Destinations › New Zealand

Destination

Study in New Zealand from Nigeria

An online visa, 25 hours’ work a week in term, and up to three years of post-study work after a Level 7 degree.

Check if New Zealand fitsEstimate the budget
The village green at the University of Waikato, Hamilton

New Zealand is an expanding route for us: an English-speaking system, strong quality of life, and a generous post-study work visa. You apply for the visa online, with no embassy queue. Costs are higher than continental Europe, so we make sure the numbers work before you commit.

From 16 November 2026, a Short Term Graduate Work Visa gives eligible graduates six months of open work rights. Apply within three months of your student visa ending.

Who this destination suits

Students who want an English-speaking destination with strong post-study work rights. Those with the budget for higher tuition. Candidates heading for nursing, engineering, IT or construction.

LightTouch’s role

We confirm which programmes carry the best post-study work and residence prospects, handle admission and the student visa, and prepare your funds evidence to Immigration New Zealand standards.

Key facts

Updated: October 2026
Main intakesFebruary (main), July
TuitionPolytechnics from ~NZ$26,400/yr. Universities NZ$35,500–NZ$58,050+/yr
Proof of fundsNZ$20,000/yr living + tuition + return airfare
Work while studyingUp to 25 hrs/week in term. Master’s and PhD students unlimited
After graduationPost-Study Work Visa: up to 3 years (Level 7+ degrees)
Visa feeNZ$850 (from January 2026)

Checked against official sources. Rules change, so we confirm the figures for your case before you apply.

Applying from Nigeria

How it works for you

Weeks 1–4

Offer of place

Apply and receive your offer. Most providers ask for IELTS, PTE or TOEFL.

Weeks 2–6

Funds and medicals

Gather tuition and NZ$20,000 living evidence, plus medical checks if required.

3 months before travel

Apply online

Submit your student visa online. There’s no embassy appointment.

About 3–7 weeks

Decision

Answer any requests from Immigration New Zealand quickly to avoid delays.

English and WAEC

Plan for IELTS, PTE or TOEFL. New Zealand providers rarely accept WAEC English or an MOI letter. WAEC-only applicants start with a foundation or Level 4 certificate.

Universities we apply to

  • University of WaikatoHamilton · NZ
  • AUTAuckland · NZ
  • Victoria University of WellingtonWellington · NZ
  • Massey UniversityNZ
  • UnitecAuckland · NZ
  • Otago PolytechnicDunedin · NZ
  • Southern Institute of TechnologyInvercargill · NZ
  • Manukau Institute of TechnologyAuckland · NZ

Our list grows. If your school isn’t here, ask us.

Courses we recommend

  • Nursing
  • Engineering technology
  • IT and cybersecurity
  • Construction management

From 16 November 2026, a Level 7 graduate diploma after your bachelor’s can lead to a post-study work visa of up to one year. It is the lowest-cost route.

Routes

Routes we use in New Zealand

Research Master’s

MRes and research Master’s, from proposal to supervisor to interview.
Read more →

Conversion Master’s

Master’s in computing, data, business or law for graduates of other subjects.
Read more →

Questions

Questions

How long can I work after studying in New Zealand?
Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates (Level 7 and above) can qualify for up to three years of open post-study work rights. From 16 November 2026, a Short Term Graduate Work Visa gives eligible graduates six months.
How much money do I need to show?
NZ$20,000 per year for living costs, plus your first-year tuition and a return airfare. We prepare the exact evidence package.
Is New Zealand more expensive than Europe?
Generally yes on tuition and flights. We give you a full budget before you decide.
How many hours can I work while studying?
Up to 25 hours a week during term for most students. Master’s and PhD students have no weekly limit.
Do I need an embassy appointment?
No. The New Zealand student visa is applied for online.

Check if New Zealand fits your budget.

Send us your course and budget on WhatsApp. We’ll confirm the figures for your case.

Chat on WhatsAppCheck if you qualify
WhatsApp