10 Best Cities to Study in New Zealand

The best cities to study in New Zealand are Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Christchurch, Dunedin, Palmerston North, Queenstown, Tauranga, Nelson and New Plymouth. These cities offer top QS ranking universities, better quality education, and an excellent lifestyle, making them ideal for international students. The Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills, Penny Simmonds reported that New Zealand welcomed 73,535 foreign students between January and August 2024—a 6% increase over the full-year numbers for 2023.

Apart from its education system, New Zealand is also known for its beautiful cities that seamlessly blend urban life with natural beauty, featuring stunning scenery, mountain ranges, verdant forests, and golden beaches. With top universities and a welcoming environment, New Zealand has become one of the leading study-abroad destinations.

In this article, we will explore the best cities to study in New Zealand and highlight one unique feature that makes each city best for international students.

1. Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city with a population of over 1.7 million people. It is often called the City of Sails due to its waterside location and abundance of boats. Auckland is surrounded by water with two major harbors. One of its most iconic sights is the Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the city. The city’s climate is fantastic too—not too hot or cold—with summer temperatures averaging 24 degrees and winter around 15 degrees. This perfect weather lets you fully enjoy everything Auckland has to offer year-round.
 
Reason to study in Auckland: The University of Auckland, ranked 65th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2025 with a population of 7,000 international students from more than 120 countries.

Top Universities in Auckland

• University of Auckland
• Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

What is the cost of living in Auckland for international students?

The cost of living in Auckland is 1,766 NS$ for international students for a month without the rent.

Is public transport available in Auckland?

Yes. In Auckland, you can get around using public transports like buses, trains, and ferries with an AT HOP card, a reusable prepaid card.

2. Wellington

Next comes Wellington, the second largest and the capital city of New Zealand with a population of around 3,81,900 people. The city is renowned for its hidden bars, vibrant café culture, award-winning restaurants, and fantastic coffee. It is fondly called the adventure capital of the world making it the best destination for tourists and adventurers to have great fun. Mount Victoria, Wellington Botanical Garden, and Te Papa Museum are some of the famous sightseeing places people should consider.

Reason to study in Wellington: Victoria University of Wellington ranks in the top 1% of over 18,000 universities worldwide for 15 subjects and in the top 2% for 27 subjects, according to the latest QS World University Rankings. These 2025 rankings reaffirm the university's strong global reputation, driven by the quality of its research, teaching, and academic excellence across various fields.

Top Universities in Wellington

• Victoria University of Wellington
• University of Otago
• Massey University

What is the cost of living in Wellington for international students?

The cost of living in Wellington for international students is NZD 1,863, while rent in the city center is approximately NZD 2,500.

Is public transport available in Wellington?

Yes. Wellington has an affordable public transport system. Buses and trains can help you travel around the city, suburbs, and the wider region.

3. Hamilton

Located on the banks of the Waikato River, Hamilton is New Zealand's largest inland city and the fourth most populous. It's also one of the country's fastest-growing urban areas. The city's top tourist attraction is Hamilton Gardens. Tourists who love adventures can visit the largest aquatic center Water World, Kiwi Balloon Company, Confinement escape rooms, River Riders, etc. Some of the top sightseeing places include Hamilton Lake, Woodland Estate, Hamilton Zoo, etc.
 
Education and research are key to Hamilton's economy, with around 40,000 tertiary students and 1,000 PhD-qualified scientists residing there. Compared to Auckland or Wellington, Hamilton offers more affordable living.

Reason to study in Hamilton: University of Waikato is one of the top public universities in Hamilton offering over 3000 academic programs to international students.

Top Universities in Hamilton

• University of Waikato
• McMaster University

What is the cost of living in Hamilton for international students?

The cost of living in Hamilton for international students is between NZD 18,0000 and NZD 25,000 per academic year for expenses depending on the place they reside.

Is public transport available in Hamilton?

Yes. Hamilton mainly consists of public transports, such as bus services and some limited train and ferry services. In case of riding sharing, Ola and Uber are available in Hamilton.

4. Christchurch

Located on the East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Christ Church is one of the largest cities with a population of over 4,00,000 people. Surrounded by trees and parks all around, it is famously called Garden City. Some of the amazing places to visit in Christchurch are Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum which has the world’s oldest collections, Hagley Park to chill with family and friends in midday, and much more.

Reason to study in Christchurch: The University of Canterbury is one of the top public research universities in Christchurch with a QS World Ranking of #256. The University is known for its Science and Engineering programs offering a wide range of full-time and part-time programs to postgraduates, graduate and doctoral studies to students. The University also offers a PACE internship program that provides unique Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) courses allowing students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world.

Top Universities in Christchurch

• University of Canterbury
• Lincoln University

What is the cost of living in Christchurch for international students?

The cost of living in Christchurch for internatonal students is around NZD 1600 per month without rent. The rent of a 1 bedroom in the city center costs around NZD 2,181 per month.

Is public transport available in Christchurch? 

Christchurch offers a variety of bus and ferry services for residents and visitors. These services and routes are managed by Environment Canterbury (ECan) and operate under the Metro brand.

6. Palmerston North

Located on the North Island of New Zealand, Palmerston North is the fastest-growing city and has mainly 18 residential suburbs. The city boasts heritage collections, art galleries, and vibrant street art, complemented by a diverse selection of cafés and dining options that offer a global culinary experience. Some of the to-do activities when you visit Palmerston North include visiting Hopwood Clock Tower, a ride to Arapuke Mountain Bike Park, visiting Zimmerman Art Gallery, Rugby Museum, and much more.

Reason to study in Palmerston North: Massey University is one of the top universities in New Zealand ranking 457 globally and it offers various UG and PG programs online too. Along with an excellent education, Massey University provides a fantastic student experience, diverse accommodation options, and ample support throughout your studies.

Top Universities in Palmerston North

• Massey University
• IPU Tertiary Institute New Zealand

What is the cost of living in Palmerston North for international students?

The cost of living in Palmerston North is between NZD 1000 to NZD 2,200 per month, including rent utilities, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Is public transport available in Palmerston North?

Yes. People can travel by bus which is the main form of public transport in the city.

7. Queenstown

Queenstown, famously called the Adventure Capital of New Zealand is renowned for its adventure. People who want to push their adventure limits can visit this city. It offers a wide variety of adrenaline activities, such as jet boating, bungy jumping, white water rafting, skydiving, and even indoor thrills. Located in South Island, some of the best places to visit in Queenstown are Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Gardens, Milford Sound where you will find snow-capped mountains, Coronet Peak for skiing, Shotover River, and much more.

Reason to study in Queenstown: The Southern Institute of Technology, in Queenstown, offers no tuition fee to NZ domestic students at all levels paving a way to study without debt. It also offers various programs in all departments.

Top University in Queenstown

• Southern Institute of Technology

What is the cost of living in Queenstown for international students?

The cost to live in Queenstown is NZD 4,415 which is quite costly.

Is public transport available in Queenstown?

There are daily buses in Queenstown which cost around $2 with a Go Card. However, this card is worth getting only if you are planning to stay in Queenstown for a couple of days.

8. Tauranga

Located in the North Island of New Zealand, Tauranga is one of the fastest-growing cities which is surrounded by water and has gorgeous views from every angle. People who enjoy swimming should visit Dolphin Cruise from Tauranga which is available during summer. Papamoa Beach and Mount Maunganui Beach are some popular beaches to visit. Besides tourism and agriculture, the city hosts the largest port in the country by cargo turnover, generating numerous opportunities in related industries. Hence there is always demand for skilled specialists in New Plymouth.

Reason to study in Tauranga: Situated in the heart of Tauranga, the University of Waikato boasts approximately 13,000 students and a renowned faculty offering top-class education. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, it is placed within the top 250.

Top Universities in Tauranga

• University of Waikato
• Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology

What is the cost of living in Tauranga for international students?

The cost of living in Tauranga is approximately NZD 1,754 for international students.

Is public transport available in Tauranga?

People can travel by bus which is called Bay Hoppers. It costs around $2.72 with a Bee Card to travel within Tauranga.

9. Nelson

Nelson is the oldest city in the South Island and the second-oldest settled city in New Zealand, facing Tasman Bay.  The Nelson region is known for its year-round sunshine, long golden beaches, national parks, locally grown produce, freshly caught seafood, and a vibrant community of working artists. With green mountains and hills, bright sandy beaches, and the incredibly azure waters of the Tasman Sea perfect for sea kayaking, this city is one of the sunniest in New Zealand and the warmest in the South Island.

Reason to study in Nelson: Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology is a government-funded institution authorized by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority offering various courses from engineering, and commerce to plumbing, cookery, secretarial, craft, etc.

Top University in Nelson

• Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology

What is the cost of living in Nelson for international students?

The average cost of living in Nelson for international students is a minimum of $1500 per month including rent.

Is public transport available in Nelson?

E-bus is now available in Nelson with more destinations equipped with access to free WiFi at an affordable price. People can pay via cash or a Bee card.

10. New Plymouth

New Plymouth is New Zealand’s primary dairy center. Its artificial harbor makes it a significant port, importing cement, petroleum products, and fertilizer while exporting dairy products and meats, which are primarily produced in the surrounding area and processed within the city. Notable places to visit in New Plymouth include Pouakai Zoo, Pukeiti Gardens, Tupare Park, Pukekura Park, and many more.

Reason to study in New Plymouth: Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki offers various diploma and graduate programs to students all over the world. The approximate tuition fee for undergraduates costs NZD 15000 to NZD 21000 per year and for graduates around NZD 19500 – NZD 22500 per year.

Top University in New Plymouth

• Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki

What is the cost of living in New Plymouth for international students?

The average monthly cost of living in New Plymouth is approximately NZ$ 6010.

Is public transport available in New Plymouth?

A regular schedule of buses serves most areas of New Plymouth, operated by the Taranaki Regional Council.

Benefits of Studying in New Zealand

Globally Recognized Universities - New Zealand Universities consistently rank among the top institutions in the QS World Rankings and Times Higher Education Rankings. The University of Auckland ranks #65 in the QS World ranking 2025.

Low Tuition Fees - Tuition fees in New Zealand for international students are reasonably priced. Moreover, the cost of living is significantly lower than in many leading countries like the US and the UK.

Work while Studying - Students are allowed to work 20 hours a week if they pursue a full-time course of duration 2 years. As an international student in New Zealand, you generally earn the national minimum wage, which, as of 2025, is INR 900 (18.52 NZD) per hour.

Safe Environment for Students - New Zealand holds the fourth position on the Global Peace Index 2024, making it a safe destination for international students.

Excellent Education System - New Zealand is home to several globally ranked universities, offering a wide range of courses and numerous career opportunities. The New Zealand government focuses on providing skills that are necessary to compete in the fast-paced world. 

Focus on Research - Innovation and research are key focuses in New Zealand, offering students limitless opportunities. The country attracts more students each year with its highly experienced faculty, well-equipped laboratories, world-class teaching facilities, and advanced technology.

Scholarship Facilities - Various types of scholarships are available for international students, including NZ government-funded scholarships, university-specific scholarships, and private scholarships. Massey University, the University of Canterbury, and Auckland University of Technology, as well as the New Zealand government, offer scholarships to provide financial support based on academic performance and financial need.

Easy Admission Process - New Zealand provides two admission intakes for international applicants: February to June and July to November. The admission process at New Zealand universities is generally faster than at many other institutions. You can apply for a student visa online and receive your acceptance letter promptly. Even if your visa is denied, you have numerous colleges and universities to choose from.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which city in New Zealand is best for studying?

The best cities in New Zealand for international students to study are Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Queenstown, Christchurch, Napier, Nelson, Tauranga, Dunedin and Palmerston North, and New Plymouth.

2. Which state in New Zealand is best for international students?

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand is often considered the best state in New Zealand for international students due to its country's economic and social activities, making it a popular destination for higher education.

3. Which city in New Zealand has more job opportunities?

Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, provides the highest salaries and numerous job opportunities. However, the cost of living there is relatively higher compared to other cities in the country.

4. Is New Zealand good for study abroad?

No matter which city you choose to study in within New Zealand, you will receive a world-class education. The country has only eight universities, but they prioritize quality over quantity. All of these universities are ranked among the top 3% worldwide.

5. Which city is cheaper in New Zealand?

Christchurch has the lowest cost of living among major cities in New Zealand. Compared to Wellington and Auckland, this southern center is a bargain.