Planning to study in a country with an outstanding education system? Well then New Zealand is the right place. Unsure of the intakes provided in New Zealand? No problem because in this article we will know about the New Zealand intakes, available, when to apply for the intake etc.
Intakes in New Zealand for international students
Many ask how many intakes in New Zealand are available for international students?
There are four New Zealand student intakes. In that the primary or popular intake is the February intake.
Semesters in New Zealand
Major intakes in New Zealand |
New Zealand intake months |
Application Deadlines |
February/January (Primary) |
Semester I (February to June) |
November / December |
July (Secondary) |
Semester II (July to November) |
May / June |
November Intake |
Semester II (November to March) |
September / October |
Rolling Intake |
Around the year |
No deadlines |
University intakes in New Zealand
Students often wonder which intake is best for New Zealand – February generally offers more course options. The July intake New Zealand is a great option if you miss the primary February intake. The September intake New Zealand is less common but available for select programs and institutions.
February intake in New Zealand
One of the Major intakes of admission intake in New Zealand is the February intake. ( Also popular as New Zealand January intake 2025) Admission process for New Zealand February intake begins one year before. Maximum numbers of courses are available for admissions in New Zealand's February intake and all eight universities are available to offer admissions. The applications open in December and New Zealand February intake deadline is between November and December while classes begin in late January or early February.
July intake in New Zealand
The July intake in New Zealand is the second academic intake, and it offers different undergraduate and postgraduate courses in different universities. It's the perfect option for those who couldn't make it for the February intake, and comparatively less competition with more availability in accommodation. The deadlines of New Zealand July intake are usually from March to May, so one has to prepare in advance.
September intake in New Zealand
The September intake in New Zealand (also known as October intake in New Zealand) is a less popular but increasing alternative for international students who want flexibility in their study plans. Although not as popular as the February and July intakes, there are some universities and institutes that provide certain programs starting in September, particularly in diploma, certificate, and vocational studies. This intake can be suitable for students who might have missed previous deadlines or prefer additional time to prepare for studies and the visa process. September intake New Zealand also coincides with the completion of academic terms in most countries, which is a convenient point of entry for international applicants.
Best study intakes in New Zealand
After receiving information regarding different intakes of New Zealand, here's a comparative study for understanding purpose. Go through the below-provided table to know which New Zealand master's intake to choose?
Intake for New Zealand : Factors to consider
Factors |
February Intake |
July Intake |
Start of Academic Year |
Yes — This is the main intake and marks the beginning of the academic year. |
No — This is the mid-year or second-semester intake. |
Course Availability |
A wider range of courses and programs are offered. |
Fewer course options may be available, depending on the university. |
Accommodation |
Higher demand — Housing options may be limited, so early booking is essential. |
Lower demand — Easier to secure accommodation. |
Job Opportunities |
More part-time jobs in New Zealand as businesses align with the new student influx. |
Fewer immediate opportunities — job market may be less active initially. |
Application Deadlines |
Earlier deadlines — usually between September and November of the previous year. |
Later deadlines — generally fall between March and May. |
Timeline for Intakes in New Zealand 2025
Timing is of the essence when it comes to university applications! To make your application process as smooth as possible, here is a timeline breakdown for the January and July intakes for New Zealand 2025. Always check New Zealand university semester dates to avoid missing important application deadlines.
Timeline of New Zealand intake for international students
Activity |
January 2026 Intake Timeline |
July 2025 Intake Timeline |
Research and shortlist universities |
April – May 2025 |
August – December 2024 |
Take English proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GMAT/GRE) |
June – July 2025 |
December 2024 – February 2025 |
Submit applications and required documents to selected universities |
August – September 2025 |
February – March 2025 |
Receive admission offers and complete enrollment process |
October – November 2025 |
March – April 2025 |
Apply for scholarships, arrange funds, and apply for a student visa |
November – December 2025 |
April – July 2025 |
Book flight tickets and prepare for your journey |
December 2025 – January 2026 |
June – July 2025 |
New Zealand Universities Intakes in 2025
New Zealand has a diverse range of universities, each offering a wide variety of courses. Below are some top institutions and the popular programs they offer for the 2025 intake:
Name of the University |
Popular Courses Offered |
Auckland Institute of Studies |
- Graduate Diploma in Information Technology |
Auckland University of Technology |
- Bachelor of Arts – Event Management |
Eastern Institute of Technology |
- Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Management |
IPU Tertiary Institute New Zealand |
- Postgraduate Diploma in Modern International Studies |
|
|
Documents Required for New Zealand study intake
Document |
Details |
Academic Certificates & Transcripts |
Certified copies of academic records from previous institutions. |
English Proficiency Evidence |
IELTS is the most widely accepted test. Score requirements vary by program and institution. |
Valid Passport |
Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in New Zealand. |
Health and Travel Insurance |
Mandatory to cover any medical or emergency expenses during your time in New Zealand. |
Letter of Acceptance |
Official letter from the admitting university — a key requirement for visa application. |
Financial Proof |
Must show you can afford tuition, living expenses, etc. Acceptable documents include bank statements or financial sponsor letters. |
Visa Application |
Submit the complete student visa application along with all necessary documents and the visa fee. |
Conclusion
There are many advantages to studying in New Zealand. New Zealand provides a distinctive fusion of academic and cultural enrichment with its esteemed universities, varied programs, and dedication to excellence. Now is the perfect moment for all international students to start this rewarding journey, where learning is a process of success, growth, and discovery rather than merely a destination.
Begin your academic journey in New Zealand and take advantage of the opportunities this dynamic and friendly academic offers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. How many intakes are there in New Zealand?
A. There are typically three main intakes in New Zealand – February, July, and a smaller October/November intake in some institutions.
Q. How much study gap is acceptable in New Zealand?
A. Generally, a 2–5 year study gap is acceptable, provided it's justified with work experience or valid reasons.
Q. What are the intakes for New Zealand?
A. The main intakes are February (primary), July (secondary), and October/November (limited programs).
Q. Which intake is best for New Zealand?
A. February intake is considered the best as it offers the most course options and marks the start of the academic year.
Q. Is May intake available in New Zealand?
A. No, May intake is not common in New Zealand; most programs start in February or July.
Q. What is the IELTS score required for New Zealand?
A. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall (with no band less than 5.5) is usually required for undergraduate, and 6.5 or higher for postgraduate programs.
Q. How many semesters are there in New Zealand?
A. There are two main semesters – Semester 1 (Feb–June) and Semester 2 (July–November).
Q. Is November intake available in New Zealand?
A. Yes, some institutions offer a limited November intake, mostly for specific diplomas or vocational programs.
Q. What is the upcoming intake in New Zealand?
A. The upcoming intake is the July 2025 intake, with deadlines usually between March and May.
Q. Is New Zealand good for international students?
A. Yes, New Zealand is highly regarded for its quality education, safe environment, and post-study work opportunities.
Q. What are New Zealand university semester dates?
A. Semester dates vary slightly by university, but generally:
Semester 1: February to June
Semester 2: July to November
Similar Abroad University Intakes:
- Intakes in US
- Intakes in Australia
- Intakes in Canada
- Intakes in UK
- Intakes in Germany
- Intakes in Ireland
"Plan Your Study Abroad Journey with EduVouchers"
Getting into a top universities in New Zealand requires more than just good grades. You need to take language proficiency exams like PTE, GRE, TOEFL, or DUOLINGO, which can be expensive and challenging to prepare for. That’s where EduVouchers comes in!
What We Offer:
-
Discount Vouchers: Get exclusive savings on exam fees for PTE, GRE, TOEFL, DUOLINGO, and more.
-
Free Exam Booking Assistance: We help you book your tests at no extra cost.
Check out: PTE Exam Booking, PTE Core Exam Booking.
-
Mock Tests & Study Resources: Access high-quality practice tests, guides, and preparation materials to boost your scores.
-
Expert Blogs & Insights: Stay informed with tips on exam strategies, university applications, scholarships, and visa processes.
Why Choose EduVouchers:
-
Affordable Preparation: Our discount vouchers and free resources help you save money while preparing for your exams.
-
Expert Support: From booking your exams to providing study materials, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
-
Proven Success: Thousands of students have trusted us to help them achieve their study abroad dreams.
If you’re planning to study in New Zealand, don’t let exam costs or preparation hurdles slow you down. Visit EduVouchers today and start your journey with confidence and savings!