Kia Ora India — What It Is and Why It Matters

In early 2026, Education New Zealand (ENZ) — the New Zealand government’s education promotion agency — brought its entire education ecosystem to India through a multi-city roadshow called Kia Ora India. This is ENZ’s flagship initiative for India and the largest coordinated effort New Zealand has ever made to engage directly with Indian students and families.

The series visited multiple Indian cities — bringing all 8 New Zealand universities, government-funded Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs), and private training establishments together under one roof. Participating institutions included: University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, University of Waikato, Victoria University of Wellington, Massey University, University of Otago, University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, Wintec, NMIT, NZSEG, Whitireia and WelTec, Whitecliffe College, UP Education, ATMC, Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand, and ICA.

ENZ Director of Engagement for East Asia and India Jugnu Roy noted that Indian students and parents are looking for education that is academically strong, practically focused, and delivered in a safe and welcoming environment — and New Zealand’s system aligns directly with all three.

Why 2026 is a Turning Point for Indian Students in New Zealand

Change 1 — India Added to LQEA List (23 June 2025)

Immigration New Zealand added India to its List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA). Eligible Indian degree holders no longer need to pay for an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) through NZQA when applying for skilled visas or Green List pathways after graduation. The IQA previously cost approximately ₹21,500 (NZD 400) and added weeks of processing time. Check your specific qualification at the Immigration New Zealand LQEA tool.

Change 2 — Work Rights Increased to 25 Hours Per Week (3 November 2025)

Eligible tertiary students can now work up to 25 hours per week during semester — up from 20 hours. At New Zealand’s minimum wage of NZD 23.15 per hour (April 2026), working 25 hours per week during a 30-week teaching year generates approximately NZD 17,363 (around ₹9.4 lakhs) before tax annually. No separate work permit is required — your student visa covers this.

Change 3 — India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Signed

The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement was signed in New Delhi — signalling a new era in the relationship. Closer economic ties mean more job opportunities for graduates in both countries, stronger industry partnerships, and a more welcoming policy environment for Indian talent in New Zealand’s workforce.

All 8 New Zealand Universities — With Application Links

All eight New Zealand universities are publicly funded, internationally accredited, and ranked in the global top 3% by QS World University Rankings 2026. Here is what each offers Indian students — with direct links to apply:

University 1

University of Auckland — QS #65 (2026)

New Zealand’s highest ranked university and largest research institution. Located in the heart of Auckland — New Zealand’s biggest city and economic hub. Strongest in Engineering, Business, Law, Health Sciences, Computer Science, and Arts. Part of the Universitas 21 network. Has one of the largest Indian student communities in New Zealand.

Tuition fees: NZD 37,000–55,000/year for most programmes
Apply: www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/applying-to-auckland.html

University 2

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

New Zealand’s most industry-connected university, known for applied, practical education and strong employment outcomes. Best for Business, IT, Engineering, Health Sciences, Hospitality and Tourism, Design, and Communication. AUT graduates are consistently among the most work-ready in New Zealand.

Tuition fees: NZD 29,000–44,000/year
Apply: www.aut.ac.nz/study-at-aut/apply-to-aut

University 3

University of Waikato — QS #301–350 (2026) · Hamilton

Strong in Management, Law, Computing, Sciences, and Social Sciences. More affordable than Auckland with significantly lower living costs in Hamilton. Known for strong postgraduate research programmes and a welcoming student community. Hamilton is a growing university city with a large Indian community.

Tuition fees: NZD 32,000–40,000/year
Apply: www.waikato.ac.nz/study/apply

University 4

Victoria University of Wellington (Te Herenga Waka) — QS #226 (2026)

New Zealand’s capital city university, located minutes from government, parliament, and the public service district. Strongest in Law, Architecture, Design, Political Science, International Relations, and Humanities. Ideal for students interested in public policy, international affairs, and law. Wellington is one of New Zealand’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities.

Tuition fees: NZD 30,000–45,000/year
Apply: www.wgtn.ac.nz/study/apply

University 5

Massey University — QS #230 (2026) · Auckland, Wellington, Palmerston North

New Zealand’s largest university by student numbers with campuses in three cities. Best known for Business and Management, Agriculture and Food Science, Aviation, Design, Engineering Technology, and Veterinary Science. Massey is the only New Zealand university offering Aviation programmes and the only one with a Veterinary Science school. Distance learning options available.

Tuition fees: NZD 28,000–42,000/year
Apply: www.massey.ac.nz/apply

University 6

University of Otago — QS #197 (2026) · Dunedin

New Zealand’s oldest university, founded in 1869. Internationally renowned for Health Sciences — Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Physiotherapy. Also strong in Sciences, Law, Commerce, and Humanities. Dunedin is New Zealand’s beloved university city — affordable, vibrant, and student-centred. Strong research output and clinical training. Indian students with aspirations in healthcare consistently target Otago.

Tuition fees: NZD 29,000–46,000/year (Medicine significantly higher)
Apply: www.otago.ac.nz/study/applying

University 7

University of Canterbury — QS #261 (2026) · Christchurch

New Zealand’s second largest university with a strong engineering and sciences research tradition. Strongest in Engineering, Sciences, Business, Arts, and Education. Christchurch is New Zealand’s most modern and liveable student city — rebuilt after the 2011 earthquake and now one of the most affordable major cities in New Zealand for students.

Tuition fees: NZD 28,000–42,000/year
Apply: www.canterbury.ac.nz/study/apply-to-uc

University 8

Lincoln University — Canterbury

New Zealand’s specialist land-based university and world leader in Agriculture, Food Science, Environmental Management, Agribusiness, and Landscape Architecture. Small, focused campus near Christchurch with a tight-knit international student community. Ideal for students targeting careers in sustainable agriculture, food systems, or environmental science — all Green List occupations with strong global demand.

Tuition fees: NZD 27,000–38,000/year
Apply: www.lincoln.ac.nz/study/applications-and-enrolment/how-to-apply

Tuition Fees and Living Costs — 2026

Scholarships for Indian Students in New Zealand 2026

Scholarship 1 — New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)

Specifically for Indian Students

Funded jointly by ENZ and New Zealand universities. Awards 28 scholarships for postgraduate programmes worth NZD 5,000 each and 3 undergraduate scholarships worth NZD 10,000 each — specifically for Indian students. Deadlines typically March and August for the following intake.

Apply at: enz.govt.nz/scholarships

Scholarship 2 — Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

New Zealand Government — Fully Funded

New Zealand Government scholarships for students from developing countries including India. Covers full tuition fees, living allowance, and return airfare. Highly competitive — awarded on academic merit and development relevance. Minimum GPA of 3.0+ and English proficiency required.

Apply at: www.mfat.govt.nz/en/aid-and-development/scholarships/manaaki-new-zealand-scholarships

Scholarship 3 — New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)

PhD — Full Tuition + NZD 25,000/year Living Stipend

Government-funded PhD scholarships covering full tuition fees, a living stipend of up to NZD 25,000 per year (tax-free), and health insurance coverage of up to NZD 600 annually — for three years. Indian students are eligible. Extremely competitive.

Apply at: enz.govt.nz/scholarships/nzidrs

Scholarship 4 — Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)

For Indian students pursuing Master’s or PhD in New Zealand. Covers full tuition, weekly living allowance of NZD 491, travel, health insurance, and a NZD 3,000 establishment allowance.

Apply at: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/apply

Scholarship 5 — University-Specific Scholarships

All 8 universities offer their own merit-based partial scholarships for international students — many automatically considered at admission with no separate application. University of Auckland and AUT have the largest scholarship funds. Check each university’s international admissions portal (links above) for current available scholarships.

New Zealand Student Visa — Complete Process for Indians

All Indian students need a New Zealand Student Visa to study for more than 3 months. Apply online at immigration.govt.nz. Apply at least 3 months before your course start date.

Work Rights During and After Study

New Zealand 2026 — Complete Quick Reference