Environmental Science – New Zealand is a global sustainable farming and conservation leader.

Tuition Fees

• Undergraduate: NZD 20,000 – 40,000 per year
• Postgraduate: NZD 25,000 – 50,000 per year
• Specialised Courses: NZD 50000+ per year

Specialised programs like medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science have higher tuition fees due to intensive coursework and clinical training. With affordable tuition and scholarships, your experience of studying in New Zealand becomes more accessible.Unsure which course suits you? Our New Zealand education consultants analyse your profile to match you with top programs in New Zealand!

When you study in New Zealand, you gain access to world-class universities known for academic excellence, industry collaborations, and cutting-edge research. These institutions offer globally recognised degrees that enhance your career prospects in competitive job markets.

New Zealand’s universities focus on research excellence, and student-focused education, ensuring you receive the best possible academic experience when you study in New Zealand.With affordable tuition, strong post-study work options, and a welcoming environment, New Zealand remains a top destination for international students.

When you choose to study in New Zealand, understanding the cost of living is key to planning your budget effectively. Since tuition fees have already been covered, this guide focuses solely on your living expenses as an international student. Below, you’ll find a clear breakdown of costs.

Total Cost of studying in New Zealand

When calculating your overall budget, it’s important to consider all expenses beyond tuition.On average, international students can expect to spend between NZD 17,980 – 35,020 (LKR 2,517,200 – 4,902,800) per year on living costs, depending on their lifestyle and location.

Managing Your Expenses While Studying in New Zealand

To make your study in New Zealand more affordable, consider working part-time. International students can work 20 hours per week during their studies and full-time during scheduled breaks.Many universities also offer student discounts on meals, transport, and entertainment. Opting for shared housing, and using free campus resources can help you manage your budget.AECC’s expert counsellors can guide you to study in New Zealand by finding budget-friendly accommodation, scholarships, and financial planning tips to ensure a smooth transition.