New Zealand’s universities operate on a semester/trimester system with three main intakes:
‍February Intake (Semester 1) – the largest intake; most programmes open applications around November of the preceding year and close by January.

‍July Intake (Semester 2) – mid-year entry; applications typically open from March and close by May.
‍September/November Intake (Trimester 3) – smaller selection of programmes; deadlines vary by institution, often from June to August.

We recommend you begin shortlisting and preparing your documents 8–10 months before your desired start date and submit at least 3–4 months ahead of each intake deadline.

Undergraduate degrees (Bachelor’s): typically 3 years of full-time study.
‍Master’s programmes: most taught Master’s degrees take 1 year; research or extended Master’s may run 1–2 years depending on the field and thesis requirements.

New Zealand universities commonly accept:
‍IELTS Academic (usually 6.0–6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0)
‍TOEFL iBT (typically 80–90 overall)
‍PTE Academic (generally 58–65 overall)

Exact scores vary by institution and programme. Some universities waive formal tests if you’ve completed a prior degree taught fully in English. Always verify the specific requirement on your target university’s admissions page.

Once you’ve submitted a complete application (all transcripts, test scores, and references), New Zealand universities usually issue offer letters within 2–4 weeks, though in peak seasons or for research programmes it can extend to 6 weeks. Incomplete applications or those submitted close to the deadline may be held pending until all materials are received.