New Zealand gives international students access to a high-quality education and a range of study options. International students should compare current tuition, insurance, and living costs before applying because expenses vary by provider, program, and location.
In this article, we will discuss 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 vary depending on the course, university, study duration, and enrolled papers. Because universities publish program- and course-specific schedules, use the current official fee pages below when budgeting rather than relying on a single national average.
International students generally pay international tuition fees in New Zealand. However, the rule is not absolute. At some universities, international PhD students may qualify for domestic tuition fees when the relevant conditions are met, and approved exchange students may not pay tuition fees directly to the New Zealand host university. Scholarships can also reduce the amount payable. Check the university’s official fee page for the conditions that apply to your circumstances.
Other Academic Costs
International students need appropriate medical and travel insurance. For example, Massey University automatically covers international students with Studentsafe unless an alternative compliant policy is approved. Massey’s 2026 Studentsafe premium is NZ$899 for one academic year or NZ$449.50 for one semester. At the University of Auckland, the preferred Studentsafe policy also costs NZ$899 for a full year or NZ$449.50 for one semester. Students may be eligible for an insurance waiver if they have an approved alternative policy.
Students may also have to pay non-tuition charges for services and other university costs. These charges vary by institution, campus, study load, and academic year, so check your provider’s current fee schedule before budgeting.
Costs of Living in New Zealand
Living costs vary across New Zealand’s major cities. Students applying for a visa for tertiary-level, English-language, or other non-compulsory study must generally show that they have NZ$20,000 for each year of study or NZ$1,667 for each month if the course is shorter than one year. Your actual spending will depend on your accommodation, location, transportation needs, and lifestyle.
1. Auckland
Auckland is home to institutions such as the University of Auckland. The university’s 2026 weekly cost comparison estimates that a student renting a room in a shared private house in Parnell could spend NZ$431.93 per week. This example includes NZ$298 for accommodation, NZ$69 for food, and NZ$21.50 for transportation. Actual costs will depend on the suburb, property, and lifestyle.
2. Wellington
Wellington is another popular study destination. According to Victoria University of Wellington’s accommodation budgeting guidance, the average rent per room, per person in Wellington is NZ$250 per week, plus utilities and food. Costs vary depending on the suburb, property type, and lifestyle.
3. Christchurch
Students considering Christchurch can use the University of Canterbury’s flatting estimate as a guide. The university estimates weekly costs of NZ$432 for a single person sharing a four-bedroom house. This includes approximately NZ$196 for shared rental accommodation, NZ$145 for food, and NZ$25 for transportation. Personal lifestyle costs are not included.
4. Dunedin
Dunedin is home to the University of Otago and Otago Polytechnic.
The University of Otago recommends having NZ$22,000 to NZ$27,000 available for 40 weeks of living costs, in addition to tuition. Students staying for a full calendar year will need more. The university’s standard UniFlats room estimate is NZ$268 per week on a 48-week contract.
5. Hamilton
Hamilton is a study location for students considering the University of Waikato.
The University of Waikato’s Hamilton budgeting guide estimates total weekly costs of NZ$351 to NZ$635 for students living in a hall of residence. Hall accommodation ranges from NZ$446 to NZ$510 per week for fully catered options and NZ$276 to NZ$332 per week for self-catered options. The university lists public transportation by bus from NZ$15 per week. Actual spending depends on accommodation and lifestyle.
Ways to Minimize Academic and Living Costs in New Zealand
Scholarships for International Students in New Zealand
Scholarship availability, values, deadlines, and eligibility conditions can change. Review the official university pages before applying.
Part-time Work for International Students
Part-time jobs can help students earn extra money toward their living costs. Eligible international students with a valid student visa may be allowed to work part-time while studying. Your visa conditions determine whether you can work.
From November 3, 2025, new eligible student visas allow students to work up to 25 hours per week. Students whose visas still state a 20-hour limit can apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to obtain the additional five hours. Eligible tertiary students may also be able to work full-time during scheduled breaks or the Christmas and New Year holidays. Master’s by research and PhD students can work as many hours as they like. Always check the conditions printed on your visa before accepting work.
Students may look for campus, retail, hospitality, or tutoring roles, but job availability and pay vary. From April 1, 2026, the adult minimum wage is NZ$23.95 per hour before tax. A starting-out or training minimum wage of NZ$19.16 per hour may apply in some circumstances.
Although studying and living in New Zealand can be expensive, students can reduce their costs by comparing providers, applying for scholarships, choosing suitable accommodation, and budgeting carefully. Eligible students may also use visa-permitted part-time work as supplemental income.
We hope you found this article on the costs of studying and living in New Zealand for international students informative and helpful. For more information, check out the NZ Study Guide and Available Programs for International Students!
