Before going to study in New Zealand, let's first check the key highlights of expenses.
| Living Expenses in New Zealand for Students | Costs in NZD |
|---|---|
| Ticket cost | NZD 1805 to NZD 2000, depending on where you are from |
| Visa and other costs | NZD 280 |
| Travel expenses | NZD 1,440 - NZD 2,880 |
| Accommodation | NZD 7,800 - NZD 15,600 |
| Tuition fees | NZD 12,000 to NZD 78,000 |
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.
| Courses | Tuition Fees (Annually) | Tuition Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Diplomas/Certificates | NZD 12,000 - 18,000 | INR 6,24,313.07- 9,36,469.60 |
| Bachelors | NZD 22,000 - 32,000 | INR 11,44,573.96 - 16,65,336.27 |
| Masters | NZD 26,000 - 37,000 | INR 13,53,085.72 - 19,25,545.06 |
| PhD | NZD 6500 - 9000 | INR 3,38,271 - 4,68,375.83 |
| MBA | NZD 31,000 - 50,000 | INR 16,13,294.51 - 26,02,087.92 |
| Medical and Health sciences | NZD 44,000 - 77,328 | INR 22,89,837.37 - 40,24,285.09 |
| Engineering | NZD 44,526 | INR 23,19,084.84 |
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.
Business and Management
Information Technology (IT)
Engineering
Health Sciences
Hospitality and Tourism
Environmental Studies
Agriculture and Forestry
Creative Arts and Design
Education and Teaching
Marine Sciences
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.
| University Name | QS Ranking | University Fees New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | 68 | $6,340 - $10,370 per year |
| University of Otago | 206 | $5,784 - $7,660 per year |
| Massey University | 239 | $6,090 - $7,563 per year |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 241 | $5,830 - $7,380 per year |
| University of Waikato | 250 | $6,114 - $6,748 per year |
| University of Canterbury | Te Whare W膩nanga o Waitaha | 256 | $6,310 - $7,900 per year |
| Lincoln University | 362 | $6,510 - $7,620 per year |
| Auckland University of Technology (AUT) | 407 | $6,036 - $7,462 per year |
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.
| Expense Category | Estimated Annual Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $7,800 - $15,600 |
| Food | $4,160 - $7,800 |
| Transportation | $1,440 - $2,880 |
| Utilities | $960 - $2,400 |
| Health Insurance | $400 - $800 |
| Textbooks and Supplies | $500 - $1,000 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,600 - $5,200 |
| Total | $17,860 - $33,880 |
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.
| Types of accommodation | Costs (Weekly) |
|---|---|
| Halls of Residence | NZD 200 - 500 (INR 10,405.22) |
| Local homestays | NZD 150-370 (INR 7,475.11 - 19,252.90) |
| Rented apartments with friends | NZD 200 each (INR 10,406.97) |
| Independent living | NZD 565 (INR 29,399.70) |
| Youth hostels | NZD 200 (INR 10,406.97) |
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.
| Basic Facilities | Weekly Expenditure |
|---|---|
| Rent | NZD 150 - NZD 300 |
| Food & Beverages | NZD 80 |
| Transport | NZD 30 |
| Recreation & Entertainment | NZD 50 |
| Household utilities | NZD 20 |
| Health | NZD 8 |
| Communication (Internet, Mobile bills etc) | NZD 20 |
| Books & Stationery | NZD 10 |
| Other | NZD 100-400 |
Here, you will find the monthly cost of living in New Zealand.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $650 - $1,300 |
| Food | $350 - $650 |
| Transportation | $120 - $240 |
| Utilities | $80 - $200 |
| Health Insurance | $33 - $67 |
| Textbooks and Supplies | $42 - $83 |
| Personal Expenses | $217 - $433 |
| Total | $1,492 - $2,976 |
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.
| IELTS registration fee | INR 17000 |
| TOEFL Test Registration Amount | INR 16,900 |
| GMAT fee | INR 22,800 - INR 24900 |
| GRE fee | INR 22,550 |
| PTE fee | INR 17,000 |
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.
| Flight Ticket Cost (One Way) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Delhi to New Zealand | INR 90,000 |
| Mumbai to New Zealand | INR 93,000 |
| Kolkata to New Zealand | INR 97,000 |
| Chennai to New Zealand | INR 1 Lakh |
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.
Student Visa Fees - To get a New Zealand student visa, a student has to pay NZD 280 while submitting the application.
Required Bank Balance - You must have a minimum of NZD 1,000 or NZD 400 per month in your bank account to show that you have enough money to live your life in New Zealand.
| Expenses | Average Costs | Average Costs in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa fees | NZD 280 | INR 14,567.30 |
| Required Bank Balance | a minimum of NZD 1,000 or NZD 400 per month | a minimum of INR 50,000 or NZD 400 per month |
Various scholarships are available for international students to study in New Zealand and manage expenses abroad. Some of the top scholarships are given below.
| Scholarships | Offered By | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| International Student Excellence Scholarship | University of Auckland | Scholarship for undergraduate and graduate study up to $10,000 |
| International Taught Master Merit Scholarships | Lincoln University | NZD 7000-NZD 10,000 |
| International Excellence Scholarship | University of Waikato | NZD 10,000 |
| Wellington Master鈥檚 by Thesis Scholarship | Victoria University of Wellington | The scholarship includes a $15,000 tax-free stipend and one year's worth of tuition. |
| New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS) | New Zealand Government | University tuition expenses, related student levies, a living allowance of up to NZD 25,000 tax-free, and 3 years of health insurance are all covered by this award. |
| New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) | Education New Zealand (ENZ) and New Zealand universities | This scholarship is worth NZD 5,000 for each PG course and NZD 10,000 for each UG course. |
| Tongarewa Scholarship at | Victoria University of Wellington | NZD 5,000 -NZD 10,000 |
| Orion Master鈥檚 Energy Scholarship | University of Canterbury in New Zealand | NZD 16,500 |
| UC International First-Year Undergraduate Scholarships | University of Canterbury, New Zealand | $10,000-$20,000 |
There are several ways through which you can reduce your financial burden while studying in New Zealand. Let鈥檚 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.
| Aspects | Cost Analysis |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 40% |
| Food | 25% |
| Transportation | 15% |
| Health Insurance | 10% |
| Other | 10% |
Ans. On average, overseas students can expect to spend approximately NZD 80 to 120 per week on groceries in New Zealand, depending on dietary preferences and shopping habits.
Ans. Yes, international students working in New Zealand are subject to taxation. However, there is a tax-free threshold, and they may be eligible for tax refunds if they earn below a certain amount.
Ans. Yes, international students who have completed a degree or qualification in New Zealand may be eligible to apply for post-study work visas, allowing them to stay and work temporarily.
Ans. International students can access affordable healthcare services through the public healthcare system or by registering with a general practitioner (GP). Some universities also offer student health services at reduced rates.
Ans. Yes, cultural differences such as dietary preferences, social activities, and transportation habits may impact the cost of living for international students in New Zealand. It's essential to be aware of these differences and adjust accordingly.
Ans. Yes, most international students in New Zealand can open bank accounts with New Zealand banks. Having a local bank account can help them manage their finances and avoid currency exchange fees.
Ans. International students can access financial counselling services offered by universities, student associations, and government agencies. Additionally, there are online resources and budgeting tools specifically designed for international students to manage their finances effectively.
Ans. Generally, living expenses in regional areas of New Zealand can be lower than those in major cities like Auckland or Wellington. Rent and other costs may be more affordable in smaller towns.
Ans. Yes, some universities and educational institutions in New Zealand offer opportunities for international students to participate in part-time internships or work placements related to their field of study, which can provide valuable experience and additional income.
Ans. Yes, international students in New Zealand can access various discounts and deals on goods and services, including transportation, entertainment, dining, and shopping, by presenting their student ID cards.
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