For Vietnamese student Long Ho, the relaxed pace of life in New Zealand has been one of the best things about studying here.


A fresh approach to life

Rhys Deacon realised his dream to work in the film industry later in life. 

From designing ships to movies

Text: Future-proof yourself in New Zealand 
#1 for preparing students for the future
The Economist Intelligence Unit
Image: eye

When you’re deciding where to study, it’s important to choose a country that will give you the skills you’ll need to succeed. 

Choose an education for your future

Anu Khapung’s style of dancing fuses her many influences - traditional dance from her native Nepal, the hip hop she discovered when she first moved to New Zealand, and the ballet she’s now studying at Unitec in Auckland. 

A new style of dance

Thinking of becoming a teacher? Discover why international students Claudia and Reneé chose to study education in New Zealand.  

Why study to become a teacher in New Zealand?

Professor Andy Martin in the School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition at Massey University in Palmerston North

Professor Andy Martin doesn’t just pass on knowledge to his students – he develops “confident people who can thrive anywhere”. 

New Zealand professor gives lessons in success from the All Blacks

Student from India studying Animation

Animation student working on 3D printing 

Animation student Diana Fernandes from India spent three weeks on an internship in New Zealand where she studied at Massey University, Wellington Institute of Technology and Media Design School. In this blog, she shares what she learnt about animation in New Zealand.

3 things I learnt about animation in NZ

A group of engineering students engaging in a discussion

Steven Danh was attracted to New Zealand by its natural beauty and abundance of hobbits, but has stayed because of the quality of its education. 

Gaining real-world engineering skills

Ecuadorian student studying conservation biology in New Zealand Massey University

Student studying conservation in the Galapagos Islands, aiming to reintroduce the Floreana Mockingbird to the island of Floreana.

When I decided I wanted to spend my life saving birds from extinction, I knew I wanted to study in New Zealand because all the global experts are here.

Gaining the skills to save a species

Picture of Dr Faith Kane, a senior lecturer in textile design at Massey University’s School of Design in New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington

Dr Faith Kane, a senior lecturer in textile design at Massey University’s School of Design in New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington, encourages her students to follow their instincts, discover their passions and develop their design thinking skills. 

Gaining the skills to thrive in the world of design

Working in the film industry can be exciting and rewarding, but it’s also very competitive – especially when you’re looking for your first job.

How to get your big break in the film industry

School students in New Zealand use a telescope and digital technology to learn about the night sky.

Hong Kong student Wing Ki Lam says she’ll never forget joining her classmates to lie on the grass and gaze up at the southern sky at night.

Learning in nature

Students studying robotics at high school in New Zealand

When Lynfield College in Auckland launched its robotics team in 2008, the team was just a small group of boys and girls who tinkered around with electronics in a garage after school.

Learning by Doing

Secondary school teacher Mark Hanlen uses New Zealand’s magnificent landscape to inspire his students to care deeply about the world around them. 

Out of the classroom – and into the ocean

Student studying Model Making in New Zealand to have a career at Weta Workshop

New Zealand’s capital city Wellington has gained a worldwide reputation for its expertise in the creative industries. 

Pushing creativity to realise their dreams

Student studying marine science on a boat

For German Masters student Stina Kolodzey, studying in New Zealand was a way to set her apart from the rest.

Studying marine science to stand out from the rest

Master in Engineering Management

Indian scholarship student Neeraj didn’t have all the information available in one place to help him prepare when he was planning to study to study abroad. So, he's put together a series of four blog posts based on his experiences which he hopes will become a one-stop shop for potential students thinking about coming to New Zealand.

Why I chose to study in New Zealand

Food tech students working with apples in a laboratory

The excitement of being able to invent new food products prompted Matthew Yuan to choose food technology as his future career. 

Creating foods of the future

313446 PhD student on a dolphin research boat

Colombian Ph.D. student Jessica Patiño-Pérez is taking her dolphin research out of the lab and into the ocean. 

A passion to protect dolphins

Ph.D. student in New Zealand

PhD students in New Zealand working in a soundproof lab.

Here are some tips you may want to consider when applying for your Ph.D. in New Zealand

Tips for a successful Ph.D. application

Ph.D. student from Nepal.

Kia ora! My name is Milan and I am from Nepal. In March 2015, I came to New Zealand as a returning Ph.D. student accompanied by my wife and pre-school son.  

Why I chose to return to New Zealand to study for my Ph.D.

This month alone, I’ve probably been asked the questions “What are you doing in New Zealand?” and “Why don’t you study back home?” about 50 times, so here are my answers.

What am I doing here?

Find out more about study options and lifestyles in different cities and towns around New Zealand.

Where in New Zealand can you study?

How a future-focused education can help you get ahead.

Top tips from New Zealand teachers

Student from the United States of America

I always knew I wanted to study abroad, but I never really thought that, as an athlete, it would be possible. I went to many meetings and study abroad fairs trying to find the right fit for me, trying to make something work. 

Why I chose to study abroad as a US college level athlete

Students studying on the Wellington waterfront

Wellington is a sought-after study destination for smart, ambitious students who want to use art and technology to explore new ways of storytelling. 

Wellington – A creative hub

Winning a study visit to New Zealand has fuelled Thai teenager Boonyawee Paksival’s passion for a career in the food industry. 

Turning a passion for cooking into a career

Chilean student 

Top 5 reasons to study with New Zealand teachers

Let me start with a confession: When I arrived in Wellington back in February to start my studies I was a little nervous. It had been a while since I last attended any sort of class, and I didn’t really know what to expect. 

Teachers making a difference  in New Zealand

What makes a great teacher? International master's students talk about the teachers who inspire them most and why.

Teachers making a difference

Filipino Graduate Diploma student

3157 Rotorua Museum Rotorua Vaughan Brookfield

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is where I chose to continue my education, the foundation of my knowledge in New Zealand. It is located in the heart of Rotorua and extends to the whole of Bay of Plenty region.

Marc explains what support services are available for international students at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology.

Support services at Toi Ohomai 

Bachelor's student

I never expected it, but what I learned in philosophy will not just help me in my career, it will help me in life.

Studying Philosophy - the beauty of critical thinking

Polish student in New Zealand

Anna Czerwinska, from Poland, chose to study in New Zealand because she was fascinated with New Zealand's history and culture. 

Studying New Zealand history and culture

Where’s the best place to study if you’re looking for a global career in the film industry?

Studying film in New Zealand makes students Hollywood-ready!

Students carry out cutting-edge research 

Using an ultra-fast laser to inscribe a poem about a lock of hair onto an actual lock of hair is just one of the tasks that students of Associate Professor Cather Simpson have found themselves doing at the University of Auckland. 

Students carry out cutting-edge research

Vietnamese high school student. 

Kiana, from Viet Nam, shares her experience of studying at Hillcrest High School, Hamilton.

Realising my potential by studying in New Zealand

Ph.D. research tracks New Zealand’s glaciers

For US student Lauren Vargo, field work takes her out of the lab and onto a spectacular ancient river of ice. 

International students share stories about their favourite teachers in New Zealand.

Our most inspiring teachers

Communications Advisor

Samskar Palavarapu. An NZEA scholarship winner, who studied in New Zealand

New Zealand Excellence Award winners share what life is like after studying in New Zealand.

Since its introduction in 2016, the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) programme has offered dozens of Indian students the opportunity to experience New Zealand’s transformational education system. 

NZEA Winners: Where Are They Now?

Learning to read the body language of the animals she cares for is just one of the skills Vanessa Cheng has gained since moving to New Zealand to study veterinary science. 

New ways to care

Student from the Philippines

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology (located in Rotorua, New Zealand) was introduced by its school representative to me in the Philippines. It made me feel connected and I was reassured knowing that it is a government owned institution. 

Jenny decided to study in Rotorua because it is the tourist capital of New Zealand and the cost of living is relatively low.

Living in the tourist capital of New Zealand

Life can not be better learning English in Wellington

Frank, an English Language student from China, shares what he loves about studying in Wellington.

Student at University of Canterbury International College (UCIC)

I started my studies at the University of Canterbury International College (UCIC), a separate education provider for new international students. 

Life at the University of Canterbury

Stephanie Xie was visiting New Zealand with her family four years ago when her father suggested she consider studying here. 


Learning to live independently

Learning the skills to become an entrepreneur

Doris Lien’s New Zealand education helped her discover a talent for coming up with great ideas for start-up businesses.

Watch Sunny's video to see what it's like to study English in New Zealand

Learning English in New Zealand - Sunny's Story

Korean student takes flight in New Zealand 

Find out how studying abroad in New Zealand helped Elena Jung fulfill her dream of becoming a pilot. Elena Jung is on her way to teaching other students to fly after being accepted into a prestigious New Zealand flight training course. 

Blog - How to maximise fun and still get A’s - hero

It may be easier than you think to get good grades while still having as much fun as you possibly can. 

How to maximise fun and still get A’s

Norwegian high school student

How studying at high school in NZ enhanced my future

Marte shares how her time studying in NZ changed her as a person and better prepared her for her future.

A year ago I packed my bags and left my life as I knew it. At the time I didn’t know what lay in front of me. 

Chinese Ph.D. student

An international student has coffee with his professor

Students in New Zealand often have a more personal relationship with their teachers and lecturers than they would in other countries. Here, Chinese PhD student Hui Xiao and his supervisor, Professor David Baxter, talk about how they work together. 

How professors in New Zealand become mentors

how NZ unlocks the potential of student inventors Mark Rowlinson

From making a wind turbine to inventing a sports whistle for hearing-impaired athletes, students at a New Zealand school learn by working on projects that have a meaningful impact on the world. 

Technology teacher Marc Rowlinson explains how real-life projects help his students develop the skills they’ll need for the future. 

How New Zealand Unlocks the Potential of Student Inventors

It’s exam season for students in New Zealand and Matthew Le, a business student at the University of Auckland, is stressed. 

Handling exam stress

American student from Montana in the USA.

Josh Golden, from Montana in the USA, shares his study abroad experience.

Go (Overseas) For It!

Professor Jamie Collins is passionate about giving entrepreneurship students the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.

Giving entrepreneurship students the skills to succeed

Lexie - Blog - Gaining the personal skills for success - hero

Vietnamese student Lexie Vi says the four years she has spent studying in New Zealand have made her more confident and outgoing. 

Gaining the personal skills for success

Daniel's story as a university student in New Zealand

Daniel shares what he loves about studying and working in New Zealand. Daniel chose to study his Bachelor of Commerce degree at a New Zealand university and moved here all the way from Colombia. 

International students Alapan Roy and Jerry Geng outside their university in New Zealand

New Zealand’s practical approach to learning has given Jerry Geng and Alapan Roy Chowdhury the skills to work towards making the future of business more sustainable. 

A future in sustainable business

Native American Student at Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

A Native American students stands outside a marae in New Zealand

No matter your degree, making it a priority to learn about Māori culture will make your study abroad experience all the more enriching! 

Find out why taking a course in Māori culture will make your study abroad experience all the more enriching.

3 reasons to add a Māori course to your degree 

A New Zealand teacher is inspiring girls to get into science and technology – one robot at a time. 

Kiwi teacher’s tips for girls who want to succeed in STEM

Canadian Study Abroad Student

blog-tips-get-ready-to-study-abroad-header.jpg

There is no such thing as a perfect time to study abroad. It is truly an experience of a lifetime. My advice for students is to face your fears and do it anyway! If you don’t do it now, then when?

Get ready to study abroad

Do you have a scholarship, or are you interested in applying for one? Four scholarship students share their thoughts on gaining a scholarship to study abroad in New Zealand.

Tips from scholarship students

Vietnamese student Thuy Nguyen is gaining valuable work experience even though she hasn’t yet finished her university studies. 

Gaining career skills

Hannah, a Vietnamese University student, is studying in New Zealand to complete a Bachelor of Commerce in Christchurch. Hannah loves her busy social life here and thinks it is the people that makes New Zealand so special.

A day in the life of Hannah from Vietnam

International student tandem skydiving  in Auckland

Meet three students who came to New Zealand to prepare themselves for careers in the exciting travel and tourism industry – and beyond.

Dreaming of a career in tourism?

Anouk Jansen had a six-month taste of faraway New Zealand life as a master's student, before deciding to move here from Europe.

Drawn by the distance

Chinese student at the University of Auckland

Chinese international student Weilian Du graduates from university in New Zealand

We asked Chinese student Weilian Du what she has gained by studying in New Zealand – and how it inspires her to want to help others.

Doing good with virtual reality 

Farah Khalaf was studying spatial design when a new video game changed the course of her studies — and her life.

Designing new worlds for a living

Otago Polytechnic Academic Leader of Fashion, Professor Margo Barton is a big believer in letting students be themselves and encouraging them to find their own way. Nothing gives her greater satisfaction than seeing a student discover what it is they really want to do – and succeeding at it.

Designing a future out of fashion

A day in the life of Alicia from Indonesia

See how Alicia, an Indonesian English language student, gets more from life in New Zealand!

Ragavan Rajan is studying an 18-month Master of Information Technology at the University of Waikato. 

“I feel more confident now, like I can fly out to any part of the world once I've finished, walk into any interview and nail the interview session.”

Ragavan’s taught Master’s experience

International student reading in a university library

When Ma Boyong first arrived in New Zealand as a young international student, he knew no one and lacked confidence in his English skills.

Famous Chinese writer discovered his passion in NZ

Student at Ara Institute in Christchurch

If you are considering studying overseas and experiencing a different culture, Christchurch, New Zealand is definitely the best choice.


Studying at Ara Institute of Canterbury

Auckland university student from the United States of America

I chose to study abroad at the University of Auckland through IFSA Butler as I wanted to discover firsthand New Zealand’s story and indigenous peoples.

My Auckland experience 

Indian student in New Zealand.

Ridhi Julka, from India, shares her tips on how to make your dream of studying in New Zealand come true.

Being able to study and now work in New Zealand has been a dream come true. My experience was so amazing that after completing my studies I decided to join the Education Industry as an Education Consultant – advising students to study in New Zealand. 

How to make your dream come true

A student from India at ACG Yoobee School of Design in Auckland in 2014

Blog - graduate success – 3D graphics and animation 

I’ve always been a big fan of cartoons and games. That’s what led me to further study 3D graphics and animation in New Zealand.