New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, southeast of Australia, and part of Oceania. In te reo Māori, it is known as Aotearoa. The country is made up of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, along with more than 600 smaller islands. Its capital is Wellington, located on the North Island. As of March 31, 2026, New Zealand’s estimated resident population was about 5.36 million.
New Zealanders commonly refer to themselves as Kiwis, and English is the most commonly spoken language. Te reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language also have official status under New Zealand law. In the 2023 Census, more than half of the population reported having no religion, while Christianity remained the largest religious group. Hinduism, Māori religions, Islam, Buddhism, and other faiths are also practiced in the country.
When in New Zealand, must-visit tourist attractions include Fiordland National Park, Bay of Islands, Queenstown, Tongariro National Park, and Franz Josef Glacier. Visitors should also try local dishes and treats such as hāngī, crayfish, Kiwi burgers, Jaffas, and pavlova.
Aotearoa New Zealand continues to rebuild its international education sector after the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, the country recorded 83,425 international student enrollments, up from 2023 and equal to 72% of 2019’s pre-pandemic total of 115,705 enrollments.
In the article below, we talk about some of the best cities to study in New Zealand.
Top Cities to Study in New Zealand for International Students
1. Wellington
The country’s capital city, Wellington, is popular for its culture, food, and compact city center. Along with the Wellington Cable Car, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, Wellington Botanic Garden, and ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary, the city is filled with bars, cafes, and restaurants serving excellent food and drinks.
Victoria University of Wellington, University of Otago, Wellington, Massey University’s Wellington campus, New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī, and Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School are some of the notable universities, campuses, and specialist schools in the area. With several excellent institutions, Wellington is definitely among the best cities to study in New Zealand for international students.
Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School is New Zealand’s national drama school. There are many courses and programs available at Toi Whakaari, including acting, arts management, costume construction, design for stage and screen, and set and props construction.
University of Otago, Wellington is a health sciences and medicine campus where students can study areas such as medicine, radiation therapy, physiotherapy, and postgraduate health qualifications. Massey University’s Wellington campus is another strong option, especially for students interested in creative fields and studying in a city known for culture and the arts.
2. Auckland
Auckland is on the North Island of the country. Despite being a metropolitan city, there are also many natural attractions in the area, such as Tiritiri Matangi Island, Tawharanui Regional Park, and Hauraki Gulf. The city is called Tāmaki Makaurau in te reo Māori.
In the city, a few of the leading institutions are The University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, Unitec Institute of Technology, Whitecliffe College, and Laidlaw College. Unitec offers a wide range of options, including certificates, diplomas, degrees, postgraduate study, and short courses.
On the other hand, Laidlaw College is a solid option for prospective students looking to study areas such as counseling, teacher education, theology, biblical languages, church leadership, ministry, and mission. Auckland is also home to the New Zealand College of Chiropractic in Mt Wellington, the only chiropractic training institution in New Zealand.
3. Christchurch
The South Island’s largest city, Christchurch, is a coastal city nicknamed the Garden City. As of June 30, 2025, Christchurch City had an estimated population of 419,200. When in the area, one should take a trip to the Canterbury Museum, Port Hills, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Avon River, and Hagley Park.
International students who choose to live and study in Christchurch, which is among the best cities to study in New Zealand, can pick from the city’s top educational institutions, such as the University of Canterbury, Ara Institute of Canterbury, Christchurch School of Music, and New Zealand College of Business.
The Christchurch School of Music (CSM) was established in 1955 and provides music education for people of all ages. At CSM, students can learn instruments, join orchestras and ensembles, and develop their musical skills in a community setting.
Popular for being one of New Zealand’s oldest universities, the University of Canterbury was established in 1873 as Canterbury College. It now offers academic study options in Arts, Business, Education, Engineering, Health, Law, and Science.
4. Dunedin
Dunedin is known as the Wildlife Capital of New Zealand. This is not surprising, as the city is home to the Otago Peninsula, the Royal Albatross Centre, Penguin Place, Ōrokonui Ecosanctuary, and Ross Creek. It has also been dubbed the “Edinburgh of the South” because of its Scottish roots. As of June 30, 2025, Dunedin City had an estimated population of 132,800.
In Dunedin, the most reputable centers of learning are the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic. The former is ranked among the top 200 universities worldwide and is placed 197th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The institution’s four academic divisions offer a wide range of study options to future students. These divisions are the Division of Commerce, Division of Health Sciences, Division of Humanities, and Division of Sciences.
As for the latter, Otago Polytechnic offers a wide range of study levels and course types, from bridging pathways and short courses to postgraduate qualifications. Its study options include areas such as hair and beauty, hospitality and culinary studies, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, trades, and more.
5. Nelson
Another city located in New Zealand’s South Island is Nelson. It is among the best cities to study in New Zealand for international students. It is also popular with tourists because of its beaches, forests, national parks, arts scene, and wineries. The place’s tranquil atmosphere is perfect for an international student looking for a city that is not all hustle and bustle.
In line with that, notable tertiary and specialist institutions in the area include the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts (NCMA), and Bishopdale College. The Nelson Centre of Musical Arts is especially notable because it is the oldest independent music school in New Zealand. For future students looking to enter the field of music and performing arts, NCMA is a strong option.
In New Zealand, you can accomplish two goals at once. You will develop your skills in world-class institutions while exploring its vibrant streets, natural scenery, and rich culture. Make your mark now and begin your future in this island country.
We hope you found this article on the best cities to study in New Zealand for international students informative and helpful. Check out the Study in New Zealand and Available Programs for International Students pages to learn more about studying abroad.
