Study in New Zealand for Indonesian Students

New Zealand's education system is one of the most diverse and best in the world and consistently ranks well by global standards. The country's progressive, responsive education system combines traditional teaching principles with innovation and technology, culminating in globally recognised and respected qualifications. Apart from its natural beauty, New Zealand is also home to many world-standard schools and universities and offers a safe and relaxed environment with abundant activities that international students can participate in after class.

Classroom sizes in New Zealand universities are often smaller than other western countries, allowing students to have more personalised attention from students. In addition, the support for international students goes even further than the classroom, with the New Zealand Government being the first in the world to create a code of practice that outlines a standard of care for international students both in the classroom and outside of it.

New Zealand is home to a world-class education system, with high quality education attracting international students from all around the globe.

New Zealand's universities are renowned for their high academic standards and strong research focus, ensuring you receive a quality education that's valued by employers worldwide. All eight of its universities consistently rank in global university rankings, such as the QS World University Rankings, reflecting their commitment to academic excellence and research impact.

You can explore a full list of top universities in New Zealand that continue to attract Indonesian students seeking quality education and global exposure.

If you aim to study in New Zealand, it is helpful to understand New Zealand's academic intake period in order to time your application appropriately. There are two general intake periods in New Zealand:

January intake

Happening at the beginning of the year, this option is perfect for those who prefer to kick things off first thing in the new year. However, campus may be quieter during this period as the July intake is usually more popular, and there might be limited courses or university options available. However, this means that there is less competition for your application to your preferred course. The application deadline for this intake typically close between August and September of the preceding year, so aim to submit your application by then to secure your spot.

July intake

The July intake, also known as the Spring semester, is more popular and more well-received. There are more options when it comes to available programs and university options, as this is typically considered to be the start of the school year. You get to experience a vibrant and bustling campus, as well as partake in extracurricular activities or student clubs this appeals to you. You will need to submit your applications by February and March of the same year, so give yourself ample time to polish your application to perfection.

Usually, Indonesian students choose an intake based on a range of factors such as preferred choice of study, the availability of a program in a particular university, and academic records. After understanding the essential information on New Zealand universities' intake periods, your path to studying in New Zealand has never been clearer and more manageable.

Indonesian students who wish to study in New Zealand must meet several entry and eligibility requirements depending on their chosen course and level of study. For undergraduate programs, students generally need to have completed the Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) or an equivalent foundation or diploma program. Those applying for postgraduate courses need a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Students will also need to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS, with most courses expecting an IELTS score between 6.0 and 6.5.

The admission process for Indonesian students applying to New Zealand universities is simple and straightforward. After selecting your preferred course and institution, submit an application either directly through the university’s online portal or via an authorised education agency such as IDP. Required documents typically include academic transcripts, English proficiency test results (such as IELTS), a personal statement, and a copy of the passport. Once accepted, students will receive a letter of acceptance, which is needed to apply for a New Zealand student visa. Once you have secured your visa, you can make begin making travel and accommodation arrangements for your studies in New Zealand.

In order to study in New Zealand, students will need to apply for the right type of New Zealand study visa in order to have a trouble-free entry. There are a few types of study visas available, and here are some examples:

The student visa application fee and process in New Zealand varies by visa type. You can find out more about each of the different types of visa and how to apply on the New Zealand's immigration page. Or simply get in touch with an IDP counsellor today.

Planning your international education in New Zealand will require proper financial planning. While studying in New Zealand comes with relatively more affordable rates compared to UK or USA, it can still be quite costly compared to studying locally in Indonesia.

The costs of studying in New Zealand will vary depending on the school, course and degree program you enroll in. On average, the typical annual university fee for undergraduate programs cost between NZD $20,500 to $25,000. For postgraduate programs, it can cost anywhere between $20,500 to $29,000 annually.

Typical study expenses also include student visa fees, accommodation fees, health coverage, and study materials. Creating a well-structured budget that includes all miscellaneous expenses before you depart will help you manage your finances efficiently and make the most of your study experience in New Zealand.

In planning for the budget of your overseas education, it can be helpful to explore scholarships for your New Zealand studies.

Universities and schools in New Zealand offer a range of scholarships, bursaries and grants to international students, including Indonesian students, to help them fund their studies. As an international student, you can apply for institution-specific scholarships that recognise academic excellence, leadership potential, or extracurricular achievements.

In addition, there are government-funded scholarships, such as the New Zealand Scholarships (NZS) and Commonwealth Scholarships, which cover tuition fees, living allowances, and travel costs. Various public and private organisations in Indonesia and New Zealand also provide financial assistance to help ease the cost of studying abroad, making it more accessible for Indonesian students to pursue quality education in New Zealand.

It is recommended to read up on everything you need to know about scholarships and financial aid available for Indonesian students.

The costs of living in New Zealand is something that needs to be considered in your study abroad journey. These living expenses are on top of your cost of study, and can include groceries and dining, phone and internet, public transportation, and miscellaneous entertainment costs.

For students from Indonesia, it's helpful to compare the living expenses for international students in New Zealand, to the living expenses you might be accustomed to in Indonesia. Generally, the cost of living in New Zealand can be higher than in Indonesia, even in major urban centers like Auckland and Wellington. This information can also help students form a clearer decision on where to study.

New Zealand offers excellent post-study work opportunities for Indonesian students who wish to gain international experience after completing their studies. Graduates can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa*, which allows them to work in New Zealand for up to three years, depending on their qualification level and study location. This provides valuable exposure to New Zealand’s workforce and enhances career development. The country’s strong industries, such as agriculture, technology, engineering, healthcare, and business, also offer diverse employment prospects for skilled graduates looking to build global careers.

*Please note that IDP does not provide post-study work visas for students.

Want to check if you're eligible to study at your dream university in New Zealand? With IDP Fastlane you can get an in-principle offer in seconds!

This special IDP feature will guide you to programs most suited for you, based on your goals, and what you prefer. Enter your preferences to discover and shortlist courses to study in New Zealand that align with your aspirations. Provide your academic details and you’re all set to receive a response from a university in just seconds!

View FastLane-enabled universities to fast-track your NZ study journey today.

Choosing to study in New Zealand is an opportunity to experience world-class education in a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment. With its globally recognised qualifications, welcoming communities, and breathtaking landscapes, New Zealand offers Indonesian students the chance to grow both personally and professionally. Whether you’re drawn to its innovative universities, practical education system, or post-study work opportunities, your journey begins with proper planning and guidance.

Speak to an IDP counsellor today to explore your options, shortlist your ideal courses, and take the first step toward studying in New Zealand with confidence.