Are you planning to study in New Zealand in 2026 but worried about the IELTS requirement? New Zealand offers a wide range of study opportunities for international students, including scholarships and alternative English-language pathways.
The official Study with New Zealand platform confirms that many New Zealand education providers offer scholarships to international students. It also explains that some providers offer pathway programmes that can help students meet English-language entry requirements without having to retake IELTS or TOEFL.
However, it is important to understand that “without IELTS” does not mean IELTS is automatically waived at every university. English-language requirements depend on the university, programme and applicant’s previous education. For example, the University of Auckland states that English requirements may be met through an approved English test or previous study in an English-medium environment.
Study in New Zealand 2026 – Overview
- Country: New Zealand 🇳🇿
- Study Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD and other programmes
- Academic Year: 2026
- Students: International students
- Scholarships: Available from universities and other education providers
- IELTS: Some institutions/programmes may accept alternative evidence or pathway options
- Official Study Portal: Study with New Zealand
- Official Scholarship Search: Available through the Study with New Zealand website
Why Study in New Zealand?
New Zealand has a well-established higher education system with universities, institutes of technology, polytechnics and other education providers.
The official Study with New Zealand platform lists opportunities across a wide range of study areas, including business, engineering and technology, health and medicine, computer science, creative arts and sciences.
International students can choose from undergraduate, Master’s and PhD programmes depending on their academic qualifications and the admission requirements of their chosen institution.
Scholarships in New Zealand for International Students
There is no single scholarship covering every international student in New Zealand. Instead, scholarships are offered by different universities and education providers.
The official Study with New Zealand scholarship search allows students to explore available scholarships according to their nationality and other criteria.
Scholarship benefits vary considerably. Depending on the specific scholarship, financial support may include:
- Tuition-fee assistance
- Partial tuition funding
- Living-cost support
- Research funding
- Other study-related assistance
Students should always read the individual scholarship conditions before applying.
Can You Study in New Zealand Without IELTS?
Yes, in Some Cases – But It Depends on the University
One of the most common questions from international students is whether they can study in New Zealand without taking IELTS.
The answer is sometimes.
Universities and other education providers have their own English-language requirements. Some may accept:
- Previous education completed in English
- Other recognised English-language tests
- University-approved English pathways
- Foundation or preparation programmes
- Other approved evidence of English proficiency
For example, the official Study with New Zealand website highlights the Accredited Pathway Assessment (APA) as an alternative to IELTS that is approved for direct entry into New Zealand universities.
Therefore, students should not assume that IELTS is automatically required or automatically waived. Always check the English-language requirements of the exact programme you want to study.
Universities and Education Providers
New Zealand has eight government-funded universities, as well as institutes of technology, polytechnics and private training establishments.
Some universities also provide scholarships specifically for international students.
For example, the University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship provides an award towards first-year tuition fees for eligible high-achieving new international Master’s students. The university also lists other scholarships for international students.
Students should search the scholarship database of their preferred university in addition to the national Study with New Zealand scholarship search.
Example: University of Auckland Scholarships
The University of Auckland offers several scholarships for international students.
Its 2026 international programme information lists the University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship for new international students entering eligible undergraduate, postgraduate diploma or Master’s programmes. The listed value is up to NZ$10,000 for eligible study.
The university also offers doctoral scholarship opportunities. Its published information lists a doctoral scholarship with a stipend and tuition-fee support for eligible doctoral students.
Scholarship eligibility, opening dates and closing dates vary, so applicants should check the official scholarship page before applying.
How to Find New Zealand Scholarships 2026
Step 1: Choose Your Study Level
First decide whether you want to study:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- PhD
- Diploma or certificate
- Research programme
Step 2: Search for a Course
Use the official Study with New Zealand website to search for programmes and education providers.
Step 3: Check the English Requirement
Before applying, carefully check the English-language requirement for your chosen programme.
If you do not have IELTS, look for programmes that accept alternative English evidence or an approved pathway.
Step 4: Search for Scholarships
Search the official scholarship database and the scholarship page of your chosen university.
Step 5: Check Eligibility
Scholarships may have requirements relating to:
- Nationality
- Academic performance
- Previous qualifications
- Programme of study
- Admission status
- English proficiency
Step 6: Apply for Admission
Many scholarships require students to have applied for, or received, an offer of admission before the scholarship application can be completed.
Step 7: Submit the Scholarship Application
Prepare the required documents and submit your scholarship application before the relevant deadline.
Documents You May Need
Depending on the university and scholarship, applicants may be asked to provide:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- CV/resume
- Personal statement
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of English proficiency or alternative evidence
- Passport or identification document
- Admission offer or application details
Requirements vary, so applicants should follow the official instructions for their selected scholarship.
Important: “Without IELTS” Does Not Mean “Without English Requirements”
Students should be careful when seeing advertisements claiming that “New Zealand scholarships are available without IELTS for everyone.”
This is not a universal rule.
For example, the University of Auckland says international applicants must meet English-language requirements, which can be demonstrated through an approved English test or previous study in English.
Massey University’s 2026 international prospectus also lists specific English-language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study and provides multiple accepted forms of English evidence.
Therefore, always check the official university website before submitting an application.
Application Tips
To improve your chances of finding a suitable opportunity:
- Start early. Scholarship deadlines can be different from university admission deadlines.
- Apply to multiple suitable scholarships. The official Study with New Zealand website recommends applying for multiple scholarships where appropriate.
- Check your nationality eligibility.
- Read the scholarship conditions carefully.
- Prepare your documents in advance.
- Check whether your previous education can satisfy the English requirement.
- Use only official application websites.
Official Application and Scholarship Links
🇳🇿 Official Study in New Zealand Website
Students can explore programmes, education providers, scholarships, visas and other information through the official New Zealand education website:
Study with New Zealand – Official Website:
https://www.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/
🎓 Official New Zealand Scholarship Search
Search scholarships offered by New Zealand education providers:
Official Scholarship Search:
https://www.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/en/study-options/scholarships
📚 English-Language Information
For information about English-language study and alternative pathways, visit:
Official English Study Options:
https://www.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/en/study-options/learn-english
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study in New Zealand in 2026 without IELTS?
In some cases, yes. Some institutions and programmes accept alternative English evidence or approved pathway options. However, IELTS is not universally waived, and requirements depend on the institution and programme.
Are New Zealand scholarships available for international students?
Yes. The official Study with New Zealand website states that many New Zealand education providers offer scholarships to international students.
Are all New Zealand scholarships fully funded?
No. Scholarships differ. Some provide partial tuition assistance, while others may provide larger financial support. Always check the official scholarship description.
Do I need an admission offer before applying for a scholarship?
It depends on the scholarship. Some scholarships require an offer of admission, while others may have different procedures.
Can I use previous English-medium education instead of IELTS?
Some universities may accept previous study in English as evidence of English proficiency. For example, the University of Auckland lists previous English-medium study as one possible way to meet English requirements.
Where can I find official New Zealand scholarships?
The safest starting point is the official Study with New Zealand scholarship search, followed by the official scholarship pages of the university or education provider you want to attend.
Final Thoughts
Study in New Zealand 2026 can be an attractive option for international students looking for quality education and scholarship opportunities.
If you do not have IELTS, do not immediately assume that you cannot study in New Zealand. Instead, check whether your chosen university accepts previous English-medium study, another approved English test, or an English-language pathway.
Most importantly, check the exact requirements of your chosen programme before applying and use official university and New Zealand government education websites for your application.
For the latest scholarships and study opportunities, start with the official Study with New Zealand platform.