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Imagine yourself enjoying a flat white along Wellington’s waterfront, with your semester timetable reorganized to accommodate classes on data science, agribusiness, or law.
For many Indian students, this dream becomes a reality every February, as New Zealand’s university intake once again opens its doors wide. For those who plan to study in New Zealand after 12th or have decided to pursue higher studies there, the New Zealand February intake 2027provides you with an entire year to organize your visa, finances, and applications without panicking at the last minute.
In this blog, we will take you through 10 of the top universities in New Zealand that accept applications for February 2027, including their course offerings, fee structures, language proficiency standards, and scholarship opportunities.
Before you shortlist a campus, you’ll also want a clear picture of study in New Zealand requirements and how the New Zealand study visa process fits into your timeline. Keep reading to find the right fit for your goals.
Application Advisory: The tuition fees, scholarships, and other details provided below are approximate and may change based on university policies, course selection, intake, and currency exchange rates. To avoid any delays or discrepancies during the application process, students are strongly advised to verify the latest information on the official university website before applying.
1. University of Auckland
If you want your degree to carry instant recognition, the University of Auckland is hard to beat among the best universities in New Zealand for international students.
Located in New Zealand’s largest city, it offers courses ranging from a Bachelor of Arts to a Master of Data Science, with undergraduate tuition starting at around NZ$38,310 per year and postgraduate programs such as a Master of Public Health costing about NZ$52,585.
To be eligible to join this prestigious university, one needs an IELTS score of 6.0 (6.5 for postgraduate candidates), in addition to a Class 12 average grade of 75-80%.
One good thing about this university is that it has an array of scholarships. Postgraduate candidates can earn up to NZ$20,000 through the India High Achiever Scholarship, whereas undergraduates can receive up to NZ$10,000 through other scholarships.
| Program | Intake | Duration | English Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Education (Teaching) | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Education | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Master of Public Health (MPH) | February & July | 1 – 1.5 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Professional Engineering | February & July | 1 – 1.5 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Data Science | February & July | 1 – 1.5 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Engineering Management | February & July | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
2. University of Otago
The oldest university in New Zealand, Otago, has a mix of historic buildings and cutting-edge courses, such as BSc Data Science and an MBA that can be completed in just 15 months.
The costs vary from about NZ$40,000 for undergraduate commerce and science degrees to almost NZ$73,000 for specialized postgraduate courses such as the Master of Oral Health. English requirements are IELTS 6.0 for undergraduates, IELTS 6.5 for postgraduates, and academic cut-offs are at 75-80% for Class 12 students.
Financially, Otago also supports its students; the Global Scholarship provides up to NZ$15,000, and the International Academic Merit Scholarship goes up to NZ$35,000 for undergraduates.
If you’re a student in Dehradun seeking study abroad consultants for New Zealand, Neximm Immigration can help you manage Otago’s February intake deadlines and documentation to ensure a smooth application process.
| Program | Intake | Duration | English Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCom Finance | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| BCom International Business | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| BA Computer Science | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| BSc Data Science | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| BSc Information Science | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| MBA | February & July | 1.3 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of International Studies | February & July | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
| MBus International Business | February & July | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
| MBus Tourism | February & July | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Oral Health | February & July | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
3. University of Waikato
Waikato has a reputation for degrees that are relevant to the workplace and lead to job opportunities, such as business specializations including digital business, marketing and supply chain management, which cost approximately NZ$36,430 per year. The Master of Business with specializations in Agribusiness and the Master of Design range from NZ$37,940 to NZ$56,910 for postgraduate studies.
English requirements remain steady and are in line with the national benchmarks: undergraduates require an IELTS score of 6.0 and postgraduates require a score of 6.5, with Indian students requiring a minimum of 75-80% in their top four subjects.
Waikato’s unique dual scholarship program includes the Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Award for up to NZ$ 15,000 in tuition fees plus a New Zealand Excellence Award for India for up to NZ$ 7,500-15,000 in tuition fees. Waikato has three intakes, February, July, and November, providing an unusually flexible start when planning a move.
| Program | Intake | Duration | English Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Business – Accounting | February, July & November | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Business – Digital Business | February, July & November | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Business – Marketing | February, July & November | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Business – Strategic Management | February, July & November | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Master of Business – Agribusiness | February, July & November | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Education – Counselling Studies | February, July & November | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Design | February, July & November | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Legal Studies | February, July & November | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Education | February, July & November | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
4. Massey University
Spread across Palmerston North, Auckland, and Wellington, Massey gives you the rare chance to choose a campus vibe that matches your personality, whether that’s a quieter agricultural-science-focused town or a buzzing capital city.
Courses offered include the Bachelor of Agricultural Science and Bachelor of Aviation Management, which cost about NZ$35,920-39,900, and postgraduate courses such as Master of Business Administration, which costs approximately NZ$60,240.
The entry requirements vary from board to board – students from state boards in Maharashtra and Karnataka require 85% or above, whereas CBSE and ISC candidates require 75%.
IELTS 6.0 for undergraduates and 6.5 for postgraduates is again a consistent requirement at Massey University. Massey University’s Business Excellence Scholarship grants $7,000, and the International Creative Excellence Scholarship provides $10,000.
| Program | Intake | Duration | English Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Agricultural Science | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Animal Science | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Aviation Management | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Business | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Design with Honours | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Master of Analytics (Business Coursework) | February & July | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Business Administration | February & July | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Construction | February & July | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Design | February & July | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Emergency Management | February & July | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Food Safety and Quality | February & July | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Finance (Risk Analytics) | February & July | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
5. Victoria University of Wellington
Victoria University, being located in the national capital, specializes in law and design-based studies, offering a four-year Bachelor of Law degree and a three-year Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree.
Undergraduate tuition ranges from NZ$33,400 to NZ$42,000, while graduate programs such as the Master of Software Development can cost up to NZ$70,000. The entry requirements for undergraduate programs include an IELTS score of 6.0 and an overall academic percentage of 75-80% for postgraduate coursework, with an IELTS score of 6.5 and an academic average of 80-85%.
One of the better merit scholarships on the list would be the International School-Leaver Excellence Scholarship worth NZ$20,000, and the other option would be the Victoria Study Abroad Scholarship, which provides additional funding to postgraduates. Being based in Wellington also means easier access to internships in policy and public-sector organizations, a genuine advantage if that’s the career direction you’re aiming for.
| Program | Intake | Duration | English Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Law | February & July | 4 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Architectural Studies – Architecture | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| BA – Education Psychology | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Biomedical Science | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| BA – Data Science | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Master of Professional Business Analysis | February & July | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Public Management | February & July | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Educational Psychology | February & July | 2 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Engineering Practice | February & July | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Software Development | February & July | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Health (Coursework & Research) | February & July | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
6. University of Canterbury
Canterbury stands out for learners drawn to engineering, computer science, and finance, with courses like the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science priced at roughly NZ$41,500 annually. The postgraduate offerings are also well priced, with the Master of Applied Data Science and Master of Financial Engineering both priced around NZ$62,100, a testament to the University’s emphasis on STEM courses.
The IELTS requirements are also the usual 6.0/6.5 split for undergraduate/postgraduate entry and will depend on the exam board. Indian students will need 75-80% in the exam board’s qualifying exams.
Scholarships here include the UC International First Year Scholarship (worth up to NZ$15,000) and the UC Engineering International Scholarship (worth NZ$15,000).
With five intake windows across the year, including February, Canterbury gives you unusual scheduling flexibility if your documentation or visa processing runs a little behind.
| Program | Intake | Duration | English Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Health Science | January, February, May, July, September & November | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| BSc – Biological Science | January, February, May, July, September & November | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| BSc – Computer Science | January, February, May, July, September & November | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| BSc – Finance | January, February, May, July, September & November | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Commerce – International Business | January, February, May, July, September & November | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Master of Applied Data Science | January, February, May, July, September & November | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Business Information System | January, February, May, July, September & November | 1.5 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Engineering Studies | January, February, May, July, September & November | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Financial Engineering | January, February, May, July, September & November | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Health Science Professional Practice | January, February, May, July, September & November | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
7. Lincoln University
Those who are more inclined towards agricultural or environmental studies should consider the specialized course list offered by Lincoln University.
A Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree costs NZ$36,000 per annum, whereas postgraduate programs such as Master of Science in Food Innovation or Master of Fintech and Investment Management cost anywhere between NZ$ 51,000 and NZ$ 57,000.
English language proficiency for postgraduate admission at Lincoln University is slightly higher, with IELTS 6.5 and TOEFL iBT 92 being acceptable. From an academic perspective, candidates scoring above 75% in the overall aggregate and 60% in English should be able to meet this requirement easily.
Lincoln supports postgraduate students with the International Taught Master Merit Scholarship of up to NZ$10,000 and the Lincoln University International Scholarship, adding NZ$3,000-5,000, making study more affordable.
| Program | Intake | Duration | English Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Agricultural Science | February & July | 4 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Environment Management | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Commerce – Agricultural | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Landscape Architecture | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Master of Science in Food Innovation (Taught) | February & July | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Environment and Agriculture | February & July | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Business (Finance) | February & July | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Professional Accounting | February & July | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Applied Computing | February & July | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Fintech and Investment Management | February & July | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
8. Auckland University of Technology
AUT’s City Campus sits right in Auckland’s CBD, making it a strong pick if you want city-center convenience alongside programs like the Bachelor of Design or the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), the latter priced at NZ$45,900. The cost of the MBA program stands at NZ$59,850, whereas the Master of Business degree is available for NZ$37,200.
The minimum requirements for the level of English are the same as those for the entire country, and Indian students of the CBSE/ISC board should have a 75% overall score, including 60% in English.
Scholarship opportunities are extensive at AUT, where the AUT International Students Scholarship offers NZ$7,000-10,000, and the International Academic Achievement Scholarship adds NZ$5,000-10,000 on top of that.
| Program | Intake | Duration | English Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Agricultural Science | February & July | 4 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Environment Management | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Commerce – Agricultural | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Landscape Architecture | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Master of Science in Food Innovation (Taught) | February & July | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Environment and Agriculture | February & July | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Business (Finance) | February & July | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Professional Accounting | February & July | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Applied Computing | February & July | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Fintech and Investment Management | February & July | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
9. Unitec Institute of Technology
For students watching their budget closely, Unitec offers some of the most affordable fees on this list, with undergraduate programs like the Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Computing Systems priced at around NZ$26,391 annually.
Postgraduate tuition fees are also quite reasonable, averaging close to NZ$32,877 annually for graduate courses such as Master of Architecture and Master of Applied Business.
Unitec is an ideal place for those considering the costs of pursuing studies in New Zealand from India within their budget.
| Program | Intake | Duration | English Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Business (Management, Marketing, Accountancy) | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Computing Systems | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Applied Technology (Automotive, Electrotechnology) | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Architectural Studies | February & July | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Landscape Architecture | February & July | 4 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Master of Applied Business | February & July | 1.1–1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Professional Accounting | February & July | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Applied Technologies – Computing | February & July | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Architecture | February & July | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Architecture (Professional) | February & July | 2 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
10. Otago Polytechnic
Otago Polytechnic, with campuses in Dunedin, Cromwell, and Auckland, emphasizes practical learning, with the cost of the Bachelor of Engineering Technology and the Bachelor of Construction at NZ$29,120 and NZ$26,000, respectively.
Postgraduate programs like the Master of Applied Management have tuition fees ranging from NZ$40,299 to NZ$45,750. English language requirements adhere to the regular divide of IELTS 6.0/6.5, and Indian students must have an average of 60% in four subjects.
The scholarship provided by Otago Polytechnic to international students is a NZ$5,000 reduction in tuition fees for new undergraduate and postgraduate entrants, and the university offers four intakes per year: February, April, July, and October. It’s a genuinely flexible option if your New Zealand study visa processing timeline needs a little breathing room.
| Program | Intake | Duration | English Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Engineering Technology | February, April, July & October | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Construction | February, April, July & October | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Social Services | February, April, July & October | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Bachelor of Applied Management | February, April, July & October | 3 Years | IELTS 6.0 |
| Master of Applied Science (Level 9) | February, April, July & October | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Applied Management (Business Information Systems) | February, April, July & October | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Applied Management (Business Management) | February, April, July & October | 1.6 Years | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Arts | February, April, July & October | 1 Year | IELTS 6.5 |
Conclusion
With ten strong options on the table, the right choice really comes down to your course preference, budget, and the IELTS requirements for New Zealand universities you can comfortably meet.
Whichever campus you lean toward, start your English test preparation, document collection, and New Zealand study visa application early, since processing times tend to stretch closer to intake season.
Pairing your university shortlist with the right scholarships in New Zealand for international students can meaningfully cut your overall cost, so it’s worth checking eligibility for each award before you finalize your applications.
NOTE: The tuition fees listed above are indicative and may change over time depending on the course and intake. We recommend checking the official university website for the latest fee details before submitting your application.
For personalized guidance throughout your study abroad journey, get in touch with our experts at connect@neximmvisa.com or WhatsApp us for quick assistance.
1. What IELTS score is required to study in New Zealand?
Most New Zealand universities require an IELTS overall score of 6.0 for undergraduate programs and 6.5 for postgraduate programs. Some courses may have higher English language requirements, so always check the specific program requirements.
2. Are scholarships available for Indian students studying in New Zealand?
Yes. Many New Zealand universities offer merit-based scholarships for Indian students. Depending on the university and program, scholarship values can range from NZ$3,000 to NZ$35,000 approximately, helping reduce the overall cost of studying abroad.
3. When should I apply for the February 2027 intake in New Zealand?
It is recommended to start your application process 8–12 months before the intake. This gives you enough time to choose a university, prepare for English proficiency tests, arrange financial documents, receive your offer letter, and complete your New Zealand student visa application.