There are so many unique and enjoyable reasons to visit New Zealand. This is a country with an abundance of natural beauty, stunning landscapes, welcoming people, and experiences like no other. But for many, New Zealand is more than just a vacation destination. For Indian learners looking to study abroad, the country is quickly becoming a popular option.
If you’re a student in India who likes the idea of studying abroad, we’ve got some fabulous cities in New Zealand that could be ideal. Each of these has its own personality and flair, along with a list of benefits. From part-time job listings to the cost of living, the community, and the number of schools available, we’ve got all the important details you need.
Auckland
Studying abroad is filled with opportunities, but it can also spark a sense of homesickness. Being that far away from home, your family and friends, and your culture can be difficult. This is one of the many reasons Auckland is a popular city with Indian learners.
Auckland is easily the most multicultural city in the country. From dining to shops, and even cultural events, this can be the spot you feel most at home. This is also the largest and busiest city in New Zealand, with several top universities to choose from. The University of Auckland is hailed as the top school not just in the city, but in the entire country.
If you enjoy city skylines mixed with harbor views, Auckland offers them in spades. The business center is always bustling with activity, too. Because this is a city, housing can be a bit more expensive and more competitive to find. Being open to sharing a place with roommates can help your chances of finding a great place.
As long as you have a valid student visa, you can work the allotted weekly hours. Finding a part-time job can also be much easier in a big city like Auckland. That job will come in handy since the average monthly living expenses for students are between NZ$1,620 and NZ$2,400.
Wellington
Another well-known city in New Zealand among tourists and international students is Wellington. This particular city does a great job attracting students who want to explore creative fields of study. Diverse and friendly, Wellington is also the capital of New Zealand. A stroll around the main city center will quickly showcase just how artistic the city is. Between performing arts, art galleries, and museums, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.
There are several universities located in the city, each with a solid reputation. Outside of art, Victoria University of Wellington is ideal for those studying research and academics. The monthly cost of living is a little higher than in some of the other cities we’ll mention, but still cheaper than Auckland. Students can expect to spend between NZ$1,580 and NZ$2,140 monthly on rent, food, and other expenses.
Hamilton
Now we move over to the North Island and the city of Hamilton, also popular among local and international students. Hamilton boasts some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the country, along with the modern conveniences and facilities you’ll need. It has a distinct laidback vibe, which makes it especially welcoming to those moving to New Zealand for the first time.
One thing that students often comment on is the social scene in Hamilton. Its smaller size and quieter atmosphere, with a population of 192,000, make meeting people extremely easy. You’ll build a whole network of friends in no time. While you can certainly spend your free time exploring the local attractions and sights, there are also plenty of other things to do. Victoria Street is one of the best places for students to hang out. This street is lined with bars, cafes, restaurants, and more.
As for the cost of living, Hamilton is on the more affordable side, with monthly expenses between NZ$1,320 and NZ$1,900.
Christchurch
For students who are seeking affordability, Christchurch may be at the top of the list. It has a reputation for being one of the most affordable university cities in New Zealand. That doesn’t mean it’s cheap, but it is more affordable than other cities, such as Auckland.
Located on the eastern coast of the South Island, it is referred to as the “Garden City” by Kiwis. It has a population of 415,000 people, making it seem big but not crowded. International students also make up a sizeable portion of the population.
A standout school is the University of Canterbury. It is very popular for those with an interest in science, data science, health, engineering, business, and law, to name a few. Other top schools in Christchurch include Lincoln University and the University of Otago. Students will also appreciate the city’s many green spaces and parks, festivals and regular events, quaint shops, and a lively cafe scene. In terms of costs, the average monthly cost of living is between NZ$1,380 and NZ$1,960.
New Zealand Makes Its Mark as a Premier Destination for International Students
From its friendly, affordable cities to its natural beauty, New Zealand has a massive list of reasons that makes it popular with international students from India. It won’t take you long to settle in, create a community of friends, and immerse yourself in everything that New Zealand offers. In addition, it offers world-ranked universities.
Moreover, each city offers its own brand of leisure — whether you want to visit the quaint cafés, soak up the sun on a beautiful beach, partake in the vibrant nightlife, or just explore NZ’s most popular pokies, there are plenty of ways for students to immerse themselves in authentic Kiwi culture.
