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8 Things Americans Most Want to Know About
Studying in New Zealand
(#4 May Surprise You)
Studying in New Zealand is an exciting opportunity, and New Zealand welcomes around 70,000 international students a year. By choosing New Zealand you get to experience stunning landscapes, friendly people, a temperate climate, fast internet and top-tier universities offering something new. What’s not to love?
With world-class institutions and a growing reputation, Americans now make up the 5th largest group of international students in New Zealand. Could you be next? Here are some key things you should know before deciding to study in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
1. New Zealand Punches Above Its Weight in Global Rankings
For a small country of just 5.3 million people (about the size of South Carolina), New Zealand boasts an impressive academic reputation. All eight New Zealand universities rank in the global top 500, outperforming many U.S. state universities and smaller colleges that don’t make global rankings at all.
For example, the University of Auckland (#68) is ranked higher than Boston University (#93) and Purdue University (#99). A recent OECD report has ranked New Zealand as having the seventh highest performing graduates in the world, with the USA at #9) . New Zealand also has a strong network of polytechnics and institutes of technology, offering world-class vocational training options.
2. Rugby, Vegemite, the Outdoors & Other Kiwi Obsessions
New Zealand has its own unique cultural staples that might take a bit of getting used to and two stand out - rugby and Vegemite.
Rugby isn’t just a sport here, it’s a national obsession. The All Blacks, New Zealand’s legendary team, are among the best in the world, and match days are a huge deal. Even if you’ve never watched a game before, expect to be pulled into the excitement.
And then there’s Vegemite - the salty, dark spread that you’ll see on toast at breakfast or offered to you as a Kiwi rite of passage. Pro tip: Spread it thinly with butter! While not all Americans become fans, trying it is part of the experience.
In terms of the Outdoors, New Zealand is renowned for its boundless outdoor adventure activities. From simply picnicking by a beautiful lakeside, to hiking one of the Great Walks, or going for an adrenalin rush such as Bungy Jumping off a bridge, New Zealand's got it all.
3. Kiwis Have a Unique Sense of Humor
New Zealanders (or Kiwis, as they’re affectionately called) are known for their dry sense of humour and plenty of slang. Expect a mix of friendly banter, self-deprecation, and a fair amount of good-natured teasing.
If you don’t understand a joke at first, just roll with it - you’ll soon catch on! And if you want a head start, you can watch a clip from comedy programme "7-Days" or "How to Dad" for some advance training.
4. A Bicultural, Multicultural & Caring Society
New Zealand takes pride in being both bicultural and multicultural. Māori culture is an essential part of the nation’s identity, with Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) providing legal and cultural recognition. As a student, you’ll frequently hear te reo Māori (the Māori language) and see Māori customs integrated into daily life.
More generally, 28.8% of New Zealanders were born overseas. Auckland is a "super-diverse" city, with 45%+ of residents identifying with an ethnic minority. Wellington & Christchurch are also growing multicultural hubs. Hamilton & Dunedin are emerging diversity centres. New Zealand's message to the world is one of care for each other and the planet.
5. Work While Studying in New Zealand - and after Graduation
Good news! International students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during breaks), Many students find jobs in retail, hospitality, or even research roles at universities.
Even better, if you fall in love with New Zealand, you may be eligible for a post-study work visa of up to three years, allowing you to gain local work experience. Many international students also choose postgraduate studies, which can offer a faster pathway to residency via New Zealand’s immigration points system.
6. Kiwis are Exceptionally Eco-Conscious
One of the really great aspects of life in New Zealand is how environmentally aware Kiwis are. From composting and recycling to energy-efficient homes, sustainability is a national priority. “Green” isn’t just a colour here - it’s a lifestyle choice!
New Zealanders are welcoming, open, and friendly. As an international student, you’ll quickly make friends and experience Kiwi hospitality, whether it’s a weekend BBQ, a road trip, or a study group.
And while you’re making memories, you’re also building your future. With a suitable job offer in a qualifying field, you could become eligible for residency, allowing you to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely! You may also want to become a New Zealand Citizen ultimately.
7. Studying in NZ is Comparable in Cost to the U.S.
While tuition and living expenses in New Zealand aren’t cheap, they are often on par with or lower than U.S. university costs:
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Cost of Living: Major cities like Auckland and Wellington can be expensive, but smaller cities and rural areas tend to be more affordable.
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Inflation Easing: New Zealand’s post-pandemic inflation has settled at 2.2% as of late 2024, making costs more predictable.
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Free Perks: Clean air, breathtaking beaches, and lush native forests come at no extra charge!
8. Lifelong Friendships & Possible Residency Opportunities
New Zealanders are welcoming, open, and friendly. As an international student, you’ll quickly make friends and experience Kiwi hospitality, whether it’s a weekend BBQ, a road trip, or a study group.
And while you’re making memories, you’re also building your future. With a suitable job offer in a qualifying field, you could become eligible for residency, allowing you to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely! You may also want to become a New Zealand Citizen ultimately.
