Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) offers practical, career-focused study across vocational, undergraduate and selected postgraduate programmes. The institute is a Category 1 provider under the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, and it delivers industry-aligned courses in areas such as viticulture and winemaking, maritime and nautical studies, applied business, creative media, engineering and hospitality. Small class sizes and hands-on teaching are core features, and NMIT reports strong graduate employment outcomes. Around 7,000 learners attend NMIT each year, including more than 400 international students, and the institute keeps close links with local employers to help students gain workplace experience and job-ready skills. The main campuses are in Nelson and Marlborough (Blenheim), with some specialist activity at Woodbourne, and online delivery options for selected programmes.
| Intakes | July,February |
|---|---|
| All Campuses | Nelson Campus, Richmond Campus, Marlborough Campus, Woodbourne Campus |
| Website | https://www.nmit.ac.nz |
| Monthly Living Cost | $1,700–1,900 |
| Funds Requirements for Visa | $20,000 |
| Application Fees | $250 |
| Currency | $ |
| Is Lang Mendatory | Yes |
| Part Time Work Details | On a student visa, standard rules allow up to 20 hours/week during term and full-time during scheduled breaks; the NZ government has announced changes to increase permitted hours for some students (see Immigration NZ and recent policy updates). Check current INZ guidance before planning work. |
Times Higher Education World University Rankings: Not listed in THE global rankings (NMIT is a regional institute of technology; category-1 NZQA provider instead).
QS World University Rankings by Subject: Not listed in QS subject tables.
UK University League Table: Not applicable / not listed (these rankings cover UK institutions).
The Guardian University Rankings: Not listed (Guardian covers UK higher education).
Accepted proofs and typical minimums (confirm exact requirement per programme and intake): IELTS Academic: commonly 6.0 overall with no band below a programme-specified minimum for many bachelor/diploma programmes. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge tests may also be accepted — check the NMIT entry requirements page or programme listing for specifics. NMIT offers English Language preparation if you need to meet the entry standard.
NMIT publishes institutional and partner scholarships for domestic and international learners. Scholarships vary (merit, industry, region, or study area), and many require a separate application or are awarded as part of enrolment. Start with the NMIT scholarships page to view current opportunities, eligibility rules and application steps; deadlines and available amounts change each year.
Tuition varies strongly by programme and level (certificate → diploma → bachelor → selected postgraduate). Example programme fees are listed in the international prospectus; one example short higher-level programme shows fees around NZ$23,506 for a 36–43 week maritime programme (prospectus sample). Use the NMIT fees page and the specific programme listing for exact annual tuition. Payment options include Flywire/telegraphic transfer and credit card.
Browse programmes on the NMIT website and confirm entry criteria. 2. Apply online via the NMIT apply portal and attach certified documents (passport, academic transcripts, proof of English). 3. Await acknowledgement and any further requests (interview or additional documents). 4. On offer, secure enrolment by arranging fee payment and confirming accommodation. Some international application forms show an NZ$250 non-refundable fee for specific enrolment pathways—confirm current process with international@nmit.ac.nz or your agent.
Yes.
NMIT provides dedicated support for international students (advice on visas, orientation, health insurance, academic and pastoral support). The institute’s international team helps with pre-arrival information, enrolment paperwork and referral to immigration guidance; students should also use Immigration New Zealand resources for official visa rules and proof-of-funds details.
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology began as Nelson Technical School in 1905, offering practical trades such as cookery, engineering and plumbing. Over the 20th century it expanded into Marlborough and Richmond, added specialist centres (horticulture, maritime, aviation) and began offering degree-level programmes by the early 1990s. The name changed to NMIT around 2000 to reflect its wider regional role. NMIT continued to grow its course range and industry links, and in 2020 it joined the national institute Te Pūkenga with other polytechnics; recent government action announced a return to regional governance from 2026. NMIT now provides over 100 qualifications, strong employer partnerships, and steady international student growth.
Students choose NMIT for hands-on training, small classes and clear links to local employers. The institute holds NZQA Category 1 status and offers certificates through to selected postgraduate options across areas such as viticulture and winemaking, maritime, aviation engineering, creative media, business and health. Many programmes include industry placements or practical workshops that build workplace skills. NMIT’s campuses in Nelson, Marlborough (Blenheim) and Woodbourne support local industries and provide entry pathways for domestic and international learners. The institute also offers English support, student services and an international office to help with pre-arrival and enrolment.
NMIT groups study into programme areas rather than traditional university faculties. Key areas include: Aviation Engineering; Business; Computing & IT; Creative Industries; Engineering, Construction & Infrastructure; Health & Wellbeing; Maritime; Primary Industries (horticulture, viticulture, aquaculture); Tourism, Hospitality & Services; and Foundation Pathways. Specialist delivery also occurs at the Woodbourne campus for aircraft maintenance.
Institutional scholarships for domestic and international students (merit and need-based).
Degree international scholarships (partial funding awards reported in prospectus cycles).
Industry or programme-specific bursaries (horticulture, maritime, etc.).
Students should check NMIT’s scholarships page and the international prospectus for current rounds, eligibility and application steps.
On-campus options include Nikau Apartments (student apartments linked to the Nelson campus) with weekly rates in the student range (examples: studios and shared options listed on the provider site). Short-term on-campus or partner options exist for new arrivals; homestay options are available too (homestay costs are published as annual estimates). Expect application fees and a refundable bond for long-stay student housing. Exact room types and 2025 rates are on the accommodation pages and Nikau Apartments listing.
Nearby choices include private rentals, flatting (shared houses), homestays and student-focused providers such as The Bush Inn and local rental listings (Roomies, realestate and student housing services). These options vary in cost and distance to campus; many are within walking distance of Nelson city centre and public transport links. Use NMIT student accommodation pages and local rental sites to compare availability and weekly rents.
CampusNelson Campus, Richmond Campus, Marlborough Campus, Woodbourne Campus
Entry Score5.5
Course LevelUndergraduate
Total Course Fee$ 7504
New Zealand
