Study Abroad and Student Exchange

Come and experience the best that New Zealand has to offer whilst continuing your studies and gaining all important credits. NMIT's Nelson and Marlborough campuses are located at the top of the South Island which gives us privileged access to some of the best outdoor activities and scenery anywhere in the world.

Our region is famed for winemaking, aquaculture and adventure tourism amongst many other things, so whether you're keen to bottle your own vintage, get personal with mussels or go rafting, our Study Abroad programme offers you an easy pathway to come and enjoy it all.

Study options

At NMIT study abroad and exchange students can study in the subject area of their major and include courses from other subject areas, dependent on timetable clashes and meeting necessary prerequisites. 

Download the 2021 Study Abroad brochure. [PDF, 1.9 MB]

Get the credit you deserve

Most of our courses are worth 15 NMIT Credits (7.5 ECTS/3.75 US Semester Credits).

Choosing a full year of study would equate to between 90 and 120 credits.

At NMIT most of our Bachelor Degrees are completed in 3 years. Level 5 is the first year of a Degree and students graduate after completing level 7. 

Nelson Campus

• Art, Media and Design

• Business

• Computing and Information Technology

• Marine Science

• Social Work and Counselling

• Sport, Recreation and Exercise

• Elective courses in Māori Studies, Civil Engineering and Contemporary Music

Course options

2021

Semester 1 (February - June)(external link)

Semester 2 ( July - November)(external link)

Full year (Available if you choose to study for both semester 1 and 2 - February to November)

2021 Semester 1 and Semester 2(external link)

Study a semester in the outdoors: Take to the water, hills and ski resorts to learn about guiding in the outdoors. We have a specialised option for you to study a full semester in New Zealand’s beautiful wilderness!

Depending on your experience and which semester you can join us, courses may include rafting, rock climbing, sea kayaking, risk management, adventure guiding, communications or snow experience. Contact internationaldevelopment@nmit.ac.nz for further information on the specialised semester in the outdoors.  

Marlborough Campus

Just 1.5 hours’ drive from Nelson, our Blenheim campus provides a standalone Study Abroad experience which allows you to immerse yourself in the world of winemaking. The Marlborough region produces 78% of New Zealand’s grapes for wine and is the home of the acclaimed New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc variety. Study during the semester 1 (February to June) and you can include a course that allows placement in a local winery producing your own vintage!

Course options

• Viticulture and Winemaking(external link)(external link)

Accommodation

Nikau Apartments is the accommodation option located directly on NMIT’s Nelson campus, and they are the preferred location for Study Abroad students to live. Applications for Nikau Apartments should be completed at the earliest possible opportunity when applying to study abroad at NMIT as rooms are limited in number. Learn more and apply on the Nikau Apartments website(external link)

Other accommodation options(external link) near our campuses.

Key dates

Our academic year runs from late February until the middle of November. As dates vary each year, it is important to check them for the year you are planning on arriving. Please arrive at least one week before the semester starts so you may participate in our international student orientation. When arranging your return flights home, please also ensure you book them departing after the last day of the examination period.

View semester dates

2022 Fees

Our study abroad fees are based on the number of credits you enrol in, for example;

• 60 NMIT Credits (30 ECTS / 15 US Semester Credits) NZ$9,900 
• 45 NMIT Credits (22.5 ECTS / 11.25 US Semester Credits) NZ$7,425
• Plus, a student services fee per 15 credit course $30

Living costs

In addition to your study fees, you will need to ensure you've planned for accommodation, books, insurance and general living expenses. Per semester (17 weeks), we estimate these may total around $7,000. 

How to apply

Whether you are applying direct, via your own institute or an education agent, the process is the same. Simply complete the following steps and we will be in touch.

1. Download [PDF, 450 KB] the application form
2. Complete the form either on screen or by printing and filling in by pen.
3. Scan copies of your transcript and English test result (if required), and your form if you printed it.
4. Email your application to us with your documents attached.

Student experiences

Hear from our students about what makes this place special.

	“Study abroad is a great opportunity for everyone to become independent, get to know new cultures and countries and see different types of learning around the world with new career ideas. I would like to thank NMIT and everyone who made my semester here simple, uncomplicated and eventful.” Markus Ottersbach from Germany, shown here visiting a local winery on the beautiful Nelson coast with Thierry from Luxembourg and Callie from the USA.
NMIT football team	NMIT football team The NMIT football team is a great way to make new friends from New Zealand and around the world.  This year we have players from New Zealand, North America, South America, Asia and Europe. The team play in the third division of Nelson’s league, having great fun on the pitch and socialising throughout the week. Study Abroad at NMIT and have the chance to join the team! Watch the team play(external link)
International Study Abroad students share their experiences studying at NMIT.	Student stories  In this video, Tamara Arellano Mora from the United States of America and Martin Venaas from Norway talk about their experiences at NMIT. Watch video(external link)
(external link)	Meet the Jørgens Three Norwegians. All from the same university. All studying information technology at NMIT, and all named "Jørgen". The trio spent an adventure-filled semester in the Nelson Tasman region and loved it. Read their story(external link)

Welcome USA!

We have joined the USA Institute of International Education’s Generation Study Abroad initiative to help more students from the USA to gain international experience through study abroad programs. We welcome USA students to join NMIT for a study abroad semester, year, certificate, diploma or degree.