Sign up

Heading Out Already?

close

Our Ivy League mentors and top admission experts can help with personalized tips to get you into your dream school

Speak with our Experts

16 July 2025

5 minutes read

5 Best Universities to Study Hospitality in New Zealand: Tourism and Hospitality Management for Indian Students

Dirghayu Kaushik
avatar

Dirghayu Kaushik

linkedin

Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

25 August 2024

5 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • Study hospitality in New Zealand to access globally ranked universities offering hands-on training in tourism and hotel management.
  • Study hospitality in New Zealand for career-focused programmes with strong industry links, internships, and practical experience.
  • Study hospitality in New Zealand to benefit from clear study pathways from diplomas to postgraduate degrees in a thriving job market.

New Zealand is a top destination for Indian students, particularly for students who desire to pursue a career in the dynamic hospitality sector. With the breathtakingly beautiful landscape and first-rate universities in New Zealand, the nation offers experiential learning combined with academic rigour in an ethnically diverse yet cosmopolitan atmosphere.

For hospitality students, customer service, food safety, and operations management areas of focus in New Zealand make it an attractive choice. This article is about the highest-ranked universities and colleges in New Zealand teaching hospitality courses, entry requirements necessary, levels of qualification, and career opportunities.

What are Hotel Management and Hospitality Management Courses?

Fascinating fact: The worldwide hospitality sector is one of the globe’s largest employers—providing jobs in everything from resort administration to cooking.

study hospitality in new zealand 1

Hospitality and hotel management courses in New Zealand help students develop:

  • Skills and knowledge in areas such as event management, beverage service, and hospitality business.
  • On-the-job experience via an internship and in-job training
  • A study stream that is advantageous for local and international students to thrive in management roles

Why Study Hospitality in New Zealand as an International Student?

Fun fact : New Zealand ranks among the top New Zealand countries for international education quality according to QS subject rankings!

You are looking into a study destination famous for:

  • A booming tourism industry offering rich opportunities in tourism and hospitality management
  • Diverse programmes in New Zealand catering to undergraduate degree and postgraduate level
  • A secure, student-oriented setting with low tuition costs in relation to other countries where English is spoken

5 Best Universities to Study Hospitality Courses in New Zealand and Their Key Subject Areas

Interesting fact: New Zealand boasts a majority of its universities world ranked, with some of them having specialized hospitality degrees available for international students in New Zealand.

1. The Auckland University

Auckland University provides Bachelor of International Hospitality Management and master of international hospitality. It demands IELTS or TOEFL score, resume, personal statement, and academic transcript. Industry internship and practical experience are a significant plus point here.

2. University of Waikato

University of Waikato provides a Bachelor of Business with major in tourism and hospitality management. GPA, ACT or SAT, letter of recommendation, and statement of purpose are required for admission. The focus areas at this university are food safety, event management, and operations management.

3. Victoria University of Wellington

Victoria University of Wellington offers hospitality and arts courses and degrees. Its bachelor of arts in tourism and hospitality courses in New Zealand offer a small class size, research-focused courses, and internships. Indian students require IELTS and personal statements.

study hospitality in new zealand 2

4. University of Canterbury

World renowned for its world-class school of management, University of Canterbury provides a graduate diploma in tourism and hospitality. It’s best suited for aspirants for postgraduate diploma or diploma in hotel management. GRE or GMAT, resume, and scores on TOEFL/IELTS are needed.

5. Auckland University of Technology

AUT is unique in the fact that it provides bachelor of international hospitality management and graduate diploma. The university also covers beverage service, barista training, and hospitality business. Its entry requirements are SOP, resume, IELTS/TOEFL exam scores, and GPA.

How to Filter Your Results of Your Dream Management Schools for Master of International Hospitality?

Fun fact: With too many choices, even the ideal match will be missed in the shuffle without a course matcher device.

To filter your results appropriately:

  • Use subject fields and course matcher tool to find hospitality degrees and courses
  • Look for New Zealand universities that align with your hospitality career aspirations
  • Focus on those offering level 7 postgraduate diploma or master of international hospitality management courses

What are the Different Levels in New Zealand Certificate in Hospitality?

Fun fact: The hospitality certificate in New Zealand exists in various stages to accommodate the academic and career levels of students.

All stages consist of particular training:

  • Level 3: Elementary hospitality operations and customer service
  • Level 4: Intermediate cooking skills and drink service
  • Level 5: Preparing diploma in hospitality and culinary arts
  • Level 6: Diploma in hotel operations or graduate diploma in hospitality
  • Level 7: Path to postgraduate diploma or bachelor of international hospitality management

Level 5 vs Level 6 vs Level 7 Qualifications for Degree and New Zealand Diploma in Hospitality Management

Fascinating fact: With each qualification level, things get more specific and practical when it comes to management roles in the hospitality industry.

Here’s why they are different:

  • Level 5: New students who want to learn hospitality fundamentals
  • Level 6: Focus on leadership, food safety, and resort management
  • Level 7: Postgraduate study and advanced operations management competencies
Qualification LevelFocus AreaLeads To
Level 5Basic hospitality operationsEntry jobs / Level 6 studies
Level 6Leadership & management skillsGraduate diploma in hospitality
Level 7Strategic hospitality trainingBachelor’s / Postgraduate diploma

Bachelors Degree vs Graduate Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management: What is the Difference?

Fun fact: A bachelor’s degree typically takes longer but offers more comprehensive learning than a graduate diploma.

This is the way they differ:

  • Bachelor of international hospitality management provides deeper knowledge in 3-4 years
  • Graduate diploma provides specialized knowledge, best suited for degree changers
  • Universities and colleges have different GPA and test score requirements for each
QualificationDurationBest For
Bachelor’s Degree3–4 yearsStudents starting out in hospitality
Graduate Diploma1 yearThose with prior degree changing career

Masters Degree vs Postgraduate Diploma in Hotel Management and Hospitality

Fun fact: A master’s degree can include research components where as a postgraduate diploma is more towards applied learning.

Here’s the divide:

  • Master of international hospitality is well-suited for senior-level jobs and scholarly studies
  • Postgraduate diploma provides specialized, quick upskilling in hospitality management courses
  • Both have different entry requirements like GPA, SOP, and IELTS/TOEFL

Programme TypeFeaturesCareer Outcome
Master’s DegreeResearch + courseworkHigher-level management roles
Postgraduate DiplomaPractical, career-focusedMid-level jobs, fast industry entry

What are the Entry Requirements for Indian Students in New Zealand Universities?

Did you know: They are very different, so check before you join admission in any course.

Following are the requirements of Indian students to apply:

What are the Job Opportunities for Hospitality and Cookery After Postgraduate Study?

Fun fact: The job market in New Zealand is thriving, especially in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Career in hospitality after postgraduate study includes:

  • Hotel and resort management roles in top New Zealand locations
  • Cookery, culinary arts, and food safety roles in restaurants and hotels
  • Event management, barista training, and beverage services positions
  • Operations and hospitality business management in global firms
  • Teaching and training jobs in hospitality management degrees

Conclusion

New Zealand offers diverse hospitality courses through top universities and colleges in New Zealand. Whether you’re interested in a diploma in hospitality or a master of international hospitality, the programmes in New Zealand cater to every level.

From entry requirements, tuition fees to practical experience and job opportunities, studying hospitality in New Zealand is a smart and rewarding move for Indian students.

So, choose Ambitio and make your dreams come true!

FAQs

Can I study hospitality in New Zealand without prior experience in the field?

Yes, you can study hospitality in New Zealand even without prior experience, as many diploma and undergraduate programmes start from foundational levels.

What are the entry requirements to study hospitality in New Zealand for Indian students?

To study hospitality in New Zealand, Indian students typically need IELTS/TOEFL scores, academic transcripts, SOP, and sometimes a resume or LOR.

Is it expensive to study hospitality in New Zealand compared to other countries?

While tuition varies, to study hospitality in New Zealand is often more affordable than in the US or UK, especially considering the quality of education and job outcomes.

Which cities are best if I want to study hospitality in New Zealand?

Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are popular choices to study hospitality in New Zealand due to their vibrant tourism and hospitality industries.

Can I work part-time while I study hospitality in New Zealand?

Yes, students can work up to 20 hours per week while they study hospitality in New Zealand, gaining valuable industry experience alongside academics.

Are there scholarships available to study hospitality in New Zealand?

Several universities and colleges offer scholarships to international students who want to study hospitality in New Zealand, based on merit or financial need.

What job roles can I expect after I study hospitality in New Zealand?

After you study hospitality in New Zealand, you can work in roles like hotel manager, event coordinator, food service supervisor, or tourism consultant.

top universities

You can study at top universities worldwide!

Get expert tips and tricks to get into top universities with a free expert session.

Book Your Free 30-Minute Session Now! Book a call now
Scroll to Top