Why New Zealand
Safety & the Global Peace Index
Safety is usually the first question Malaysian parents ask, and it's a fair one to ask with real data rather than reassurance. New Zealand doesn't just have a reputation for being safe, it's independently measured as one of the most peaceful countries on earth, year after year.
These figures can change, always confirm before you rely on them
University rankings, safety indices, visa work-hour limits, and living cost requirements are set by independent bodies and Immigration New Zealand, and they're updated periodically. The details on this page were checked against official sources in September 2026, but always confirm current figures at immigration.govt.nz or with our team before making a decision.
Recently updated
In the 2026 Global Peace Index, New Zealand moved up to 2nd place globally, behind only Iceland, which has held the top spot for 19 consecutive years. This is an improvement on New Zealand's 3rd-place ranking the previous year.
Key facts
- New Zealand ranked #2 on the 2026 Global Peace Index, its highest position in recent years
- Every institution enrolling international students must sign the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice
- The Code of Practice puts legal duties on your institution for your wellbeing, accommodation, and pastoral care, not just your studies
- NZQA monitors and enforces compliance with the Code of Practice
The details
What the Global Peace Index actually measures
The index scores countries on ongoing conflict, societal safety and security, and militarisation, using data from sources like the UN, World Bank, and peace institutes, not surveys of perception.
What the Code of Practice requires in practice
Institutions must provide accurate information before you enrol, appropriate supervision and support once you arrive, and clear complaints processes if something goes wrong, all legally enforceable, not just goodwill.
What this means day-to-day
In practice, this shows up as orientation programmes, accommodation vetting, and a named contact person your institution is required to provide, so you're not left to figure things out on your own in your first weeks.
Common questions
Is New Zealand actually safer than Malaysia?
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The Global Peace Index and Malaysia's own ranking measure different things, so it isn't a direct like-for-like comparison, but New Zealand's consistent top-3 global position reflects very low rates of violent crime and conflict by international standards.
What happens if I have a problem with my accommodation or institution?
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The Code of Practice requires your institution to have a clear complaints process, and NZQA can investigate and act if an institution isn't meeting its obligations. We also stay in touch during your first weeks to help you raise anything that comes up.
University rankings, safety indices, visa work-hour limits, and living cost requirements are set by independent bodies and Immigration New Zealand, and they're updated periodically. The details on this page were checked against official sources in September 2026, but always confirm current figures at immigration.govt.nz or with our team before making a decision.
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Book a free consultation and we'll walk through exactly how these numbers apply to your course, your budget, and your timeline.
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