Study In New Zealand For Bhutanese Students
Why Study in New Zealand?
New Zealand provides a world-class education system, globally recognized qualifications, unforgettable experiences, and welcoming natives. The natural beauty, incredible landscapes, and picturesque coastlines of New Zealand make studying here a beautiful experience for international students.The New Zealand education system is closely monitored and regulated by the government. The country’s practical training approach and hand on learning to inculcate real-world skills and offer global opportunities.
The student will learn English language abilities to become effective in multiculturalism and survive in a challenging atmosphere. So, Ritam Global offers its services to study in New Zealand for Bhutanese students and ensures they are highly qualified in the international job market. Besides this, the other crucial reason to study in New Zealand is:

Globally Recognized Qualifications
It is no secret that nine out of ten New Zealand universities are ranked high in the world’s top universities by QS World and Times Higher Education. Any education from these universities is accredited globally and opens doors to the international market. Also, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) ensures that universities are registered to enroll international students and comply with qualification regulations.

Easy Access to Visa and Work Permits
New Zealand allows students to work while studying in full-time programs at top universities. Also, the student can stay in the country for one year even after graduation. Those students who are working with recruiters in similar fields their degree are allowed to work in New Zealand for two years, and after that, they can apply for permanent residency.

Quality Learning Experience
New Zealand’s university education system is research-based and follows the British education model. There are a lot of similarities between the two systems, so it becomes easier for the Bhutanese student to grab it quickly. The professors are researchers, and it ensures a high–quality learning experience.
Education System in New Zealand
The education in New Zealand is diverse and considered one of the best places in the world. It maintains its excellent literacy, science, and maths standards and is constantly ranked in global standards. The education in New Zealand for Bhutanese students is highly influenced by substantial employment opportunities and high–quality learning experiences from the best experts.
The New Zealand education for international students is categorized into five stages:
1. Primary Education
In primary education, kids from the age of 6 to 16 will enroll, and the education is mandatory for this age group. Also, education in New Zealand is free at this stage. Sometimes the student enters primary education at age five and remains for 6 years.
2. Middle Education
Primary education will merge into the middle level in different ways. For classes 7 and 8, the children stay in their primary school, and they finish these two years at bridging intermediate school (stream A). Or they will go directly to junior secondary school and spend four years (stream B).
3. Secondary Education
Stream “a” students complete their final five years in secondary schools. Stream “b” students spend the last three at senior secondary. This composite model was designed to cater to the different structural capacities in urban and rural areas.
4. Vocational Education
Under the Industry Training Act, nearly 40 industry-training organizations are available in New Zealand—a unique combination of government funding and industry and trade funds contributions. The capacity blocks are purchased in advance from accredited service providers. In many cases, the actual training takes place on-site. The outputs include both apprenticeships and retraining for adults.
5. Tertiary Education
The higher education in New Zealand is well–endowed with a combination of 8 colleges and teacher training institutes. In addition to that, various private universities fill the gap in the state system.
Top-Ranked Universities In New Zealand For Higher Education
The degrees conferred by New Zealand’s institutions have high credibility across the world and have numerous accreditations from various organisations. So, here is a list of top universities in New Zealand for international students.
1. University of Auckland
The University of Auckland has over 40,000 students enrolled in graduate programs. The university was founded in 1883. The university has six campuses, a laboratory, and a science center. The university’s vision is to be internationally recognized for its unique contribution toward fair, ethical, and sustainable societies by 2030. It is also committed to sustainability in its research, teaching, learning, operational practices, partnerships, and capacity building. It also focuses on creativity, collaboration, equity, and diversity.
2. University of Waikato
The University of Waikato, located in Hamilton, has more than ten schools and seven research institutions. The university is known for its Management and Engineering programs. The university has seven faculties, divided into various disciplines: Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Maori and Indigenous Studies, Arts and Social Sciences and Law.
3. University of Otago
The University of Otago is a New Zealand-based research-intensive institution located in Dunedin. The University of Otago was founded in 1869 and is ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide. The university boasts a high employability rate; 95% of graduates find employment directly or continue their studies. The university has won the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching for six consecutive years. Students can benefit from New Zealand lecturers and professors while studying at this University.
These are some of the best New Zealand universities for Bhutanese students that can enroll.
Trending Courses to Study in New Zealand
Different and best courses in New Zealand for Bhutanese students are offered by recognized universities for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The student can enroll for study courses in New Zealand as per their qualifications and interests.
Here are some of the top-notch New Zealand courses for international students that you can consider for your next academic investment:
- Business management
- Computer Science and IT
- Agriculture
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Healthcare
- Art and design
- Business studies
- Engineering forestry
- Business management
Available Intakes for Studying in New Zealand
The actual admission date is varied as per the university, but there are primarily two study intakes in New Zealand. Aspiring students should familiarize themselves with New Zealand university intake and start their admission process. There are two significant intakes; it is also called two semesters.
Intakes | Offered Programs |
January (Feb to June) | Undergraduate and postgraduate in a
University |
July (July to November) | Vocational courses in institutes and colleges |
January/February Intake:
The January/February university intake in New Zealand is different, known as the January semester. Generally, the January semester starts at the beginning of the year. So, if any student wants to apply for the January intake, it would be best to apply to the universities that provide the January semester before November.
July Intake:
It is one the most popular intakes among all other intakes in New Zealand. Most international students enroll in the July intake at their dream university. It is also called the spring semester. International students who want to study undergraduate or postgraduate in New Zealand will have to wait, on average, for nearly a full year. The application for any degree program, whether undergraduate, postgraduate, or short-term, must be submitted by April or May.
Top Scholarships Available for Bhutanese Students to Study in New Zealand
With quality education and a standard of living, the country offers different scholarships for international students in New Zealand. The scholarship will cover tuition fees, traveling tickets, and living expenses.
There is a list of scholarships in New Zealand for Bhutanese students that you should acknowledge:
1. University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship
The scholarship was created to encourage internationalization, promote educational opportunities, and support talented students from around the world who enroll in the foundation, undergraduate or postgraduate programs at the University of Waikato for the first.
2. New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships
Members of the Commonwealth are permitted to grant scholarships and fellowships to residents of other Commonwealth nations under the following plan. The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) was created at the first Commonwealth Education Conference in 1959. It is reviewed at triennial meetings by education ministers – it is the only scholarship program in the world that receives such high-level acknowledgment.
3. University of Canterbury Undergraduate International Scholars
The University Of Canterbury First Year International Scholarships recognizes and supports outstanding international students beginning an undergraduate degree program at the University of Canterbury.
New Zealand's Most Popular Study Destinations
Regardless of the university you enroll in, it complies with global standards and is frequently monitored by the government to maintain quality education. There are various best places to study in New Zealand for international students.
Along with quality institutions, there are many best cities to study in New Zealand, which attracts many students due to its easy accessibility and living cost. Some of them are:
- Auckland
- Christchurch
- Wellington
- Invercargill
- Dunedin
- Palmerston North
- Hamilton
Education Cost To Study In New Zealand
The cost of studying in New Zealand for Bhutanese students will depend on your choice of university or school and the type of qualification. New Zealand has many high-ranking colleges and universities, each with its fee structure. Usually study costs in New Zealand for international students will usually vary from NZ$ 22,000 to NZ$ 35,000 per year (indicative).
Humanities, education, and art courses are cheaper than subjects like medicine and engineering.
Postgraduate tuition fees can be higher and vary according to the program. MBA programs tend to be the most expensive in most countries. On average, New Zealand education costs are between NZ$ 31,000 and $50,000 (indicative).
Study Program | Annual fees |
Undergraduate degree | $20,500 – $25,000 annually |
Master’s degree | $19,000 – $29,000 annually |
Doctoral degree | $6,500 – $9,000 annually |
MBA | $31,000 – $50, 000 annually |
Exploring the Living Costs in New Zealand
The living cost in New Zealand for international students is affected by many factors, including your lifestyle and where you live. The average cost of living in New Zealand is between NZ$ 13 000 and NZ$ 16 000 per academic year.
Below we highlight the cost of living in New Zealand for Bhutanese students, but it varies from person to person.
Expenses | Monthly Expenses |
Accommodation | NZ$ 800 to NZ$ 950 |
Food | NZ$ 20 to NZ$ 30 |
Transportation | NZ$ 10 to NZ$ 30 |
Personal Expense | NZ$ 150 |
Visiting to Doctor | NZ$ 45 to NZ$ 85 |
New Zealand allows students to study there, but you must first obtain a Student Visa. You will need a visa depending on what type of studies you plan to do and how long your stay will be in New Zealand. Be sure you comply with New Zealand study visa requirements for Bhutanese students before you apply for a visa.
Visa Requirements for Bhutanese Students to Study in New Zealand
The New Zealand visa requirements for international students are:
- A valid passport
- Travel History Documents
- Two passport-sized photographs
- The New Zealand Qualifications Authority verifies the University’s letter of acceptance
- The essential academic transcripts, such as diplomas and degrees
- Fill out the Study Visa Application Form
- Payment of New Zealand student visa fees
- Payment of tuition fees
You may need to show proof that you have funds of at least NZ$15,000 for a whole year’s study, which includes:
- Bank Statements
- The letter will promise to cover your accommodation and living costs.
- If you have any scholarship certificates, please let us know.
- Police clearance certificate showing a spotless criminal history
- An x-ray will show you don’t have Tuberculosis
- Complete health examination report
- Please include a letter of work experience (if applicable)
- Statement of Purpose
Why Ritam Global Bhutan Is Your Best Choice for Studying In New Zealand
Ritam Global has been helping as educational consultants in Bhutan to students who want to study abroad in their quest for quality overseas education for almost a decade. We used digital platforms to the fullest extent to eliminate the distance between us, our students, and the world. Ritam Global is committed to developing educational technology and infrastructure for students. We offer a one-stop solution for your international study requirements.
We are the best Bhutan international education consultancy and are well-versed in education opportunities worldwide. Our main activity is to help students make the best choice when studying in overseas educational institutions.