Intakes in New Zealand at a glance
Quick read
- New Zealand has two main intakes: Semester One in late February and Semester Two in July.
- February is the bigger intake. For Semester One 2027, the University of Auckland's international deadline is 8 December 2026 for most undergraduate programmes.
- Some institutions also run summer school or other start dates for selected programmes.
- Immigration New Zealand processes 80% of student visas within about seven weeks, so apply at least three months before travel.
- You need to pay your first year's tuition (or the full course if shorter) before the visa is approved.
New Zealand's academic year runs from late February to November, split into two semesters. Most bachelor's and master's programmes admit students in both semesters, although some, especially professional and health programmes, only start in February.
Universities accept applications on a rolling basis until their closing dates, and many continue to consider late applications if places are left. Because the visa needs time, the practical deadline is usually two to three months before the start.
Types of intakes in New Zealand
February intake
Main intakeAlso called: Semester One
- Classes start
- Late February to early March
- Applications open
- From about May of the previous year
- Typical deadlines
- Usually November to early December for international students (Auckland: 8 December 2026 for most undergraduate programmes)
- Courses available
- All programmes, including those that start only once a year
Good for: Most students, and anyone applying to health, teaching or professional programmes.
July intake
Secondary intakeAlso called: Semester Two
- Classes start
- Mid-July
- Applications open
- From about October of the previous year
- Typical deadlines
- Usually May to early June (Auckland: 8 June 2027 for international undergraduate applicants)
- Courses available
- Most master's and many bachelor's programmes; not every programme admits in July
Good for: Students who graduate in India in May or June, or want more time for an English test.
Summer school and other starts
Limited coursesAlso called: November or flexible start
- Classes start
- November to January, or other dates for selected programmes
- Applications open
- Varies by institution
- Typical deadlines
- Varies by institution
- Courses available
- Selected papers, foundation and English programmes, and some institute of technology courses
Good for: Students who want a head start or need a pathway programme.
Upcoming intakes in New Zealand from 23 Oct 2026
February 2027
Closing soonSemester One starts late February 2027
Apply by: Now; Auckland's international deadline is 8 December 2026 for most undergraduate programmes
Apply now if your documents are ready. You still need to pay first-year tuition and allow about seven weeks for the visa.
July 2027
Applications openSemester Two starts mid-July 2027
Apply by: January to April 2027 is safest; Auckland closes on 8 June 2027
A good intake for master's students who finish their degree in India in spring 2027.
February 2028
Plan aheadLate February 2028
Apply by: May to November 2027
Best if you still need to take IELTS or PTE or build work experience.
Status is worked out from the date this page was updated. Courses can close early once they are full, so treat each date as the latest safe point, not a target.
Not sure which intake you can still make?Tell us your course and marks and our counsellor will check which New Zealand intakes are realistic for you.
Month-by-month plan for the July 2027 intake
October to November 2026
Shortlist programmes and check that they admit in Semester Two. Book your English test.
December 2026 to January 2027
Take your English test and prepare your statement, CV and transcripts.
January to March 2027
Apply to universities and for scholarships linked to the July intake.
March to April 2027
Accept your offer and pay the first year's tuition as required.
April 2027
Apply for the Fee Paying Student Visa with proof of NZ$20,000 a year for living costs and approved insurance.
May to June 2027
Receive your visa, book accommodation and flights.
July 2027
Arrive for orientation and start Semester Two.
How to choose the right intake
- 01
Programme start dates
Some programmes, especially in health and education, start only in February. Check before planning a July start.
- 02
Visa time
Immigration New Zealand processes 80% of student visas in about seven weeks. Leave a buffer for peak months.
- 03
Scholarships
Some university scholarships, such as Auckland's India High Achievers award, have intake-specific offer deadlines.
- 04
Seasons
February starts in late summer; July starts in winter. It affects what you pack and how you settle in, not your degree.
Application deadlines at universities in New Zealand
| University | Intake | Deadline | Official page |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland (most undergraduate programmes) | Semester One 2027 | 8 December 2026 (international applicants) | Check date |
| University of Auckland (Bachelor of Nursing) | Semester One 2027 | 1 November 2026 (international applicants) | Check date |
| University of Auckland (undergraduate) | Semester Two 2027 | 8 June 2027 (international applicants) | Check date |
| University of Auckland (India High Achievers Scholarship) | 2027 intakes | Offer needed by the scholarship's set date; for the 2027 intake this was 20 October 2026 | Check date |
| Victoria University of Wellington (Postgraduate International Scholarship) | 2027 intakes | No separate application; assessed with your admission | Check date |
| Lincoln University (international scholarships) | 2027 intakes | Offered automatically to eligible admitted students | Check date |
Most New Zealand universities accept late applications if places remain, but they are considered on merit and leave less time for the visa.
Eligibility and documents to keep ready
What you usually need to apply
- Class 12 with good marks for bachelor's; a recognised bachelor's degree for master's (many programmes look for a B average equivalent).
- IELTS Academic (often 6.5 with no band below 6.0) or another accepted test.
- First year's tuition paid in advance (or the full course if shorter).
- Proof of NZ$20,000 a year for living costs.
- Approved health and travel insurance for the whole visa.
Documents checklist
- Passport
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
- Bachelor's transcripts and degree certificate (for master's)
- English test score report
- Statement of purpose
- CV and references (for some master's)
- Offer of place and tuition receipt
- Proof of funds
- Insurance certificate
Want us to check your documents?Our counsellor will go through your file before you apply, so a missing paper doesn't cost you an intake.
Intakes in New Zealand: FAQs
What are the intakes in New Zealand?
February (Semester One) and July (Semester Two), with some summer school and other starts for selected programmes.
Can I still apply for February 2027?
Yes, for many programmes. The University of Auckland's international deadline for most undergraduate programmes is 8 December 2026, but leave enough time for the visa.
Is July a good intake?
Yes, for most master's degrees. Check that your programme admits in Semester Two.
How long does the student visa take?
Immigration New Zealand processes 80% of student visas in about seven weeks. Apply at least three months before you travel.
Do I have to pay tuition before the visa?
Yes. You usually pay the first year's tuition, or the full course if it is shorter, before the visa is approved.
Sources
- University of Auckland: undergraduate application closing dates (opens in a new tab)
- University of Auckland: India High Achievers Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
- Immigration New Zealand: Fee Paying Student Visa (opens in a new tab)
- Study with New Zealand: cost of living (opens in a new tab)
- Victoria University of Wellington: Postgraduate International Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
- Lincoln University: international scholarships (opens in a new tab)
Researched on 23 Oct 2026. Universities change dates every year, so confirm each deadline on the official page before you apply.