Skip to content
Admission Mantra
Campus of Universal College of Learning
Flag of New Zealand

Universal College of Learning

Palmerston North, New Zealand · Public · Est. 1892 (UCOL says "Since 1892")

Updated 28 Oct 2026

Talk to our counsellorCall usOfficial website (opens in a new tab)

Established

1892 (UCOL says "Since 1892")

Type

Public

Location

Palmerston North, New Zealand

Ranking

Not ranked

Photo: Mike Dickison, CC BY-SA 4.0

About the university

The Universal College of Learning (UCOL) is a public polytechnic in the lower North Island with more than 5,000 students. Its main international programmes are taught at UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, with other campuses in Whanganui, Masterton and Levin. UCOL lists nursing, information technology, creative design, science and engineering among its specialities, and says its history goes back to 1892.

For Indian students, UCOL offers a lower-cost route into New Zealand study in IT and nursing. Most 2027 bachelor's degrees and the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology are listed at NZ$27,982 a year for international students, and the Bachelor of Nursing at NZ$31,258 a year. Some programmes, such as Medical Imaging Technology, are not open to international learners.

Roots
1892
Type
Public polytechnic
Students
More than 5,000
Campuses
4: Manawatū (Palmerston North), Whanganui, Wairarapa (Masterton) and Horowhenua (Levin)
Intakes
February and July for most programmes
Course levels
Certificates and diplomas to bachelor's, postgraduate diplomas and master's

Rankings

    Popular courses with Indian students

    View all 10 courses with filters

    Fees for international students

    Course fees
    CourseDurationFee / year (NZD)Approx. in rupees
    Master of Information Technology18 months full-time (180 credits)NZ$28,315≈ ₹15.3 lakh
    Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology12 months full-time (120 credits)NZ$27,982≈ ₹15.1 lakh
    Postgraduate Certificate in Information Technology6 months full-time (60 credits)NZ$13,991≈ ₹7.6 lakh
    Bachelor of Information & Communications Technology3 years full-time (360 credits)NZ$27,982≈ ₹15.1 lakh
    Tohu Paetahi Tapuhi Bachelor of Nursing3 years full-time, 43 weeks a year (360 credits)NZ$31,258≈ ₹16.9 lakh
    New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5)1 year full-time, 41 weeks (120 credits)NZ$27,982≈ ₹15.1 lakh
    Bachelor of Applied Science (Laboratory Science)3 years full-time, 41 weeks a year (360 credits)NZ$27,982≈ ₹15.1 lakh
    Master of Design18 months full-time (180 credits)NZ$27,982≈ ₹15.1 lakh

    Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.

    Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at Universal College of Learning with similar universities in New Zealand.

    Talk to our counsellorCall us

    Scholarships

      Admission requirements

      Undergraduate

      • Bachelor's degrees: international applicants under 20 must meet NCEA equivalency (ask UCOL how it assesses an Indian Class 12 certificate).
      • Laboratory Science: at least two academic subjects at 60% or more, including two science subjects.
      • Design and Arts: a portfolio and written statement.
      • Nursing: police check, health declaration and certified documents.

      Postgraduate

      • Postgraduate IT: a bachelor's degree in IT or a related subject, or relevant work experience.
      • Master of Information Technology: a related bachelor's degree with at least a B average at Level 7, or an unrelated degree plus relevant IT experience.
      • Master of Design: a bachelor's degree in art or design, a professional portfolio and a research proposal.

      Documents

      • Passport
      • Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets; degree certificate and transcripts for postgraduate study
      • IELTS, TOEFL or PTE result
      • Any extra documents named on the programme page (portfolio, police check, health declaration)
      • UCOL enrolment application form

      Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.

      Talk to our counsellorCall us

      English language requirements

      English requirements
      Test or routeTypical requirement
      IELTS Academic, bachelor's (most)6.0 with no band below 5.5, from one test report
      IELTS Academic, postgraduate and master's6.5 with no band below 6.0
      IELTS Academic, Bachelor of Nursing6.5 in all bands, in one sitting
      IELTS, Level 4–5 certificates and diplomas5.5 with no band below 5.0
      Other testsTOEFL and PTE named as accepted evidence; equivalents under NZQA rules

      Accommodation and living costs

      UCOL does not own or run student housing. Its accommodation page lists private hostels and apartments near the Palmerston North campus and College House in Whanganui; you contact providers directly.

      Accommodation and living costs
      ItemIn NZDApprox. in rupees
      @ the hub apartments and studios, Palmerston NorthFrom this priceNZ$290per week≈ ₹15,660
      Palmy 31 or Baxters apartments, Palmerston NorthNZ$230–280per week≈ ₹12,420 – ₹15,120
      Friendship House (homestay-style, incl. food, internet and power)NZ$290per week≈ ₹15,660
      42b College House, WhanganuiNZ$42–95per night≈ ₹2,268 – ₹5,130

      Campus and location

      UCOL has four campuses in the Manawatū-Whanganui and Wairarapa regions. Most international programmes are taught at UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North.

      • UCOL Manawatū, Palmerston North: IT, business, laboratory science, nursing and hospitality.
      • UCOL Whanganui: design and arts, Master of Design, nursing and business.
      • UCOL Wairarapa, Masterton: nursing.
      • UCOL Horowhenua, Levin.

      Careers and graduate outcomes

      UCOL's programmes are built around work in nursing, IT, laboratory science, design, business and hospitality. It publishes no graduate outcome figures on the pages reviewed. See our New Zealand guide for post-study work rules.

      Graduate outcomes
      WhatFigureSource

      Studying in New Zealand

      Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in New Zealand. Our country guide covers them in detail:

      Other universities in New Zealand

      Compare all universities in New Zealand

      FAQs

      How much are UCOL's international fees?

      For 2027, most bachelor's degrees, the NZ Diploma in Business and the Postgraduate Diploma in IT are listed at NZ$27,982, the Bachelor of Nursing at NZ$31,258 a year, and the Master of Information Technology at NZ$28,315 for the first full year. Fees include GST and the student services levy.

      When can I start?

      Most programmes have February and July 2027 intakes. Check the programme page, as some start only once a year.

      What IELTS score do I need?

      Usually IELTS Academic 6.0 (no band below 5.5) for bachelor's degrees, 6.5 (no band below 6.0) for postgraduate study, and 6.5 in all bands for nursing.

      Does UCOL offer scholarships?

      UCOL says international students may be eligible for its international scholarships; ask your agent or email UCOL. Amounts are not published on the pages reviewed.

      Sources

      1. UCOL: home page (opens in a new tab)
      2. UCOL: about UCOL (opens in a new tab)
      3. UCOL: campuses (opens in a new tab)
      4. UCOL: international students (opens in a new tab)
      5. UCOL: how to apply (international) (opens in a new tab)
      6. UCOL: fund your study (opens in a new tab)
      7. UCOL: accommodation (opens in a new tab)
      8. UCOL: Master of Information Technology (opens in a new tab)
      9. UCOL: Bachelor of Nursing (opens in a new tab)
      10. UCOL: Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology), not open to international learners (opens in a new tab)

      Official website: www.ucol.ac.nz (opens in a new tab)

      Check the latest details

      We researched this page on 28 Oct 2026. Fees, entry requirements and scholarships change every year, so confirm them on the university's website before you apply. Listing a university doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents it.

      Talk to our counsellor

      Ask about courses, fees, scholarships and your eligibility for Universal College of Learning.

      IELTS / PTE status
      Best way to reach you

      #YouInspireUs

      Stories from our students and parents

      #StudyAbroadSample
      ft. Student nameMSc Data Science · United Kingdom

      #1 Student name

      MSc Data Science, United Kingdom · Study Abroad

      Sample text. A short story in the student's own words: how the counsellor helped them shortlist universities, understand the full cost and prepare their visa file.

      Design preview: sample cards show where real stories will appear. They are replaced by real students' stories (with written consent) before launch.

      All student stories