Study in New Zealand · February and July 2027 intakes
Your New Zealand 2027 plan from Nepal, made clear.
Free, honest counselling from NEC, helping Nepali students since 2001. We check your profile, shortlist universities, explain the full cost and prepare your student visa file with you, step by step.
4.8★
from 950+ Google reviews
Since 2001
helping Nepali students
73.4%
NZ visa approval rate for Nepal, 2026
Free
first counselling session
In short
Studying in New Zealand in 2027: the short answer
New Zealand has two main intakes in 2027: February (Semester 1) and July (Semester 2). For a student visa you need an Offer of Place, an English score (most universities ask for IELTS 6.0 for Bachelor's and 6.5 for Master's), proof that you can pay your tuition and NZ$20,000 a year for living costs, and health checks. For February 2027, start now. For July 2027, apply to universities between January and March 2027.
Intakes
February 2027 (the main intake) and July 2027. Some polytechnics and private providers also start in March, April or September.
Money to show
Your first year's tuition, plus at least NZ$20,000 a year for living costs (about NZ$1,667 a month for shorter courses).
English score
IELTS 6.0 for most Bachelor's degrees and 6.5 for Master's, or the PTE or TOEFL equivalent. Nursing and teaching ask for more.
When to start
Now for February 2027. By January 2027 at the latest for July 2027.
Why New Zealand
A degree that works for your career
New Zealand is one of the fastest-growing choices for Nepali students: student visas approved for Nepali students rose from 366 in 2022 to 2,679 in 2025.
World-ranked universities
All eight New Zealand universities feature in the QS World University Rankings, and degrees are recognised by employers worldwide.
Work while you study
Student visa holders can work up to 25 hours a week during study (up from 20 since 3 November 2025), and full-time in scheduled holidays.
Stay and work after you graduate
Eligible graduates can get a Post-Study Work Visa of up to 3 years, depending on their qualification.
A safe, welcoming country
New Zealand is known for its safety, and Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton all have growing Nepali communities.
What Immigration New Zealand looks for
What a strong case looks like in 2027
About 3 in 4 student visa applications from Nepal were approved in 2026 (73.4% from January to September, according to Immigration New Zealand). The applications that succeed show these six things clearly.
Good academic results
Solid marks in your last qualification, in a subject that leads naturally to your chosen course.
Good English scores
A strong IELTS, PTE or TOEFL result that meets the visa and university requirements comfortably, not just the minimum.
Funds for the whole course
Savings with proof and consistent family earnings that can most likely pay for every year of study, not just the first.
Commitment to finish your intended course
You have researched your course and career well, you are passionate about it, and you plan to complete the full course.
A clear career outcome
You know what the degree leads to after graduation, and it matches your interests and background.
A high-quality education provider
Check the rankings, search for reviews and look for facilities that suit your needs before you choose where to apply.
Fee Paying Student Visa
What you need for your visa in 2026–27
Once your profile is strong, this is what goes into your student visa application, and how we prepare each part with you.
01
Offer of Place
You need an Offer of Place from an approved New Zealand education provider. We secure offers from at least two, so you always have a backup.
02
Genuine student intent
Officers check that the course fits your academic background and career plan, and that you genuinely intend to study. A clear statement of purpose, prepared with your counsellor, makes this easy to see.
03
Money for study and living
Proof that your tuition is paid or can be paid, plus at least NZ$20,000 a year for living costs: savings with a clear history, a sponsor's income, or the Funds Transfer Scheme. Our review team checks every document.
04
English test score
Most universities ask for IELTS 6.0 for Bachelor's and 6.5 for Master's (or the PTE or TOEFL equivalent). Our IELTS and PTE classes help you reach the score you need.
05
Insurance and health checks
You need approved medical and travel insurance for your whole stay. If you study for more than six months you usually need a chest X-ray, and a full medical if you stay more than a year. We book these with you.
06
Visa fee and police certificate
You pay the Immigration New Zealand application fee when you lodge, and we confirm the current amount before you pay. If your course is longer than two years, you also need a police certificate.
Changed in 2026: what Nepali students should know
Work up to 25 hours a week
Since 3 November 2025, new student visas allow up to 25 hours of work a week during study, up from 20.
Graduate diplomas now count
From 16 November 2026, a Level 7 graduate diploma can lead to a Post-Study Work Visa of up to one year, if you already hold a bachelor's degree.
New short-term graduate visa
From 16 November 2026, graduates who don't qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa may get up to 6 months of open work rights.
Rules change often. These figures were checked in November 2026 against Immigration New Zealand information. Your counsellor confirms the latest rules before you apply.
Your 2027 timeline
When to apply for February and July 2027
Offers, health checks and the visa all take time. Work back from your intake so every document is ready before you lodge.
February 2027 intake
November 2026: free counselling, book your English test and apply to two or more universities.
December 2026: accept your offer, pay your tuition deposit, book your chest X-ray and get your NOC.
December 2026 to January 2027: lodge your student visa with complete financial documents.
February 2027: pre-departure briefing, then fly to New Zealand and start classes.
July 2027 intake
December 2026 to January 2027: free counselling and your English test.
January to March 2027: apply to universities and prepare your financial documents.
April 2027: accept your offer, pay the deposit, book your health checks and get your NOC.
April to May 2027: lodge your student visa. July 2027: fly to New Zealand and start classes.
These dates are a general guide. Your counsellor gives you exact deadlines for your chosen university and course.
Common visa worries
Honest answers to the questions students ask us most
I have a study gap. Will my visa be refused?
Not automatically. What matters is a clear, documented explanation of what you did in the gap (work, training, family responsibilities) and why this course makes sense for your career now.
My grades are low. Is New Zealand still possible?
Often, yes. Universities look at your whole profile, and foundation, diploma or pre-Master's courses can lead into a degree. We find the route that fits your marks.
I was refused a visa before. Can I apply again?
Yes, but you must declare it. We review your refusal letter, fix the reasons it gave and only apply again when your file is genuinely strong. Read our guide to applying to New Zealand after a visa refusal.
My family will sponsor me, partly with a loan. Is that enough?
Family sponsors and education loans are accepted, but officers look at the whole picture: can your family fund the entire course, not just the first year, from consistent earnings and genuine savings? We help you document income and savings properly, and tell you honestly if the plan needs strengthening.
How long does the visa take?
It depends on the time of year and how complete your file is. Peak season before the February intake is busiest, so apply early. We only lodge once every document is ready, which avoids delays.
Can you guarantee my visa?
No one can, and anyone who promises is not being honest with you. What we do promise: a genuine, well-documented file and a straight answer if your profile needs more work first.
How NEC gets you there
Six clear steps, one counsellor with you all the way
1
Free counselling
We look at your marks, English, family finances and career goals, and tell you honestly how strong your case is today.
2
Offers from two or more universities
We apply for you and explain every condition in your offer letters.
3
SOP and interview preparation
We help you write a clear statement of purpose that shows how the course fits your interests and career plan.
4
Finances checked in-house
Our review team checks that every financial document is genuine, traceable and sufficient.
5
Tuition, insurance and health checks
We guide the tuition payment, arrange your insurance and book your chest X-ray and medical.
6
Visa lodged, then pre-departure
We lodge your visa, then prepare you for life in New Zealand before you fly.
Where to apply
New Zealand's eight universities
All eight New Zealand universities are public and feature in the QS World University Rankings. Polytechnics and private providers also offer diplomas and pathway courses. The right choice depends on your course, marks, budget and career plan, so your counsellor shortlists the options that fit you.
University of Auckland
Auckland
New Zealand's largest and highest-ranked university, with a broad choice of courses.
Visit the University of Auckland website →University of Otago
Dunedin
New Zealand's oldest university, strong in health, sciences, business and humanities.
Visit the University of Otago website →Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington · Capital city
Strong in law, public policy, arts and data science.
Visit the Victoria University of Wellington website →University of Canterbury
Christchurch
Known for engineering, science, business and arts.
Visit the University of Canterbury website →Massey University
Palmerston North, Auckland and Wellington
Strong in agriculture, business and education, with flexible study options.
Visit the Massey University website →Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Auckland city centre
Applied, career-focused degrees in IT, business and design.
Visit the AUT website →University of Waikato
Hamilton and Tauranga
Strengths include computing, business, education and environmental science.
Visit the University of Waikato website →Lincoln University
Near Christchurch
A specialist in agriculture, environment and life sciences.
Visit the Lincoln University website →Fees, entry requirements and intakes vary by course. Your counsellor confirms the current details for each option.
Get your free New Zealand plan
Tell us a little about yourself. A counsellor will contact you within one working day to go through your options: courses, universities, total cost and the visa steps. Your first session is free, with no pressure.
“Avash guided me through every step and helped complete my entire process within just one month. Everything was smooth, efficient, and stress-free.” — Sushant Shrestha, NEC student now in Australia
Questions students ask us
Is the first counselling session really free?
Yes. We look at your marks, budget and goals and suggest courses and universities that fit, with no obligation to continue.
When should I start for February 2027?
As early as possible. Offers, scholarships and visa processing all take time, so starting this month gives you the best choice of universities and a calm, complete visa file.
My IELTS or PTE score isn't ready. Can I still start?
Yes. We can plan your course and universities now, and our IELTS and PTE classes and mock tests help you reach the score you need.
Prefer WhatsApp? Message a counsellor on 9802364830 →.png)
.svg)