Schools in New Zealand
Schools in New Zealand
Students can study in Auckland, the country’s largest city, which combines urban energy with harbourside living. Or choose Nelson, a smaller city known for its creative scene and sunshine. Both locations offer high-quality English programs and plenty of opportunities to practise English in daily life.
New Zealand is an excellent option for those who want space, calm, and a strong sense of community while building their language skills.
Language schools in New Zealand
Languages International
Nelson English Centre
Types of visas
Types of Visas in New Zealand for All International Students
The New Zealand student visa system is flexible, with three main pathways for students based on their goals and length of stay.
Table: A quick comparison of visa options for international students in New Zealand.
Visa Pathway | Best For | Work Rights | Study Limit |
NZeTA (Visa Waiver) | Short “Study Holidays” (less than 3 months) | No. | Max 3 months. |
Fee Paying Student Visa | Long-term study (longer than 3 months) | Yes (Part-time). 20 hours/week. | No limit. |
Working Holiday Visa | Work & Travel | Yes (Full-time). | Up to 6 months. |
Short-Term Study (Less than 3 Months): NZeTA
For short courses, citizens from visa-waiver countries (like Japan, South Korea, and Italy) do not need a visa; you just need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
This is the fastest and easiest route, perfect for a short “study holiday.” You can find an updated list of visa-waiver countries on New Zealand’s Immigration website.
Long-Term Study (Longer than 14 weeks): Fee Paying Student Visa
For courses longer than 3 months, you usually need a Fee Paying Student Visa. To work part-time (20 hours/week) on this visa, your course must be at least 14 weeks long and provided by a Category 1 (High Quality) school. Go! Go! English only partners with Category 1 providers to ensure you are eligible for these rights.
Work and Study: Working Holiday Scheme (WHS)
The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa is an excellent option for young people (18-30) from Japan, South Korea, and Italy. This is a key selling point. This visa allows you to work full-time and, unlike Australia’s, permits you to study for up to 6 months. This is a big advantage for New Zealand compared to Australia and other countries.
Always check the official rules at the Immigration New Zealand website.
Cost of living
Cost of Studying and Living in New Zealand for International Students
New Zealand provides a high quality of life, but budgeting is essential. The cost of studying in New Zealand includes tuition plus a government-mandated living fund of NZD $20,000 per year (approx. NZD $1,667 per month).
Estimated Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary by institution, with universities in New Zealand being the most expensive. Below are estimated annual fees for international students. English schools in New Zealand are typically billed weekly.
| Type of School | Estimated Tuition Fee (NZD) | Estimated Tuition Fee (JPY) |
| English Language Schools | $350 – $450 per week | |
| Elementary Schools | $15,000 per year | |
| High Schools | $17,000 – $25,000 per year | |
| Universities | $30,000 – $45,000 per year | |
| Vocational Schools (College) | $20,000 – $25,000 per year |
Note:
Fees are estimates and vary by institution and program.
Estimated Cost of Living
Below is a typical monthly budget for a student in a major city like Auckland.
|
Expense Category |
Estimated Monthly Cost (NZD) |
Estimated Monthly Cost (JPY) |
|
Accommodation (Shared) |
$800 – $1,200 |
|
|
Food & Groceries |
$400 – $600 |
|
|
Transport (Public) |
$150 – $220 |
|
|
Utilities & Phone |
$200 – $300 |
|
|
Total Estimated Monthly |
$1,550 – $2,320 |
Work rights
Working While Studying in New Zealand for International Students
You can work while studying New Zealand, which is a great way to gain experience and help with the high cost of living. You can work 20 hours per week if you study full-time for at least 14 weeks at a Category 1 School.
The rules depend on the visa you hold.
Visa / Student Type | Work Rules | Study Limit |
Short-Term (NZeTA) | No. Not permitted. | Must be 3 months or less. |
Fee Paying Student Visa | Yes (Part-time). 20 hours/week. | Must be on a course > 3 months. |
Working Holiday Visa | Yes (Full-time). | Can study up to 6 months. |
Important
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) visa does not allow you to work.
The Post-Study Work Availability in New Zealand
A New Zealand student visa for an English course does not make you eligible for a Post Study Work Visa.
This pathway is only open to students who complete a formal, eligible qualification (like a degree or diploma) on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. The English course is the first step to help you meet the entry requirements for that degree program.
The “Category 1” Schools in New Zealand
The “Category 1” schools in New Zealand are schools rated ‘Excellent’ by the NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority). Studying at a Category 1 school is often a requirement to get part-time work rights on a student visa and guarantee you the highest chances to get a student visa. We only partner with Category 1 Schools.
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LIVE AND LEARN
Cities you can study in New Zealand
Your Path to Studying Abroad
How Go! Go! English Helps You Study Abroad
We’re with you from the first question to your first day abroad. Ready to start your own study abroad journey? Contact us today.
Go! Go! English
Go! Go! English Live and Study Abroad!
Go! Go! English was launched to help people from all over the world fulfill their dreams of living abroad. We do this by helping them choose and enroll in the right school, apply for their student visa, find accommodation, and any other services needed to settle into their lives abroad. We partner with different types of schools; English language schools, universities, Vocational Colleges and high schools.
