On the hills above Palmerston North, IPU New Zealand runs a small residential campus where most students live on site. The institute grew out of links with Japanese education, and Japanese students still form a large part of the community alongside students from across Asia and the Pacific. Its degrees focus on international studies, with English language courses for those who need them first.
Palmerston North, Manawatū, New Zealand
Official website: ipu.ac.nz
Private tertiary education institution
Residential campus in Palmerston North
International studies and English language
NZ$20,000 – NZ$26,000
International students, degree programmes, per year
NZ$14,000 – NZ$18,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on ipu.ac.nz before you apply.
Bachelor of International Studies
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Graduate Diploma in International Studies
Graduate DiplomaDuration
12 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90
Master of International Studies
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90
New Zealand Certificate in English Language
English LanguageDuration
6 Months
Intake
Feb, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 4.5
Nearly everyone lives on campus.
A mix of Japanese, Asian and Pacific students.
Small classes in international studies.
Graduates move into trade, tourism, education and international organisations.
Some continue to postgraduate study at larger New Zealand universities.
Eligible degree graduates can apply for a post-study work visa.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
The campus has its own halls, dining room and sports fields, so daily life stays close to home. The city centre is a short bus ride down the hill.
Palmerston North is a university town in the Manawatū, cheaper than Auckland or Wellington. Wellington is about two hours by car.
Offer of place from IPU New Zealand
Proof of NZD 20,000 per year
Tuition fee receipt or evidence
Medical and chest X-ray certificates
Police certificate, if required
Passport valid three months beyond stay
IPU accepts applications on a rolling basis. Apply at least three months before the intake to leave time for the student visa.
The main intakes are in February and July. English courses may have extra start dates.
You'll apply online to Immigration New Zealand for a Fee Paying Student Visa. Budget time for the chest X-ray and medical, which some nationalities need.
The Bachelor of International Studies is the main degree, with graduate diploma and master's options. Degree entry usually needs completed secondary school and IELTS 6.0; postgraduate entry needs a bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5.
IPU has offered scholarships to some international students. Ask admissions which awards run in your intake.
