Intakes in New Zealand: A Comprehensive Guide

Intakes in New Zealand: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

New Zealand has become a top choice for international students, providing high-quality education, rich cultural experiences, and outstanding career prospects. Understanding the intake cycles in New Zealand is crucial for students planning to study here, as it helps them plan their applications, secure admissions, and prepare for the academic journey. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the various intakes available in New Zealand, their benefits, and how MSM Unify can assist you in making informed decisions for a successful study abroad experience.

Upcoming intake calendar

New Zealand typically offers two main intakes for international students: the February Intake and the July Intake. Each of these intakes has specific timelines and application deadlines, which are important to consider while planning your application.

February intake (Summer intake)

July intake (Winter intake)

There are also smaller intakes in September and November for certain courses and institutions. These intakes are more specialized and cater to specific programs such as short-term diplomas or postgraduate courses.

Intake

Application period 

Course commencement

February intake

August – December

Late February – Early March

July intake

February – May

Early July – Late July

September intake

May – July

Early September

November intake

July – September

Early November

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Benefits of enrolling for each intake

Each intake to study in New Zealand has its unique advantages. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of enrolling in each:

Benefits of the February intake

Benefits of the July intake

Benefits of the September and November intakes

Which intake to opt for?

Choosing the right intake depends on several factors such as course availability, personal preferences, and preparedness. Here’s expert advice by MSM Unify overseas education consultants to help you decide:

For personalized guidance, MSM Unify’s overseas education consultants can help you choose the right intake and institution based on your academic background and career goals.

Comparing two intakes: February vs. July

Let’s take a closer look at the two major intakes—February and July—to understand how they differ:

Criteria

February intake

July intake

Course availability 

Wide range of courses

Limited but significant options

Scholarship opportunities

Higher chances due to more availability

Moderate chances

Competition level

High

Moderate

Visa processing time

Sufficient time, but application volumes are high

Quicker processing due to fewer applicants

Job market

Aligns with graduation in December, a good time for job hunting

Aligns with graduation in mid-year, suitable for internships

Weather conditions

Summer start, favorable weather

Winter start, colder climate

Best time to apply

To maximize your chances of securing admission and scholarships, it is essential to apply well before the deadlines. Here’s a general guideline:

Proactively reaching out to MSM Unify consultants can help streamline your application process and ensure you do not miss any important deadlines.

Documents required

When applying to New Zealand universities, you will need to submit several documents as part of your application. Here’s a list of key documents that you will be required to submit:

Application deadlines

Application deadlines vary based on the intake and the university. Below are general deadlines to keep in mind:

Intake

Application deadline

February intake

October – December (previous year)

July intake

April – May

September intake

June – July

November intake

August – September

Please note: Always check the specific deadlines on the university’s official website or consult with MSM Unify consultants for accurate information.

Top universities offering admission in respective intakes

Several top universities in New Zealand offer programs across different intakes. Here’s a list of some of the top institutions and the intakes they offer:

University

Available intakes

Popular courses

University of Auckland

February, July, September

Business, Engineering, Health Sciences

University of Otago

February, July

Law, Medicine, Humanities

Victoria University of Wellington

February, July, November

Arts, Commerce, Science

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

February, July, November

Digital Design, Communication Studies

Massey University

February, July, November

Veterinary Science, Business, Engineering

University of Canterbury

February, July

Engineering, Forestry, Arts

Lincoln University

February, July

Agriculture, Business, Tourism

Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)

February, July, November

Information Technology, Health, Trades

Conclusion

Choosing the right intake and university in New Zealand is a crucial step in your study abroad journey. Each intake offers unique benefits, and the choice should be based on your academic readiness, course availability, and personal preferences.

With the help of MSM Unify’s experienced consultants, you can navigate the application process with ease and confidence. MSM Unify has helped over 186,000 students fulfill their study abroad dreams, offering more than 50,000 programs across 1,500+ campuses in 21 destinations worldwide. Reach out to MSM Unify today to start your journey towards a successful academic and professional future in New Zealand!

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FAQs

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Q. What are the main intakes to study in New Zealand?

The primary intakes in New Zealand are in February and July, with additional intakes in September and November for certain courses.

Consider your course availability, readiness, financial planning, and visa processing time. MSM Unify consultants can help you choose the best intake based on your profile.

Start your application process by August of the previous year to ensure you have enough time for test preparation, document collection, and visa application.

The July intake offers reduced competition, more time for preparation, and flexible options for graduates completing their studies in December.

Yes, the February intake typically offers more scholarships and funding opportunities as it is the primary intake for most universities.

Commonly required documents include academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, SOP, LORs, passport, resume/CV, and financial documents.

Application deadlines for the July intake generally fall between April and May, depending on the university and program.

Yes, you can apply for multiple intakes, but ensure you meet the specific requirements and deadlines for each intake.

The top institutions include the University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, Auckland University of Technology, and the University of Auckland..

MSM Unify offers expert guidance on choosing the right intake, institution, and program. They also assist with the application process, ensuring you meet all requirements and deadlines.

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