International Students

International Students

Your international study adventure starts here. Established in 1905, NMIT has a history of offering globally recognised qualifications, personalised support, and an enriching study lifestyle - all from the beautiful top of New Zealand's South Island.
Nelson CampusLibraryLarge Full Width 2235x1490px

Begin your international education journey at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), where hands-on learning, flexible study options, and strong industry connections come together. Our globally recognised qualifications are developed with employers to ensure you graduate workforce-ready.

Whether you’re starting with English language training, a diploma, a bachelor’s degree or a master’s programme, you’ll benefit from small class sizes and personalised support throughout your time with us.

NMIT is a Category 1 provider under the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) – the highest rating possible. With more than 7,000 learners each year, including over 400 international students, our graduates consistently go on to succeed. In fact, 91% of NMIT graduates are employed after study.

Why study in New Zealand?

New Zealand is a safe, welcoming, English-speaking country in the South Pacific, around 1,600 kilometres south-east of Australia. Similar in size to Japan but with a population of just over 5 million, it offers a high quality of life, stunning natural landscapes, and a strong, inclusive community spirit.

🌟 Regularly ranked among the world’s safest and least corrupt countries
🌟 Globally respected, future-focused education system
🌟 Strong protections for international students and workers
🌟 Ranked the top English-speaking country for preparing students for the future (EIU, 2019)
🌟 A culture of hospitality and fairness – you’ll be made to feel right at home
🌟 Employment opportunities abound. You may be eligible to work whilst you study. Refer to NZ Study Work(external link) for more information.

New Zealanders, known as Kiwis, are famously friendly and value connection with the land, community, and newcomers. Whether you're exploring beaches, cities, or mountains, you'll be encouraged to make the most of your time here.

NelsonCampusStudents2025Large Full Width 2235x1490px

Why study with NMIT?

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) means choosing a supportive, practical, and future-focused education in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions. Our programmes are designed to help you build real-world skills and gain globally recognised qualifications.

🌟 Hands-on learning with strong industry connections
🌟 Small class sizes and personalised support from expert tutors
🌟 Study in a safe, scenic region with the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand
🌟 Work part-time during study and apply for a post-study work visa after graduating
🌟 Join a friendly, multicultural community with over 400 international students

At NMIT, you'll gain more than a qualification — you'll gain confidence, experience, and connections to launch your global career.

Explore Nelson Campus

Why wait to check out Nelson Campus? Take a virtual tour and experience our campus like never before!

With this stunning drone footage, you can explore our modern facilities, get a sneak peek into campus life, and enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful surrounding Nelson city.

This immersive experience is the next best thing to being here, giving you a front-row seat to where your journey begins. Discover the environment that fosters innovation and creativity.


We know that choosing to come to another country to study is a big decision. You need an institute that understands your needs. We are experienced in welcoming international learners and we have great support services in place to help you succeed.

New Zealand is an English-speaking democracy in the south Pacific region, approximately 1,600 kilometres south-east of Australia. It consists of two main islands - the North Island and the South Island as well as several smaller islands. It is similar in geographical size to Japan.

Why study in New Zealand?

Our people

New Zealand has a population of just over 5 million and New Zealanders (or Kiwis as they are sometimes known) are renowned for their friendliness. First settled by Māori (the indigenous people) more than 800 years ago, the country today is ethnically diverse. Pakeha (New Zealand Europeans) make up 70.2% of the population, followed by Māori 16.5%, Pacific Islanders 8.1%, Asian 15.1% and other 2.7%. 

Don't be surprised to be made to feel right at home. New Zealanders will welcome you to their country and encourage you to make the most of being here, to get out and explore the mountains, beaches and cities.

It is often said that everyone in New Zealand migrated here at some point, this means it is well embraced and our communities are highly multi-cultural.

It's peaceful

New Zealand is ranked the world's second most peaceful country (Global Peace Index). Our economy is stable and many things are reasonably affordable.

Quality education

New Zealand has a high standard of living and the quality of education in New Zealand ranks highly by world standards.

Employment opportunities

You may be eligible to work whilst you study. Refer to NZ Study Work(external link) for more information.

Why study with us?

  • Our qualifications are internationally recognised and developed in partnership with industry to ensure they reflect current and future workforce trends. You will work on real-world projects and gain practical experience as well as theoretical knowledge
  • Experienced, industry-savvy teaching staff who will get to know you by name
  • Award-winning facilities, modern learning environments and all the latest technology
  • We have been welcoming international students for over 20 years. We know what you need and we have a dedicated International Student Support team here to help you
  • We are a Government-owned institute established in 1905. Our 100+ qualifications are approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority to the highest Category 1 standard
  • In a 2015 survey of first impressions, 99% of international students said NMIT 'met or exceeded' their expectations
  • We have two vibrant campuses, and two satellite specialised campuses located in Nelson and Blenheim. Each offers a different mix of programmes from certificate to postgraduate level.

What can I study at NMIT?

Take a look at the list of programmes available to International Students.

Close drawer

a page loading spinner