Studying in New Zealand offers quality education, but it’s important to understand the associated costs. For international undergraduate students, annual tuition fees typically range from NZ$22,000 to NZ$32,000, with higher fees for subjects like medicine and veterinary science. Postgraduate courses can cost between NZ$26,000 and NZ$37,000 per year. The cost of living in New Zealand, including accommodation, food, and transportation, averages around NZ$20,000 per year. Additionally, international PhD students pay the same fees as domestic students, approximately NZ$6,500 to NZ$7,500 per year for most subjects.
Planning ahead ensures a successful and affordable study experience in New Zealand.
Tuition Fees
The cost of study in New Zealand depends on several factors. Below is an overview of these costs:
An undergraduate degree range between NZ$20,000 and NZ$32,000 per year
A postgraduate programs cost between NZ$26,000 and NZ$37,000 per year
Top New Zealand Universities Fees
| University/College | QS World University Rankings | Avg. Tuition Fees (Annually) |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Auckland | 65 | NZ$ 45,000 |
| University of Otago | 214 | Upto NZ$ 112,753 |
| University of Waikato | 235 | NZ$ 55,000 |
| Massey University | 239 | NZ$ 55,000 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 244 | Upto NZ$ 48,000 |
| University of Canterbury | 261 | Upto NZ$ 48,000 |
| Lincoln University | 371 | Upto NZ$ 68,400 per year |
| Auckland University of Technology (AUT) | 412 | Upto NZ$ 50,000 |
Wondering about the cost of education in New Zealand? Contact Transglobal today to prepare for these costs with expert help.
Cost of Living in New Zealand
The living expenses in New Zealand depend on the city you live in. Below is a general cost you can expect to spend as living expenses:
| Expenses | Monthly Average Cost | Monthly Cost (INR) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 500 – 1500 | 25,000 – 74,000 | |
| Food | 600 – 800 | 29,600 – 39,500 | |
| Electricity | 150 – 300 | 7,400 – 14,800 | |
| Internet | 80 – 100 | 4,000 – 5,000 | |
| Transportation | 150 – 200 | 7,400 – 9,900 | |
| Sports / Entertainment | 200 | 9,900 | |
| Miscellaneous | 100 – 200 | 5,000 – 9,900 |
Additional Expenses
| Expense | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | NZD 800 – NZD 1,200 |
| Study Permit Fees | NZD 375 |
| Flight Expense | NZD 800 to NZD 1,600 |
| University Application Fee | NZD 50 to NZD 150 |
| Proficiency Tests Fee | IELTS- NZD 345. GRE (general/subject)- NZD 458 TOEFL iBT- NZD 345 GMAT- NZD 510 CAEL- NZD 340 |
| Biometric Fee | NZD 750 |
Best Cities in New Zealand for Students
| City Name | Average Cost of Living Per Year (in New Zealand Dollar) |
|---|---|
| Wellington | NZ$ 1400 – 2000 |
| Auckland | NZ$ 1500 – 2000 |
| Hamilton | NZ$ 700 – 900 |
| Christchurch | NZ$ 1000 – 1400 |
| Napier | NZ$ 900 – 1100 |
Accommodation Costs in New Zealand
Below is the average accommodation costs in New Zealand:
| Type of Accommodation | Average Rent (per week) |
|---|---|
| Halls of Residence | 350 – 650 NZD |
| Rented Apartments (with 3 – 4 people) | 200 – 300 NZD |
| Single Flat | 500 – 600 NZD |
| Single Room | 200 – 250 NZD |
| Homestay | 110 – 370 NZD |
Taxes in New Zealand
If you work while studying in New Zealand, you must pay income tax on your earnings. The country follows a Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system, where taxes are automatically deducted from your wages. If you earn over NZ$14,000, you will be taxed at a rate of 10.5% or higher, depending on your total income.
International students also need an IRD (Inland Revenue Department) number to work legally and file tax returns if required. If you have multiple sources of income or overpaid taxes, you may be eligible for a refund at the end of the financial year.
Scholarships in New Zealand
You have access to various scholarships while studying in New Zealand. Listed below are a few of them:
Government Scholarships
- New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS)
- New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships
- Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
- New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)
University Scholarships
- University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
- Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa Scholarship
- University of Otago International Research Master’s Scholarship
- University of Canterbury International First-Year Scholarships
- AUT International Excellence Scholarships
- Lincoln University International Taught Master Merit Scholarships
- Massey University Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship
- University of Waikato International Excellence Scholarship
Part-time Jobs in New Zealand for Students
New Zealand offers several job opportunities for international students to work part-time.
On-Campus Jobs
- Teaching Assistant (TA)
- Research Assistant (RA)
- Library Assistant
- Campus Tour Guide
Off-Campus Jobs
- Retail and Hospitality
- Customer Service
- Tutoring
- Delivery Services
- Freelancing