Intakes in New Zealand run twice a year: February and July. Applications for the February 2027 intake should go in now, in September 2026, since Immigration New Zealand asks students overseas to apply at least three months before travel. This guide breaks down both intakes in New Zealand, university deadlines, visa timelines, and what changed for 2026-27. If you’re comparing destinations, you can also check ICCC’s guide to Canada’s intakes for a side-by-side view.
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Quick Answer: Intakes in New Zealand at a Glance
New Zealand has two major intakes and one minor intake. Here’s a quick breakdown of intakes in New Zealand for international students.
- February intake (Semester 1): The primary intake. All eight universities run it, and it offers the widest range of courses.
- July intake (Semester 2): The secondary intake. Fewer programs run, but competition and demand for accommodation are lower.
- November intake: A minor intake. Only a few institutions offer it, mostly for short courses, diplomas, and bridging programs.
Not sure yet which country or intake fits you best? Book a free consultation with ICCC and we’ll map out a timeline based on your program and budget.
February Intake vs. July Intake
Here’s how the two main intakes in New Zealand compare.
| Factor | February Intake | July Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Primary intake | Secondary intake |
| Universities offering it | All 8 | Most, with fewer programs |
| Application window | Opens ~12 months ahead; closes Nov-Dec | Opens ~8 months ahead; closes March-May |
| Course choice | Widest range | Limited range |
| Competition | Higher | Lower |
| Accommodation | Harder to secure | Easier to secure |
| Visa processing peak | October-March (busiest) | May-August |
Bottom line: Choose February if you want the widest course choice and can apply early. Choose July if you missed the February deadline or want less competition for a spot. Either way, both intakes in New Zealand lead to the same visa process and the same work rights after you graduate.
Why Apply Now for the 2027 Intake
Planning intakes in New Zealand around Immigration New Zealand’s own timeline matters. INZ told prospective students in April 2026 that applications for the 2027 academic year should go in around September 2026. That’s now. Waiting until closer to your travel date puts you inside INZ’s peak processing window, which runs from October to March, when decisions take longer.
Three other updates matter for Nepali students planning ahead:
- Faster funds verification. Since April 2026, Nepal has been part of Immigration New Zealand’s Funds Transfer Scheme, run through ANZ Bank. This cuts down the financial paperwork you need to prove you can support yourself, and it can speed up processing.
- Apply at least 3 months ahead. Immigration New Zealand recommends this for every student visa, and reminds applicants that late submissions, some filed just a month before the start date, risk missing the intake entirely.
- New graduate work options from November 2026. A new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa launches on 16 November 2026, giving eligible graduates up to six months of open work rights. Post-Study Work Visa eligibility also expands to cover more Graduate Diploma holders who already hold a bachelor’s degree.
How to Apply for Intakes in New Zealand
Applying for intakes in New Zealand follows a set sequence. Start 10-12 months before your target intake.
- Choose your intake and program. Decide between February and July based on your course, budget, and how much lead time you have. ICCC’s free resource library has SOP samples and a document checklist to help you plan.
- Meet the English requirement. Most universities ask for an IELTS overall band of 6.0-6.5, or an equivalent PTE score, depending on the program.
- Apply to the university. Submit transcripts, a statement of purpose, and reference letters through the university’s portal.
- Accept your offer and pay the deposit. Universities issue a conditional or unconditional offer letter once they review your file.
- Apply for your student visa. Submit your visa application at least 3 months before you plan to travel, along with proof of funds, medical checks, and your offer letter.
- Book travel and accommodation. Confirm your flights and housing once your visa is approved.
Most Nepali students who start this process 10-12 months ahead avoid the peak-season visa delays that catch late applicants. Read more on ICCC’s Study in New Zealand from Nepal page for country-specific guidance.
University Intakes in New Zealand: All 8 Options
All eight of New Zealand’s universities run a February intake. Most also run a July intake, with fewer available courses. Here’s how intakes in New Zealand break down by university. You can confirm program-level intake dates on Education New Zealand’s official site.
- University of Auckland: New Zealand’s largest university, with over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs and strong research funding.
- University of Otago: New Zealand’s oldest university, based in Dunedin, known for health sciences and medicine.
- Victoria University of Wellington: Based in the capital, strong in law, public policy, and the humanities.
- University of Canterbury: Based in Christchurch, known for engineering and applied sciences.
- Massey University: Spread across three campuses, known for agriculture, aviation, and veterinary science.
- University of Waikato: Based in Hamilton, known for management and computer science.
- Lincoln University: New Zealand’s specialist land-based university, focused on agriculture and environmental science.
- Auckland University of Technology (AUT): Known for a practical, industry-linked teaching style across business and technology.
Pros and Cons of Each Intake
Weighing both intakes in New Zealand side by side makes the trade-offs clear.
February Intake
Pros:
- Full course access: Every program at every university runs.
- Longer settling-in time: You arrive during New Zealand’s summer, before the academic year ramps up.
- Full scholarship access: Most scholarships open only for this intake.
Cons:
- More competition for popular programs and accommodation.
- Earlier deadlines, often 10-12 months ahead of the start date.
July Intake
Pros:
- Less competition for both admission and housing.
- Second chance if you missed the February deadline.
Cons:
- Fewer program options, since not every course runs mid-year.
- Some scholarships are unavailable for this intake.
Verdict: February suits students who plan early and want full course choice. July suits students who need a backup plan or prefer lighter competition.
Ready to start your application? Get in touch with ICCC for a free consultation, and we’ll help you build a timeline around the right intakes in New Zealand for your goals.
Frequently Asked Question
How many intakes does New Zealand offer for international students?
New Zealand offers two main intakes: February (Semester 1) and July (Semester 2). A smaller November intake exists too, mostly for short courses and diplomas.
Which is the best intake to study in New Zealand?
The February intake is generally the best choice, since all eight universities run it and it offers the widest range of programs. The July intake works well as a backup with less competition.
When should I apply for the February 2027 intake?
You should apply now. Immigration New Zealand has said applications for the 2027 academic year should be submitted around September 2026, since visa processing gets busiest between October and March.
How long does a New Zealand student visa take to process?
Processing time varies by application volume and complexity. Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least 3 months before your travel date to allow enough time for a decision, especially during the October-March peak period.
What English test score do I need for a New Zealand university?
Most New Zealand universities ask for an IELTS overall band of 6.0 to 6.5, or an equivalent PTE score. Requirements vary by program, so check your specific course.
Can I work in New Zealand after finishing my studies?
Yes. Graduates with an eligible degree can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa. Bachelor’s degree holders typically get 1-2 years, and Master’s or PhD graduates can get up to 3 years, depending on their qualification level.
What is the new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa?
The Short-Term Graduate Work Visa is a new visa launching on 16 November 2026. It gives eligible graduates who don’t qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa up to six months of open work rights to find a job.
Has anything changed for Nepali students applying to New Zealand?
Yes. Since April 2026, Nepal has been included in Immigration New Zealand’s Funds Transfer Scheme, run through ANZ Bank. This reduces the financial documents Nepali students need to submit with their visa application.
Which New Zealand universities offer a July intake?
Most of New Zealand’s eight universities offer a July intake, though with fewer program options than February. Check directly with your target university, since availability changes by course and year.
Do I need a separate visa for each intake?
No. The New Zealand student visa process is the same regardless of intake. What changes is your application timeline: apply around 10-12 months ahead for February, and about 8 months ahead for July.