Relatively small and uncrowded – for some perspective, think the size of the UK but with a population of just 5 million – New Zealand consistently leads world quality of life studies. For instance, it’s rated as ‘very high’ on Numbeo’s Quality of Life Index (April 2022).

The weather varies from warm and subtropical in the north to cool and temperate in the south. Summer runs from December to February and winter falls between June and August.

No matter the season, the county has something for everyone. You can experience Māori culture, explore forests, snow-capped mountains, picturesque lakes and fjords as well as the country’s many sandy beaches.

The more adventurous types can go bungee jumping, skydiving, surfing, cycling or hiking and for those with more metropolitan tastes, there are plenty of theatres, art galleries, cinemas, cafes, bars and restaurants. If you’d like to do a bit of sightseeing, you can’t miss visiting the locations of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films and the bubbling mud pools of Rotorua.

Globally renowned for the quality of its higher education, popular student cities include the country’s largest, Auckland and the capital city of Wellington on the North Island, plus Christchurch and Dunedin on the South Island.

New Zealand universities

Just like in the UK you can study for a Bachelors, Masters or a Doctorate at Kiwi institutions. The academic year begins in late February or early March and finishes in November (spring).

The country has eight state-funded universities offering degree-level education. Institutions include:

• The University of Auckland
• Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
• University of Canterbury
• Lincoln University
• Massey University
• University of Otago
• Victoria University of Wellington
• University of Waikato.

Degree courses in New Zealand

All qualifications in the country are ranked on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). Undergraduate courses, otherwise known as Bachelors degrees, typically take three years to complete and can be studied in a variety of subjects.

Popular courses in New Zealand include:

• agriculture
• business and management
• engineering
• environmental sciences
• fashion design
• food and hospitality
• mathematics
• medicine
• nursing
• technology.

It’s also possible to study for certificates and diplomas as well as short-term foundation or pre-university studies to prepare you for university-level education.

Language requirements

All courses are taught in English so if it’s not your native language, you’ll need to prove your proficiency before being admitted onto a programme.