What is it like to study abroad in New Zealand? In a word, well… badass. If you’re looking for a study abroad experience with a generous dose of adventure, look no further than New Zealand! From hiking through snow-capped mountains to scuba-diving through colorful coral reefs, New Zealand study abroad programs offer the chance to explore the great outdoors whilst you tot up your school credits. Alternatively, if vibrant cities are more up your street, explore the innovative streets of Auckland, Dunedin and Wellington, enjoying New Zealand’s enthusiasm for food and coffee. Whatever your study style, New Zealand is sure to have a study abroad program to match.
Which study abroad programs in New Zealand will get you up close and personal with mother nature?!
There are even opportunities to study in New Zealand if classroom-learning isn’t your idea of a good time. Take to the rainforests or natural parks to learn about conservation, marine biology, or environmental issues and development. What better way to experience some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery than by getting to know the region’s unique biodiversity? Enjoy camping out under the stars, or be truly immersed in New Zealand’s culture by taking part in a homestay with a local family. Alternatively, make new friends from all over the world in university accommodation or a student house-share.
Whatever you choose to study, at whatever level, in whichever location, the opportunity to study in New Zealand is not to be missed. Enjoy extra-curriculars from dancing to cooking to water-sports, and open your mind by learning about Aboriginal and Maori culture and language. Studying abroad in any location is sure to teach you some invaluable life skills, but New Zealand’s peaceful and welcoming environment will make for an extra-special experience.
Here’s a sneak peek at the best study abroad programs in New Zealand this year, according to meaningful travelers:
The best study abroad programs in New Zealand this year
Editor’s note: This information on New Zealand study abroad programs was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.
1. CISabroad—9.68
“I couldn't have been happier about choosing CISabroad ad the program to help me find my way while studying in a new country. The process was smooth and easy and they set up everything so that I could start my journey stress free. They had a program coordinator in the host country who was the nicest and most helpful person to guide us on our adventures. Living abroad changed my life and I couldn't have had quite the experience without the housing, advising, and guidance that this program provided.”—Read more CISabroad reviews here.
- Where? Dunedin, Wellington
- When? Year round
- Why? CISabroad is a fully inclusive study abroad program, with all your tuition, housing, insurance and support covered, meaning your transition into life in New Zealand is made as smooth as possible. Choose between the student-populated Dunedin, with all it’s Scottish heritage, and culture-rich, harbourside Wellington: wherever you choose, CISabroad will support you before you travel, as you are settling in and throughout your study abroad program. Excursions and cultural activities are also part of the package. CISabroad will tailor your study abroad program to your requirements, whether for a year, semester, or just a couple of weeks.
- More info on CISabroad
2. American Institute for Foreign Study—9.16
“Amazing program. All program directors were super helpful and caring. I enjoyed the country I decided to study. Given that I am a sophomore I plan to study abroad one more time before graduating. Love everyone in AIFS. Nothing to improve to make the program better :)”—Read more American Institute for Foreign Study here.
- Where? Wellington
- When? Year round
- Why? American Institute for Foreign Study is a long-standing, recognised study abroad program provider, having worked with students all over the world since 1964. AIFS’ program in Wellington makes it simple for students to enjoy their study abroad in New Zealand by including and arranging all tuition fees, accommodation, meals and student support, as well as a range of cultural experiences. Students even have a choice of living arrangement, from shared student apartments to independent living to homestays. Whatever you choose, AIFS will make the process as stress-free as possible.
- More info on American Institute for Foreign Study
3. IES Abroad—9.62
“It's hard to have any boring experiences when traveling in New Zealand. That being said, IES Abroad made my adventure so much more worthwhile. They truly made every single experience I had full of cultural learning and meaning, and that has made all the difference. I truly felt like I was a part of the culture around me, not like I was paying someone to perform their culture for me, and that was extremely important to me. IES took us to the Cook Islands, which is where I truly felt this way; that I was participating and learning rather than being a vacationing tourist. I believe that the unique connections IES has within these international communities is what made these experiences possible and significant.”—Read more IES Abroad reviews here.
- Where? Christchurch
- When? Academic Year, Fall, Spring
- Why? Choose to study for a semester or a full year at the University of Canterbury, in amongst Christchurch’s rapid and exciting regrowth. After earthquakes devastated the city in 2010 and 2011, Christchurch has seen a wave of inspiring development, and students abroad in this city will experience the beginnings of new businesses, and the realization of great potential. IES Abroad’s program includes all tuition, which takes place in small classes with local and international students, accommodation, visa processing, trips, and a range of outdoor activities.
- More info on IES Abroad
4. University Studies Abroad Consortium—9
“Living in New Zealand was the best decision I have ever made! From the people to the BEAUTIFUL views, this country has so much to offer. Studying at Massey was perfect, in that you aren't right in Auckland. This allowed myself to really enjoy my ventures into the city, but even more so enjoy the trips I chose to take outside of Auckland.”—Read more University Studies Abroad Consortium here.
- Where? Auckland, Palmerston North, Wellington
- When? Year Round, Academic Year, Fall, Spring
- Why? International students at Auckland’s Massey University can choose to enrol in one of their departments, from social sciences to business to creative arts. Students also have the option to take classes specializing in New Zealand’s culture, where they can learn all about the literature, cinema and environment of where they live. You will even have the opportunity to learn the Maori language! USAC offers assistance with enrolment, housing, visa processing and insurance, giving students more time to enjoy their stay in New Zealand.
- More info on University Studies Abroad Consortium
5. University of Otago—8.38
“I don’t even know where to start when explaining my time abroad at Otago. I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life thus far. I met the most incredible friends, flat mates, and professors, all who I learned so much from. Yes, studying abroad means you’ll be studying at times. But, your most important learning experiences will happen outside of studying. The everyday walks back home from class with new best friends you met from the other side of the world will be what you’ll learn from the most... Everyone at The University of Otago is kinder than necessary, which undoubtedly will make your study abroad experience at Otago everything you could want and more.”—Read more University of Otago reviews here.
- Where? Dunedin
- When? Year Round, Academic Year, Fall, Spring
- Why? Live like a local in Dunedin, sharing a home and attending classes with international and local students, right in the centre of the city. The University of Otago offers study abroad programs from undergraduate level all the way up to PhD, so postgraduate students still have the chance to study abroad and benefit from immersion in a different culture. With ample opportunity to travel, students abroad in New Zealand can explore the whole country and others, or, if they prefer, they can spend their free time exploring the city’s botanical gardens, churches, and galleries.
- More info on University of Otago
6. Pacific Discovery—Gap Year, Summer & Semester Programs Abroad—9.67
“Pacific Discovery planned out the trip incredibly, and everything we did was mind-blowing. The trip really allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and experience new things that I definitely would not be able to do at home. The program also really allowed me to explore myself as a person in a way that I never have before. I felt like I really grew through all the activities we did and through any hardships that we had (we had very few though). Overall, I had the time of my life and learned so much, especially with two incredible instructors.”—Read more Pacific Discovery reviews here.
- Where? Auckland, Christchurch, Nelson, Queenstown, among others
- When? Year Round
- Why? Three cheers for New Zealand summer study abroad! Take advantage of a different kind of study abroad experience with Pacific Discovery—travel through Australia and New Zealand whilst learning on the road! Study and practice conservation throughout your trip, putting your newly acquired skills to test in national parks and marine reserves across the continent, as well as enjoying exciting extra-curricular activities, from hiking to canoeing, rock climbing and surfing. All activities, projects and lectures are included, as well as accommodation, meals and visas.
- More info on Pacific Discovery—Gap Year, Summer & Semester Programs Abroad
7. Carpe Diem Education—9
“With a great combination of activities that pushed us out of our physical and mental comfort zones, Carpe Diem's South Pacific Gap Year was a truly incredible and life-changing semester! We traveled almost all of New Zealand from north to south, spent a week living in a remote village in Fiji, and whipped through a huge portion of Australia in four short weeks. There was a good balance of structure and free time, with great cultural immersion programs that increased our knowledge of the places we were and the history surrounding them. I learned a ton about environmental issues and how to live in better harmony with the Earth through my day-to-day life. Our overseas educators, Eric and Lolly, were very passionate and willing to share their experiences with us on a personal level. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who is unsure of whether traditional college is the right choice for them!”—Read more Carpe Diem Education reviews here.
- Where? Rural Areas
- When? 3-6 Months, Year Round
- Why? More than a study abroad experience, Carpe Diem Education’s South Pacific semester offers students the opportunity to travel and learn simultaneously. A true cultural immersion, students will study environmental issues and conservation and learn about aboriginal culture as they explore New Zealand, Australia and Fiji. With a balance of educational activities, guided experiences and free time, students will open their minds to different ways of living, learning from traditional cultures, whilst socializing with international students from all over the world. With continuous support from Carpe Diem Education, students taking part in this experience will be well looked after at all times.
- More info on Carpe Diem Education
8. AFS-USA—9
“This is a GREAT program. People are very hospitable, friendly & fun. Safe environment. Schools are great. Only negative is you won't learn a foreign language. I got full credit from my High School for classes taken.”—Read more AFS-USA reviews here.
- Where? Auckland
- When? Academic Year, Fall, Spring
- Why? AFS-USA’s study abroad New Zealand program is specifically designed for high school students, providing them with all the support and guidance they need to boost their high school career by studying abroad. Offering a choice of schools in different locations, AFS-USA will place you in a program that’s right for you, depending on your interests, and will check in with you regularly to ensure you are enjoying your time in New Zealand. Every step of the process is tailored to each individual student, from the school to the host family with which you will stay—a great way to fully immerse yourself in New Zealand’s culture! On top of all that, students will have the opportunity to explore hot springs, beaches and mountains as well as their new hometown.
- More info on AFS-USA
9. Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs—8.67
“Participating in HECUA's New Zealand program was absolutely incredible and truly life-changing. The immersive nature of this program is unparalleled and contributes to an extremely unique educational experience. This program provided me with incredible opportunities to meaningfully engage with communities and with the environment, and to develop a deep connection to the land that I was on and the people who I was with. I learned more from this engagement than I could have ever learned in a traditional classroom setting, and I am indescribably appreciative to have been able to participate in this program.”—Read more Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs here.
- Where? Wellington
- When? Fall, Spring
- Why? Take advantage of a dramatically different learning experience: forget stuffy classrooms and lecture halls, HECUA’s New Zealand study abroad program takes students to biodiversity sites, historical and cultural areas to learn first-hand about the people, places and events that have contributed to New Zealand’s history and development. The second part of the program involves local home-stays, independent project work, and an internship, offering students valuable work experience as well as learning leadership and independence.
- More info on Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs
[Browse ALL Study Abroad Programs in New Zealand]
You’re one step closer to studying abroad in New Zealand!
If Milford Sound isn’t on your study in New Zealand bucket list… be sure to add it!
Any opportunity to study abroad, whether in high school, university, or as a postgraduate, is an amazing chance to boost your grades and your future employability, not to mention to see the world! Make the most of the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and have experiences that you don’t come across in your home country. New Zealand has so much to offer to international students, particularly those interested in science programs, conservation, or environmental studies, thanks to its incredible biodiversity and beautiful natural scenery.
By studying abroad through an organized program, you will have access to continuous support from the moment you start your application. Choosing the program that’s right for you allows you to tailor your experience to include the experiences that are important to you, whether that be the right university, living situation, or experiences such as cultural excursions. With so many programs to choose from all over New Zealand, you are sure to find a study abroad scheme to help you have the time of your life.
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