🇳🇿 Popular Universities in New Zealand for Nepali Students

6 universities ranked by Nepali student popularity — based on NOC data, counselor intelligence, and Nepali community size. Filter by degree, field, and tier to find your match.

2Top picks for Nepalis

4Offer scholarships

6Total universities listed

Filters

Degree level

Field of study

Popularity tier

Sort by

Scholarships only

Showing 6 of 6 universities

#1⭐ Top pickQS #68PublicScholarship available

University of Auckland

Auckland

~$24,000/yr

est. intl. tuition

New Zealand's highest-ranked university and the most popular destination for Nepali students in NZ. Auckland's large Nepali community, QS Top-70 ranking, 3-year Open Work Visa eligibility after graduation, and direct PR pathway via SMC make it the flagship NZ option.

🇳🇵 Auckland has New Zealand's largest Nepali community. The Nepali Society of Auckland and the University's Nepal alumni group are active.

ME Software EngineeringME Electrical and Electronic EngineeringMBABE Engineering (Hons)

Min GPA: 3.0/4.0IELTS: 6.5+Acceptance: ~50–60% for most programs; engineering and medical more competitiveIntakes: February, JulyAid: University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship; NZ Excellence Award

View full profile →Official website ↗

#2⭐ Top pickQS 401–450PublicScholarship available

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Auckland

~$20,000/yr

est. intl. tuition

AUT is the most popular university in NZ for Nepali nursing students and is accessible for applicants who don't meet University of Auckland's higher entry requirements. Lower tuition, two intakes per year, and practical, industry-focused programs are key draws.

🇳🇵 Large Nepali student population at AUT, particularly in nursing and IT programs. Strong peer support networks.

MComp Computer and Information SciencesMEng Engineering (Electrical)BEng Technology (Mechanical)Bachelor of Nursing

Min GPA: 2.7/4.0IELTS: 6+Acceptance: ~65–75%; accessible entry requirementsIntakes: February, JulyAid: AUT International Scholarships (up to NZD 10,000); merit awards for GPA > 3.5

View full profile →Official website ↗

#3✓ Well-knownQS 401–450PublicScholarship available

Massey University

Palmerston North / Wellington / Auckland

~$18,500/yr

est. intl. tuition

Massey is NZ's leading university for agriculture, veterinary science, and business. For Nepali students from agricultural backgrounds or who studied agriculture at TU, Massey offers excellent postgraduate pathways. Palmerston North campus has lower living costs than Auckland.

🇳🇵 Growing Nepali student community across all three campuses; the Manawatu (Palmerston North) campus has a visible South Asian student group.

MBAMAgSc Agricultural ScienceMaster of Information SciencesBVSc Veterinary Science

Min GPA: 2.7/4.0IELTS: 6.5+Acceptance: ~60–70% most programs; veterinary science very competitiveIntakes: February, JulyAid: Massey International Excellence Award; Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship

View full profile →Official website ↗

#4↑ RisingQS 244PublicScholarship available

Victoria University of Wellington

Wellington

~$22,000/yr

est. intl. tuition

Wellington is NZ's capital and government/public sector hub. VUW's strong reputation in law, public policy, and IT management attracts Nepali students planning careers in government, international organizations, or consulting. Lower population than Auckland reduces competition for accommodation and part-time work.

Master of Information ManagementMaster of Architecture (Professional)MBA (Wellington School of Business)

Min GPA: 3.0/4.0IELTS: 6.5+Acceptance: ~55–65% postgraduate programsIntakes: February, JulyAid: Victoria Doctoral Scholarship; Wellington Graduate Award; NZ Excellence Award

View full profile →Official website ↗

#99✓ Well-knownQS #206Public

University of Otago

Dunedin

~$20,000/yr

est. intl. tuition

Min GPA: VariesIELTS: 6+Intakes:

View full profile →Official website ↗

#99✓ Well-knownQS #261Public

University of Canterbury

Christchurch

~$19,000/yr

est. intl. tuition

Min GPA: VariesIELTS: 6+Intakes:

View full profile →Official website ↗

Need help choosing between these universities?

Our counselors have helped hundreds of Nepali students get into these universities. We can match your GPA, IELTS, and budget to the best-fit option in under 20 minutes. Book a free counseling session →

Looking for budget options? See affordable universities in New Zealand →