Course overview
Bachelor of Applied Science (Laboratory Science) is a undergraduate (bachelor's) course in life sciences at Universal College of Learning in Palmerston North, New Zealand. It takes 3 years full-time, 41 weeks a year (360 credits), with intakes in February; July.
Universal College of Learning is a public institution. Read the full course description, modules and entry rules on the official course page.
Key highlights
| University | Universal College of Learning (Public) |
|---|---|
| Location | Palmerston North, New Zealand |
| Course | Bachelor of Applied Science (Laboratory Science) |
| Level | Bachelor's (undergraduate) |
| Subject area | Life Sciences |
| Duration | 3 years full-time, 41 weeks a year (360 credits) |
| Tuition per year | NZ$27,982 (≈ ₹15.1 lakh) |
| Intakes | February; July |
| English requirement | IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5 (TOEFL equivalents accepted) |
Interested in Bachelor of Applied Science (Laboratory Science)?A counsellor checks your eligibility and helps you apply, free of charge.
Fees and costs
Tuition for international students is NZ$27,982 a year, about ₹15.1 lakh. Over 3 years that is roughly NZ$83,946 (≈ ₹45.3 lakh) before any yearly increase.
2027 international fee listed for each of Years 1, 2 and 3.
Living costs near the university
| Cost | In NZD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| @ the hub apartments and studios, Palmerston NorthFrom this price | NZ$290per week | ≈ ₹15,660 |
| Palmy 31 or Baxters apartments, Palmerston North | NZ$230–280per week | ≈ ₹12,420 – ₹15,120 |
| Friendship House (homestay-style, incl. food, internet and power) | NZ$290per week | ≈ ₹15,660 |
| 42b College House, Whanganui | NZ$42–95per night | ≈ ₹2,268 – ₹5,130 |
Living costs for New Zealand as a whole: NZ$20,000–27,000 a year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Plan my monthly living costsCareer outcomes
Graduate employment
62%
Share of graduates employed
Average (median) salary
NZ$52,000
≈ ₹28.1 lakh a year
Median annual gross earnings of employed graduates 1 year after completing
Job roles
- Research scientist (life sciences)
- Biomedical scientist
- Biotechnologist
- Clinical research associate
- Scientific laboratory technician
- Microbiologist
Employers hiring for these roles worldwide
Roche
Novartis
Pfizer
GSK
AstraZeneca
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Bayer
CSL
BioNTech
IQVIA
Eligibility
General entry requirements at Universal College of Learning for bachelor's courses. Some courses ask for more, so check the course page.
- 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.
English requirements
For this course: IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5 (TOEFL equivalents accepted).
| Test | What the university asks for |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic, bachelor's (most) | 6.0 with no band below 5.5, from one test report |
| IELTS Academic, postgraduate and master's | 6.5 with no band below 6.0 |
| IELTS Academic, Bachelor of Nursing | 6.5 in all bands, in one sitting |
| IELTS, Level 4–5 certificates and diplomas | 5.5 with no band below 5.0 |
| Other tests | TOEFL and PTE named as accepted evidence; equivalents under NZQA rules |
Intakes
This course starts in: February; July.
Upcoming intakes and deadlines in New ZealandHow to apply
- Check the entry requirements and the deadline on the official course page.
- Take IELTS, PTE or the test the university accepts, if you need one.
- Prepare your documents: transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters and CV.
- Apply on the university's application portal and pay any application fee.
- Accept your offer, meet any conditions and pay the deposit.
- Apply for your student visa for New Zealand, then arrange accommodation.
Documents you'll need
- 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
About Universal College of Learning
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.
Similar courses
Life Sciences courses at other universities in New Zealand
- Bachelor of Agricultural ScienceLincoln University4 years full time · NZ$37,000 / year
- Bachelor of AgricultureLincoln University3 years full time · NZ$37,000 / year
- Bachelor of ScienceMassey University3 years · NZ$35,250 / year
- Bachelor of Veterinary ScienceMassey University5 years · NZ$86,750 / year
- Bachelor of Viticulture and WinemakingNelson Marlborough Institute of Technology3 years · NZ$28,170 / year
- Bachelor of ScienceUniversity of Auckland3 years · NZ$49,582 / year
More courses at Universal College of Learning
- Master of Information Technology18 months full-time (180 credits) · NZ$28,315 / year
- Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology12 months full-time (120 credits) · NZ$27,982 / year
- Postgraduate Certificate in Information Technology6 months full-time (60 credits) · NZ$13,991 / year
- Bachelor of Information & Communications Technology3 years full-time (360 credits) · NZ$27,982 / year
- Tohu Paetahi Tapuhi Bachelor of Nursing3 years full-time, 43 weeks a year (360 credits) · NZ$31,258 / year
- New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5)1 year full-time, 41 weeks (120 credits) · NZ$27,982 / year
FAQs
What is the fee for Bachelor of Applied Science (Laboratory Science) at Universal College of Learning?
The tuition for international students is NZ$27,982 a year (about ₹15.1 lakh). 2027 international fee listed for each of Years 1, 2 and 3. Fees usually rise each year, so check the course page before you apply.
How long is Bachelor of Applied Science (Laboratory Science)?
The course takes 3 years full-time, 41 weeks a year (360 credits).
What English score do I need?
IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5 (TOEFL equivalents accepted). Some universities also accept Class 12 English marks or other tests; confirm on the course page.
When can I start?
Intakes: February; July. Apply early: popular courses can fill up before the deadline.
Can Admission Mantra help me apply?
Yes. A counsellor checks your eligibility, helps you prepare your documents and statement of purpose, and guides you through the application and visa. The first conversation is free.
We researched this page on 28 Oct 2026 from the university's own pages. Fees, entry rules and intakes change every year; confirm them on the official course page before you apply. Listing a course doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents the university.
