What’s the Cost of Studying in New Zealand?
This guide breaks down tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and financial support options for students planning to study in New Zealand.
University Costs in New Zealand
Wondering how much it costs to study in New Zealand? If you’re considering studying there, one of the biggest factors to think about is your budget. This guide covers all the key expenses so you can plan properly.
Keep in mind that prices and exchange rates are accurate at publication but may change over time.
Tuition Fees in New Zealand
New Zealand has eight major universities, each setting its own tuition fees based on the subject and level of study.
Most international students pay higher fees than domestic students, though some exceptions exist—for example, PhD students may be exempt from foreign student fees.
On average, international undergrads can expect to pay between NZ25,000∗∗and∗∗25,000∗∗and∗∗45,000 per year (all figures in NZD). Some fields, like medicine and veterinary science, may cost more.
For postgraduate degrees, fees range from 20,000to20,000to37,000, again with higher costs for subjects like medicine. A PhD for international students typically costs 6,500to6,500to9,000 per year for most subjects—and interestingly, PhD fees are the same for both domestic and international students.
Domestic undergrads pay 6,000to6,000to10,000 per year, while postgrad degrees cost 7,000to7,000to10,000 annually.
Besides tuition, some universities charge extra fees for administration and student services. For example, the University of Auckland charges $1,005.60. These fees vary by institution.
For a full breakdown of tuition costs and comparisons, check Universities NZ – Te Pōkai Tara, which represents all New Zealand universities.
Whether you’re studying at undergrad or postgrad level, you’ll need to prove you have enough funds to support yourself—1,250permonth∗∗forprogramsunderninemonths,or∗∗1,250permonth∗∗forprogramsunderninemonths,or∗∗15,000 per year for longer stays. This is on top of tuition and return flight costs.
Living Costs in New Zealand
When it comes to accommodation, you have a few options:
- Student residence halls: 100–100–700 per week
- Homestay (room only): 100–100–370 per week
- Flat rental: 200–200–600 per week (average)
Rent prices vary across the country. For example, a 3–4 bedroom house in Auckland averages 565–565–640 per week.
Other Essential Student Expenses
- Phone bill: ~$20/month
- Internet: ~$70/month (split among flatmates)
- Utilities (gas, electricity, water): ~$100/month per person
- Books & supplies: ~$300/year
Public transport costs:
- One-way ticket: ~$2.50
- Monthly pass: ~$150
Many cities offer student discounts—for example, Auckland’s HOP Card gives reduced fares across the transport network.
New Zealand’s healthcare system is excellent:
- Doctor’s visit: 25–25–60
- Hospital care: Covered by the state
- Prescriptions: 5∗∗Allinternationalstudents∗∗must∗∗havemedicalandtravelinsurancefromenrollmentuntiltheirvisaexpires.Insuranceisaffordable—forexample,∗∗StudentSafe∗∗(apopularchoice)costs∗∗5∗∗Allinternationalstudents∗∗must∗∗havemedicalandtravelinsurancefromenrollmentuntiltheirvisaexpires.Insuranceisaffordable—forexample,∗∗StudentSafe∗∗(apopularchoice)costs∗∗350 per semester, though prices vary based on health and location.
Lifestyle Expenses
- Groceries: ~$100/week
- Restaurant meal: ~$20
- Beer at a bar: ~$9
- Glass of wine: ~$8
- Cinema ticket: ~$15
- Gym membership: ~$40/month (varies by package)
- Big Mac: $7.10
In Auckland, a mid-range evening out for two—dinner, a bottle of wine, two cinema tickets, and a 5-mile taxi ride—costs around $152.
Financial Support for Students
Unfortunately, scholarships for international students in New Zealand are limited.
The New Zealand government offers some scholarships—you can search for options by subject and study level on the Education New Zealand website.
Full-time students can work up to 20 hours/week, but always check your visa conditions and consult visa authorities if needed. The minimum wage is $22.70/hour.
For discounts, the $20 StudentCard is a great choice, offering deals on clothes, travel, food, drinks, and entertainment. Air New Zealand also provides student discounts on flights.