New Zealand provides international students a chance for a top-quality education as its universities are known for their excellent teaching and high academic standards. Additionally, international students will also enjoy a diverse and welcoming environment and could benefit from the many opportunities both during and after their studies.
In this article, we will talk about the costs of studying and living in New Zealand for international students, providing important information to help you plan your study journey. Make sure to read all the way to the end.
Costs of Studying in New Zealand
Academic Costs / Tuition Fees
Academic costs for international students in New Zealand can vary depending on the course and university. On average, undergraduate programs range from NZD 28,000 to NZD 49,000 or US$17,200 to $23,000 per year, while postgraduate programs can cost between NZD 16,000 and NZD 63,000 or US$10,000 and 38,800 annually.
New Zealand universities do not offer free education for international students. Unlike in some countries, there are no tuition-free options for studying in the local language, and all students are required to pay fees, regardless of their language of instruction.
NEW ZEALAND
INSTITUTION |
AVE. UNDERGRADUATE TUITION |
AVE. POSTGRADUATE TUITION |
| University of Otago |
32,620 NZD to 40,558 NZD |
33,806 NZD to 63,417 NZD |
| Massey University |
29,000 NZD to 42,530 NZD |
32,910 NZD to 43,370 NZD |
| University of Waikato |
28,025 NZD to 41,760 NZD |
34,085 NZD to 39,000 NZD |
| University of Auckland |
33,894 NZD to 48,879 NZD |
38,272 NZD to 59,770 NZD |
| University of Canterbury |
28,800 NZD to 45,000 NZD |
16,304 NZD to 34,782 NZD |
Other Academic Costs
In New Zealand, students have to pay more than just tuition. For example, health insurance is required for international students and usually costs around NZD 600 to 700 per year. For instance, Massey University requires international students to pay an NZD 810 insurance fee for one academic year, while the University of Auckland requires students to pay an insurance fee of NZD 405 per semester unless they are granted an insurance waiver.
Students also have to pay on-campus fees for services like student support and recreation. At Victoria University of Wellington, the services fee rate is calculated at $9.20 per point, meaning students will pay $138 for a single course which is worth 15 points. These extra costs should therefore be considered when planning for university in New Zealand.
Costs of Living in New Zealand
New Zealand is a great place to study, with its major cities attracting international students for their high-quality education and safe living environment.
1. Auckland
Auckland is a major city in New Zealand and home to institutions like the University of Auckland. It is also one of the most expensive cities in the country, with living costs ranging from NZD 18,800 to NZD 20,400 annually. Rent in this city can cost between $315 to $348 weekly, while other expenses like transportation are typically around $23.70 weekly, and food costs around $135 weekly.
2. Wellington
Wellington is another popular city in New Zealand with a slightly lower cost of living than Auckland, with the cost of living ranging from $18,000 to 28,000 per year. Usually rent in Wellington starts at $250 per week if you live off campus, while on campus, it can cost up to $17,784 per year depending on the hall, while food costs between $80 and $290 per week depending on your lifestyle, and transportation costs begin at $40.35 weekly.
3. Christchurch
The cost of living in Christchurch is still lower than in other major cities, even though it can be high. Living costs typically range from NZD 17,000 to 27,000 per year. Rent here starts at $180 weekly, food costs about $145 weekly, and getting around the city costs around $25 weekly.
4. Dunedin
Known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ based on the Scottish origins of its name, Dunedin is one of the most affordable cities for students in New Zealand. The city is home to the University of Otago, the oldest in the country, as well as the Otago Polytechnic, one of the country’s most modern.
The city, as mentioned previously, is one of the most affordable in the country, with lower rents than many other parts of the country. Rent usually costs between 680 and 1,300 NZ$ per month. Childcare costs can vary by quite a wide margin. However, the price of childcare is usually somewhere between 415 and 1,100 NZ$, which converts to 290 and 767 USD respectively. Finally, the cost of transportation in the city depends on where you are going and what you use to get there. A one-way ticket on public transport costs about 2.60 NZ$ while one kilometer on a taxi costs 3.40 NZ$.
5. Hamilton
The largest and most important city in the Waikato region is Hamilton. The city is one of the best places in New Zealand for students. Over 40,000 students live in the city, accounting for over 20% of Hamilton’s population.
The cost of living in this city in New Zealand, while being a great place to live, is expensive. For example, rent in Hamilton can cost between 1,070 and 1,480 NZ$ per month (approximately between 746 and 1032 USD per month). Utilities are, on the other hand, reasonably affordable. Water, heating, and garbage can cost between 140 and 280 NZ$ per month (97-195 USD). Groceries can vary quite a bit – Hamilton is famous for its many farmer’s markets which are usually less expensive than supermarkets. However, groceries usually start at about 80 NZ and above.
Ways to Minimize Academic and Living Costs in New Zealand
Scholarships for International Students in New Zealand
Part-time Work for International Students
Part-time jobs are a great way to earn extra money and help cover living costs, as major cities in New Zealand can be quite expensive. Luckily, international students with a valid student visa are allowed to work part-time while studying.
You can work up to 20 hours per week during the school year if your course lasts at least 2 academic years, leads to a Level 4 or higher qualification on the NZQCF, or is part of a student exchange program that is at least 1 year long. During school breaks, such as holidays, you are allowed to work full-time. There’s no need for a separate work visa, but make sure your course allows you to work.
There are many part-time jobs available for students, including opportunities at universities. For example, Lincoln University Students’ Association hires students as event coordinators, their role involves planning, managing, and working with others to organize events and activities for students
to provide support for other students. You can also work in retail, helping customers and handling sales, or become a tutor in subjects like math, English, or science. Part-time jobs in New Zealand typically pay over $20 per hour, depending on the type of work.
Despite the high cost of living and studying in New Zealand, it’s still one of the best places for international students. To lower their expenses, students can apply for fully or partially funded scholarships from the government, universities, or other organizations. They can also choose to live in cities with a lower cost of living to save money.
We hope you found this article on the best cities to study in New Zealand for international students informative and helpful. To know more information like this, check out the NZ Study Guide and Available Programs for International Students!
