How Much Does It Cost to Study in New Zealand?
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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$7,500 per year for most subjects.
Planning ahead ensures a successful and affordable study experience in New Zealand.
Tuition Fees
The cost of study in New Zealand depends on several factors. Below is an overview of these costs:
Top New Zealand Universities Fees
| University/College | QS World University Rankings | Avg. Tuition Fees (Annually) |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Auckland | 65 | NZ$ 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 Australia. Listed below are a few of them:
Australian 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage for student jobs in New Zealand?
As of April 1, 2024, the minimum wage for student jobs in New Zealand is NZD 23.15 per hour for adult workers and NZD 18.52 per hour for “starting-out” workers (those with less than six months of experience).
Can I get a student loan as an international student in New Zealand?
Yes, international students can get student loans to study in New Zealand. There are various loan options available, including secured and unsecured loans.
What are the living costs for international students in New Zealand?
The average living cost for international students in New Zealand is around NZ$20,000 to NZ$27,000 per year.
Are medical and engineering programs more expensive than other courses?
Yes, in New Zealand, medical and engineering programs tend to be more expensive than other courses.
Can I pay my tuition fees in installments?
Yes, most universities allow you to pay your tuition fees in instalments. So, you can split the total cost into multiple payments throughout the semester or academic year.
Is it cheaper to live on-campus or off-campus?
Generally, living off-campus is considered cheaper than living on-campus, as universities often charge higher rates for the convenience of on-campus housing. However, the cost can vary significantly depending on the location and type of accommodation.
What are the best ways to manage living expenses in New Zealand?
To effectively manage living expenses in New Zealand, create a detailed budget, opt for shared accommodation in less expensive areas, cook at home, use public transportation, take advantage of student discounts, shop at discount stores, and consider energy-efficient practices for utilities.
What types of financial aid or grants are available for international students?
There are several scholarships and financial aid available for international students such as government scholarships, university Scholarships, education loans, etc.
