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.Â
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.
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.
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 |
Each intake to study in New Zealand has its unique advantages. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of enrolling in each:
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.
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 |
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.
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 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.
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 |
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!
Intakes in New Zealand: A Comprehensive Guide
Share your details & our experts will call to discuss your goals
FAQs
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.
MSM Unify is a student marketplace that connects students with educational institutions and recruitment partners worldwide. We unify and allow everyone in the industry to work collaboratively to reach the world’s curious learners and provide them with a host of options when it comes to their education.
Download our App
Download our App
Copyright © 2024, MSM Unify. All rights reserved.
Google