Introduction

One of the most demanded and popular courses in New Zealand is hospitality. This field offers comprehensive studies across various areas, including the food and beverage industry and the hotel industry, preparing students to work in accommodation facilities. Many international students are increasingly working in the hospitality industry in New Zealand.

Advantages for Immigration

  • Obtaining a certain level of qualification in hospitality at a vocational school or university can be advantageous for immigration.
  • It is common for students to follow a pathway from studying English to studying hospitality at a vocational or higher education level and then working in the industry, which can lead to permanent residency.

Importance of the Hospitality Industry in New Zealand

  • Travel and tourism are among New Zealand’s main industries, contributing over $6.4 billion to the economy.
  • Hospitality is a critical sector, providing numerous job opportunities for both international and domestic students.

Educational Opportunities

  • Numerous schools and universities in New Zealand offer hospitality courses, attracting many international students.
  • These programs provide practical and theoretical knowledge essential for a successful career in hospitality.

Career and Salary Prospects

  • According to Seek.com, the expected average salary for a hospitality manager in New Zealand ranges from $75,000 to $95,000.
  • This salary range is relatively high compared to other countries, making it an attractive option for students and professionals.

By pursuing hospitality courses in New Zealand, students can take advantage of the thriving tourism industry, gain valuable skills, and potentially secure a pathway to permanent residency.

Why Study Hospitality/Hotel Management in New Zealand?

Hospitality and Tourism in New Zealand are renowned for their service quality, business demand, and educational excellence. According to QS University Rankings 2024, five New Zealand universities rank in the Top 100 globally for Hospitality and Leisure Management:

Employment Opportunities

The hospitality and tourism industry in New Zealand is growing, with over 16,500 people employed and a 2% annual growth rate. The industry offers equal employment opportunities, with an average employee age of 36 and a gender ratio of 40% male to 60% female.

Additional Benefits of Studying in New Zealand

New Zealand universities are often compared to Australian institutions. However, New Zealand offers some advantages:

  • Flexible Entry Requirements: Generally, New Zealand universities have more flexible entry requirements, including academic qualifications and English proficiency (usually IELTS 6.0).
  • Post-Study Work Visa: Graduates can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, allowing them to stay and work in New Zealand. This visa is available for those completing:
    • Level 9 Master’s degree
    • Level 7 Bachelor’s degree
    • Level 8 Postgraduate diploma
    • Non-Bachelor Level 7 study in Green List Occupations

Accredited Employer Work Visa

Another option is the Accredited Employer Work Visa, allowing up to 5 years of stay and work in New Zealand. Criteria include:

  • Required Skills/Qualifications:
    • 3+ years of relevant work experience
    • Relevant qualification at Level 4 or higher
    • Any bachelor’s degree or higher
  • Job Offer: A full-time job offer (at least 30 hours/week) from an accredited employer is necessary.

For further application requirements, please contact us at [email protected] or 07 3003 1899.

Programs for International Students

Here are your study options of Hospitality/Tourism and Hotel Management in NZ. 

Institution Degree/Certificate Program Details Focus Areas
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Bachelor of International Hospitality Management Offers majors in event management, hospitality management, and tourism management. Event, Hospitality, Tourism Management
Master of International Hospitality Management Designed for those seeking advanced knowledge and leadership skills in hospitality. Advanced Hospitality Leadership
University of Otago Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Tourism Includes a focus on hospitality management. Hospitality Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce (PGDipCom) in Tourism Offers advanced studies in tourism and hospitality. Advanced Tourism and Hospitality
Victoria University of Wellington Bachelor of Tourism Management (BTM) Covers various aspects of tourism, including hospitality management. Tourism and Hospitality Management
Master of Tourism Management (MTM) Focuses on advanced concepts in tourism and hospitality. Advanced Tourism and Hospitality Concepts
Unitec Institute of Technology Bachelor of Hospitality Management Prepares students for management roles in the hospitality industry. Hospitality Management
Diploma in Hospitality Management Provides foundational knowledge and skills in hospitality. Foundational Hospitality Skills
Ara Institute of Canterbury Bachelor of International Tourism and Hospitality Management Offers comprehensive training in tourism and hospitality. Comprehensive Tourism and Hospitality Training
Diploma in Hospitality Management Focuses on practical and theoretical aspects of hospitality. Practical and Theoretical Hospitality
Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) Bachelor of Applied Management (Tourism and Hospitality) Combines management studies with a focus on tourism and hospitality. Management with Tourism and Hospitality Focus
Diploma in Hospitality Management Prepares students for operational and management roles. Operational and Management Roles in Hospitality
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) Bachelor of Hotel Management Emphasises hotel operations and management. Hotel Operations and Management
Diploma in Hospitality Management Covers essential hospitality management skills. Essential Hospitality Management Skills
Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) Bachelor of Business Studies (Tourism and Hospitality Management) Integrates business studies with tourism and hospitality. Business Studies with Tourism and Hospitality Integration
Diploma in Tourism and Travel Includes components of hospitality management. Tourism and Travel with Hospitality Management Components

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for a Bachelor of Hospitality and Hotel Management at universities in New Zealand can vary among institutions and based on the selected course. Generally, they include academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and sometimes additional criteria for further assessment.

Academic Qualifications for International Students

  • Equivalent Secondary School Qualifications or Higher Education Qualification:
    • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
    • General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Levels (A-Levels)
    • High School Diploma (with satisfactory SAT/ACT scores for US students)

Each university may have specific entry requirements based on the education system of your home country. It is advisable to check the university’s website for detailed information.

English Language Proficiency

For international students whose first language is not English, proficiency in English is a main requirement. Acceptable tests and minimum scores (which may vary by institution) include:

  • IELTS: Overall score of 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5
  • TOEFL: iBT score of 80 with a minimum writing score of 21
  • PTE Academic: Overall score of 50 with no communicative skills score below 42
  • Cambridge: B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE), or C2 Proficiency (CPE) with a score of 169 or higher

Additional Criteria

In addition to the above requirements, there may be some extra requirements based on the course, university, and nationality. These may include:

  • Interview: To assess suitability for the program based on criteria.
  • Personal Statement: Also known as a Statement of Purpose, to show your intention of study, selected course, and university.
  • References: Letters of recommendation from teachers or employers.
  • Work Experience: Related work experience in the field.

By meeting these entry requirements, international students can embark on their journey to study Hospitality and Hotel Management in New Zealand, gaining valuable skills and knowledge in a thriving industry.

Tuition Fee to study Hospitality

The cost of studying hospitality and hotel management courses at a university in New Zealand can vary depending on the institution, the level of study, and whether you are a domestic or international student. Below is a general overview of the tuition fees for different levels of study: 

  • Bachelor’s degree: Average NZD 27,000 – 35,000 per year 
  • Bachelor’s degree (Private Training Establishments / Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics): Average NZD 20,000 – 30,000 per year 
  • Master’s degree: Average NZD 29,000 – 37,000 per year 

Career Outcomes

After completion of your selected courses, there are wide range of career outcomes, here are some examples by the gradates of the course. 

  • Management of Hote / Event Management company 
  • Destination Tourism 
  • Marketing / Human Resources staff 
  • Revenue/Project Management 
  • Food and Beverage Management 
  • Front Office Management 
  • Business Operations / Sales and Conferencing 
  • Travel agency / Cruise organizer 
  • Start-up business 

If you have any specific course, major and related career options, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or 07 3003 1899.  

Migration Pathway

In New Zealand, there are three key permanent residency (PR) pathways that international students can consider.  

If you have completed a tourism/hotel management/hospitality management degree in NZ, you can apply for a Skilled Migrant Category visa. 

To be eligible for this visa, applicants need to have at least 6 points and the points can be claimed from one of the below categories: 

  • NZ professional registration 

The points can be rewarded based on the length of training required for your occupational registration in New Zealand.  

  • More than 2 years of trading/work experiences: 3 pts 
  • More than 4 years of trading/work experiences: 4 pts 
  • More than 5 years of trading/work experiences: 5 pts 
  • More than 6 years of trading/work experiences: 6 pts  

 

  • Qualification: The points are claimable based on the following criteria: 
  • Level 7 (bachelor’s degree): 3 pts 
  • Level 8 (post-graduate certificate): 3 pts 
  • Level 8 (honours, post-graduate diploma): 4 pts 
  • Level 9 (Master’s): 5 pts 
  • Level10 (PhD): 6 pts 

 

  • High income 

If the applicant’s annual income meets certain criteria (comparing to median wages), you can claim points based on the annual income.  

  • 1.5 x Median Wages or more: 3 pts 
  • 2 x Median Wages or more: 4 pts 
  • 3 x Median Wages or more: 6 pts 

 

  • Work experience 

The applicants can gain additional points from their working experiences in NZ.  

  • 1-year experiences 1 pt 
  • 2-year experience: 2 pts 
  • 3-year experience: 3 pts 

Work experience must be in a full-time job (minimum 30 hours per week) and meet wage thresholds based on the ANZSCO level of the job. 

  • Additional Criteria 

In addition to the point requirement, the applicants must also meet the following criteria: 

  • Age: Less than 55years old 
  • Employment: You need have evidence of current job or job offer (30hrs/week) 
  • English requirement: IELTS 6.0 (overall) or equivalent  

If you wish to know more about the PR pathway information, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or call 07 3003 1899.  

FAQs

Do I need a related background to study Hospitality Courses in New Zealand?

You don’t need to have related background to study Hospitality Courses in New Zealand. However, as an international student, you must meet both academic and English language requirements. Please refer to the entry requirement section to learn more.  

Is there any practical placement or internship units while studying Hospitality/Hotel Management courses NZ?

Yes, most of hospitality programs in New Zealand include practical placements or internship units as part of their curriculum. These placements provide hands-on experience and are designed to help students apply the theoretical knowledge they have gained in a real-world setting. 

Are there any scholarships available, if so, how can I apply?

Yes, there are many scholarships available for international students to study Hospitality/Hotel Management Courses in New Zealand. Contact us at [email protected] or 07 3003 1899 for free consultations and free application process.