Cost of studying in New Zealand

Before going to study in New Zealand, let's first check the key highlights of expenses.

To know the cost of studying in New Zealand, you must research the university and subject you opt for. The aggregate educational cost may vary from university to university. The fee structure of NZ universities is much more reasonable for domestic students than international ones. But in general, here are the usual costs of New Zealand universities.

Choosing the right course to study in New Zealand depends on your interests, career goals, and academic strengths. Here are some of the top courses that attract international students to study in New Zealand.

In New Zealand, the cost of university can be different. It depends on your study field, university, and location.

Before you choose a university, make sure to check how much it costs. 8 universities in New Zealand accept applications for international students. Here are some details of how much you might pay at these top universities in New Zealand for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Living expenses for students in New Zealand can vary depending on location, lifestyle, and accommodation choices. Here, you will find the cost of living in New Zealand. Students need to budget carefully and consider all potential expenses when planning for their studies in New Zealand.

Rent for accommodation can range from NZD 150 to 300 per week, depending on factors such as location, type of housing (e.g., shared apartment, homestay, or university-managed accommodation), and amenities. Living in major cities like Auckland or Wellington may be more expensive than in other smaller towns or rural areas.

Grocery expenses typically range from NZD 80 to 150 per week, depending on dietary preferences, cooking habits, and shopping choices. Cooking at home or buying groceries from supermarkets can help students save money compared to dining out regularly.

Public transportation costs vary depending on the city and frequency of travel. Monthly transportation passes for students generally range from NZD 30 to 60 per week. Some universities offer discounted student transport passes, further reducing commuting expenses.

Utilities such as electricity, water, internet, and heating may cost around NZD 20 to 50 per week, depending on usage and accommodation arrangements. Some rental properties include utilities in the rent, while others require separate payments.

Health insurance is essential for overseas students studying in New Zealand. The cost of medical and travel insurance varies depending on the duration of stay and level of coverage but typically ranges from NZD 400 to 800 per year for singles.

Budgeting for textbooks, stationery, and other course materials is essential and may amount to around NZD 500 to 1,000 per year, depending on the program of study.

Miscellaneous personal expenses, including entertainment, clothing, toiletries, and mobile phone plans, may amount to approximately NZD 50 to 100 per week, depending on individual preferences and spending habits.

Here, you will find the monthly cost of living in New Zealand.

Studying in New Zealand is connected with different pre and post-arrival expenses. You can check the information below.

Below are the pre-arrival costs to study in New Zealand.

Entrance Exam

You must pass the language proficiency exam to demonstrate your English language skills so you can study in New Zealand. The entrance exam registration fees, which you need to pay to take the test, are listed below.

Flight Ticket

After getting a university offer letter, you should book your flight ticket to New Zealand. However, the cost of the ticket may vary depending on location. The cost of flight tickets is given below.

Below are the post-arrival costs to study in New Zealand.

Tuition Fee

Tuition fees are the academic fees of your college/university. The cost of studying in New Zealand depend on the courses and colleges you enrol in. On average, the education cost in New Zealand is from NZD 12,000 to NZD 78,000, depending on the course level and stream.

Living Expenses

Living expenses in New Zealand for students may depend on how much you extra spend. Generally, students with $1,492 - $2,976 per month can easily spend their life in New Zealand.

Below, you will find other essential costs for Indian students to study in New Zealand.

Various scholarships are available for international students to study in New Zealand and manage expenses abroad. Some of the top scholarships are given below.

There are several ways through which you can reduce your financial burden while studying in New Zealand. Let’s check it out.

Research Affordable Institutions

You should explore universities and colleges that offer lower tuition fees or scholarships to study in New Zealand, specifically for international students. Consider factors such as program offerings, location, and reputation when selecting an institution to ensure it aligns with your budget and academic goals.

Seek Funding from External Sources

Look for external sources for funding such as grants, fellowships, or sponsorships offered by governmental organisations, non-profit foundations, or private companies. These sources may provide financial support to cover tuition, living expenses, or research projects.

Opt for Shorter Duration Programs

Consider enrolling in shorter-duration programs such as certificate courses or diploma programs. These programs typically have lower tuition fees than undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. Shorter programs can help reduce overall expenses while still providing valuable skills and qualifications.

Take Advantage of Free Resources

Utilise free resources available to students, such as library resources, online academic journals, and open educational resources (OERs) for textbooks and study materials. By minimising spending on course materials, you can save significantly throughout your studies.

Explore Alternative Funding Models

Investigate alternative funding models, such as income-sharing agreements (ISAs) or deferred tuition programs offered by certain educational institutions. These models allow students to defer tuition until after graduation or pay a percentage of their income for a set period.

Apply for Internships or Co-op Programs

Look for internship or cooperative education (co-op) programs offered by your institution or industry partners. These programs often provide paid work opportunities related to your field of study, allowing you to earn income while gaining work experience and networking opportunities.

Minimise Non-Essential Expenses

Identify non-essential expenses in your budget, such as dining out, entertainment, or travel, and look for opportunities to cut back or find cheaper alternatives. You can allocate more resources towards tuition and living expenses by prioritising your spending on essential needs.

Consider Alternative Income Streams

Explore creative ways to generate additional income, such as freelance work, tutoring, or selling handmade goods or services. By diversifying your income streams, you can supplement your financial resources and reduce reliance on student loans or other forms of debt.

Moreover, you should analyse your living costs to manage your expenses to study in New Zealand. Below, you can check how to manage living expenses in New Zealand.