Intakes in New Zealand - February & July Intakes
What Are Intakes?
Intakes are the fixed periods when New Zealand universities start a new batch of students. Each intake has:
- Application opening period
- Application deadline
- Course commencement date
- Limited or full course availability
Most universities in New Zealand follow two intakes, February and July. A few providers add more start dates through the year.
Choose The Right Intake
New Zealand universities run on two main intakes each year. Semester 1 starts in late February or early March and Semester 2 starts in July. Both are open to international students, but the number of programmes that accept new students is very different between the two.
Some institutes add extra start dates. English language courses and a few polytechnic programmes run monthly or quarterly intakes. For students in Vasai-Virar and Mumbai the simplest plan is to pick a university first and then confirm which intake your course offers.
February Intake (Main Intake)
The February intake is Semester 1 and the main start of the New Zealand academic year.
Timeline
Applications open:
May to November (previous year)
Offer Letters
4 to 8 weeks after submission
Classes begin:
Late February to early March
Benefit
- Wider choice of programmes and majors
- Study plan follows the full academic year
- Scholarship rounds open before the deadline
- Orientation week helps you settle before lectures
Application Deadlines
Application Deadlines
Most universities close applications between October and December. The University of Otago closes on 15 November 2026 for Semester 1 2027 and the University of Auckland closes international postgraduate applications on 7 December 2026. Courses like nursing and medicine close earlier.
July Intake (Second Major Intake)
The July intake is Semester 2 and suits students who missed the February start.
Timeline
Applications open:
May (previous year) to April
Offer Letters
4 to 8 weeks after submission
Classes begin:
Mid July to late July
Benefit
- More months to finish IELTS or PTE and documents
- Fits students whose final results arrive mid year
- Semester 2 ends in November before summer break
- Good backup if the February deadline has passed
Application Deadlines
Application Deadlines
Most universities close applications between April and early July. The University of Otago closes on 30 April 2027 while the University of Auckland closed on 4 July for 2026 entry. Check that your course takes new students in Semester 2.
Which Intake Should You Choose?
Choosing between the intakes in New Zealand depends on your course, your results date and your preparation level.
- Choose the February intake if you want the widest choice of programmes and a full year start
- Choose the July intake if you need more preparation time or missed the main intake
- Confirm course availability first because not every programme takes new students in July
For most Indian students the February intake is the safer choice because more programmes accept new students in Semester 1.
Application Planning Calendar
12 to 10 months before intake:
Shortlist courses and universities
10 to 8 months before intake:
Take IELTS or PTE and prepare documents
8 to 6 months before intake:
Apply to universities
6 to 4 months before intake:
Receive offer letter and pay fees
4 to 3 months before intake:
Apply for the student visa
1 month before intake:
Final travel and accommodation planning
FAQs
Which intake is best for New Zealand?
The February intake is the best intake for New Zealand for most students because more programmes accept new applicants in Semester 1. The July intake works better if your results arrive between May and July or you need more time for IELTS and funds.
Is the July intake easier to get into than the February intake in New Zealand?
Not necessarily. Universities do not publish easier entry for either intake. The real difference is choice because not every course accepts new students in the July intake in New Zealand. Check your course page before you plan around it.
When should I start applying for the New Zealand intake?
Start 10 to 12 months before your course begins. Immigration New Zealand advises applying for the student visa at least 3 months before the course starts. Indian applicants waited an average of 30 working days between 1 January and 21 April 2026 so the New Zealand student visa processing time can use up most of that window.
Is there a third intake in New Zealand?
Some providers add start dates. The University of Auckland runs quarter intakes for selected programmes and Ara offers monthly intakes for English language courses. Most degree courses still start in February or July so check how many intakes in New Zealand your chosen course offers.
Can I still get scholarships for the July intake?
Yes. Some universities run a separate round for Semester 2. The University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship offers up to NZ$10,000 towards tuition and its 2026 round for the Semester 2 intake closed on 1 April 2026. Dates change each year so check before you apply. Many students search for New Zealand scholarships for international students once they have an offer.
