How do I apply to Australian universities from New Zealand?

New Zealand students apply directly through each Australian university's online portal, typically via UAC (Universities Admissions Centre) for NSW institutions. Your NCEA results are converted to an equivalent ATAR score, and you apply using that alongside a personal statement and supporting documents. As a New Zealander, you are eligible for domestic fees at all Australian universities.

How does NCEA to ATAR conversion work?

Your NCEA Level 3 results are converted into an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) using a formula that considers your best subjects and the number of credits achieved at Excellence, Merit, and Achieved levels. Each Australian university publishes minimum ATAR requirements for each course. Orbis consultants can help you understand exactly where your results sit and which universities and courses are realistic targets.

Can New Zealanders pay domestic fees at Australian universities?

Yes. Under a reciprocal agreement between Australia and New Zealand, NZ citizens are classified as domestic students for fee purposes at all Australian universities. This means you pay the same tuition fees as Australian students, which are significantly lower than international student fees.

What are residential colleges in Australia and how do you apply?

Residential colleges are on-campus accommodation communities attached to major Australian universities, particularly the University of Sydney and University of Melbourne. They offer formal dining, academic support, social events, sporting competitions, and a close-knit community. Applications are separate from your university application and typically involve a written application, cover letter, and interview. They are highly competitive.

What are the best Australian universities for NZ students?

Australia's Group of Eight universities are the most prestigious and all rank in the QS World Top 100. The University of Melbourne (19th), UNSW (20th), the University of Sydney (25th), ANU (32nd), Monash (36th), the University of Queensland (42nd), UWA (77th), and the University of Adelaide (82nd) all offer world-class education with domestic fees for NZ students.

How competitive are residential college applications?

Residential college applications are highly competitive, particularly at the University of Sydney. Colleges receive significantly more applications than they have places available. A strong application requires a well-written cover letter, a compelling personal statement, and thorough interview preparation. Many students underestimate the level of preparation required.

What does a residential college interview involve?

Residential college interviews are typically conducted by current college leaders or senior staff. They assess your personality, interests, values, and how well you would contribute to the college community. Questions often cover your extracurricular involvement, leadership experience, reasons for choosing that college, and what you hope to contribute. Preparation and practice make a significant difference to outcomes.

What is the application timeline for Australian universities?

For NZ students starting in Semester 1 (February), university applications typically open mid-year and close between September and January depending on the institution. Residential college applications often have earlier deadlines, sometimes as early as August or September. Starting the process early is critical to ensure nothing is missed.

No one could give us the advice we needed — so we became the people who could.

Our Story

When we decided to move from New Zealand to Australia for university, we had no clear starting point. There were few resources available, no one in our immediate networks who had been through the process recently, and the education consultancies that did exist charged tens of thousands of dollars for guidance that often felt impersonal and outdated.

We spent months researching independently. Working through unfamiliar application systems, learning about residential colleges with limited information, and making decisions without the support we needed. We eventually succeeded, but the process was far more difficult than it should have been.

That experience is the reason Orbis exists. We wanted to ensure that future New Zealand students have access to the practical, current, and affordable guidance that we wished we had. Our advice is grounded in firsthand experience, not from years ago, but from right now.

Specialist Knowledge of Sydney Residential Colleges

Our team has a consultant residing at every co-ed residential college within the University of Sydney and have extensive knowledge of the college system. We can advise on which colleges may suit your personality and goals, what the application and interview process involves, and what to expect once you arrive.

A Team of High Achievers

Our consultants include some of New Zealand's highest-achieving recent school leavers — Head students, multiple perfect ATAR recipients, national representative athletes and national academic award winners. When you work with Orbis, you are speaking with someone who has been through the process themselves and excelled.

Support for the Whole Family

We welcome and encourage family involvement in our consultations. We love our sessions to include parents or other guardians, and we are always happy to address questions about costs, safety, accommodation, and the practical aspects of the transition.

What Makes Us Different

Consultants Who Have Done It Themselves

Most education consultancies are staffed by professionals who studied decades ago, in a different system, under different conditions. Orbis is different. Our consultants are current university students who have recently completed the exact process you are about to begin. The advice we give is current, specific, and based on real experience.

Personalised, One-on-One Guidance

We do not offer group seminars or one-size-fits-all advice. Every Orbis consultation is a private, one-on-one session tailored to the individual student; your academic background, your goals, and your preferences.

Meet the Founders

Orbis was founded by Tom and Hugo, two New Zealand students who made the move to Australia and are now living in residential colleges at the University of Sydney. Tom attended King's College in Auckland and is studying Mechatronic Engineering and Finance; Hugo attended Christ's College in Christchurch and is studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics. Between them, they have a thorough understanding of every stage of the process, from NCEA and ATAR conversion through to university admissions, residential college applications, and interviews. They started Orbis because the guidance they needed simply did not exist when they were going through it themselves.

Thomas Hageman and Hugo Sudell, Co-Founders, Orbis admissions consultants

Meet the Team

Matthew Young

Consultant

Former Head Boy (2024) at Westlake, Auckland. Matthew took NCEA Level 3 and achieved a 99.4 ATAR, earning his admission in a Bachelor of Commerce and Advanced Studies at the University of Sydney. He also continues his passion for rowing at St Paul’s College.
Geneva Ryan

Consultant

Top of New Zealand for CIE A Level Business. Currently resides at Wesley College within the University of Sydney, where she studies a Bachelor of Commerce.
Renee Zhang

Consultant
New Zealand representative tennis player and singles national champion (2024). Renee was apart of the elite athlete program for the University of Sydney and resides at St Andrew’s College.
Sam Mckay

Consultant

Sam currently studies Medicine at MONASH University in Melbourne and lives at Mannix College, after earning a perfect 99.95 ATAR. He previously attended King’s College in Auckland where he was Deputy Head Boy (2024).
Poppy Loutit

Consultant
Poppy is another one of our team members who was apart of the elite athlete program at the University of Sydney, while living at St John’s College. Poppy achieved a 98.7 ATAR.
Olivia Merrilees

Consultant
After attending St Cuthbert’s College in Auckland and earning an ATAR of 98.95, Olivia now studies Finance, Medical Science and Physiology at the University of Sydney.