Janice Lozano
New Zealand is a popular study destination for international students due to its state-of-the-art research and study facilities, its education system based on British methodology, and its stunning landscapes. However, studying in New Zealand is not free for international students. While the country offers free education to its citizens and permanent residents, international students are required to pay tuition fees, which vary depending on the degree type, level of education, and length of study. On average, international students can expect to pay between NZ$22,000 and NZ$45,000 per year, with higher fees for subjects such as medicine and veterinary science. In addition to tuition fees, international students must also consider accommodation costs, living expenses, and other fees such as health insurance. While there are scholarships and grants available to help offset these costs, international students should be prepared for the financial commitments required to study in New Zealand.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of education for international students | Not free; international students are required to pay tuition fees, which vary depending on the degree type, level of education, and length of study. |
| Tuition fees for international students | Between NZ$22,000-NZ$45,000 per year for undergraduate degrees, with higher fees for certain courses such as medicine and veterinary science. |
| Postgraduate fees for international students | Between NZ$20,000-NZ$37,000 for most subjects, with higher fees for medicine and veterinary science. |
| PhD fees for international students | Between NZ$6,500-NZ$9,000 per year for most subjects, which is the same as domestic students. |
| Scholarships | Various scholarships and grants are available to international students from the New Zealand government, educational institutions, and private organizations. |
| Student discounts | StudentCard offers discounts on clothes, travel, food, drinks, and entertainment for NZ$20. |
| Accommodation costs | Vary depending on location and preference; options include student residence halls (NZ$100-NZ$200 per week), homestay (NZ$100-NZ$370 per week), or a flat (NZ$120-NZ$180 per week on average). |
| Living expenses | Essential bills include phone bills (NZ$20 per month), internet (NZ$70 per month), and utilities (NZ$100 per month). Health insurance is a visa requirement and is affordable for international students (e.g., StudentSafe for NZ$590 per year). |
| Student visa requirements | No English language requirements, but proof of English-speaking ability may be required by universities. Students must prove sufficient funds for their stay (NZ$15,000 per year). |
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What You'll Learn
International students pay tuition fees
International students are required to pay tuition fees to study in New Zealand. The fees vary depending on the degree type, level of education, and length of study. On average, international students can expect to pay between NZ$22,000 and NZ$45,000 per year, with higher fees for subjects such as medicine and veterinary science. Postgraduate degrees range from about NZ$20,000 to NZ$37,000, while a PhD programme can cost between NZ$6,500 and NZ$9,000 per year for most subjects.
In addition to tuition fees, international students should also consider the cost of accommodation and living expenses. Student residence halls can cost between NZ$100 and NZ$200 per week, while a shared flat can be around NZ$120 per week, and a private flat can be around NZ$180 per week. There are also essential bills to consider, such as phone bills (NZ$20 per month), internet (NZ$70 per month), and utilities (NZ$100 per month). Health insurance is also a requirement for student visas in New Zealand and can cost around NZ$590 per year.
To help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses, there are various scholarships and grants available to international students. These scholarships are offered by the New Zealand government, educational institutions, and private organisations. It is important to research and apply for scholarships well in advance, as competition for funding can be high. Additionally, some scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria or requirements, such as academic performance or community involvement.
While studying in New Zealand may not be free for international students, there are options available to help make it more affordable, such as scholarships and grants. International students can also take advantage of student discounts on everything from food to entertainment.
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Scholarships and grants are available
While college in New Zealand is not free for international students, there are scholarships and grants available to help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses. These scholarships are offered by the New Zealand government, educational institutions, and private organisations.
The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship is one such example, which is offered to students from partner countries to help build prosperity, security, and sustainable growth in their home countries. The scholarship also fosters a lifelong connection to Aotearoa New Zealand and provides recipients with a globally recognised education and an authentically New Zealand experience.
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) also offers scholarships exclusively to international students enrolled in the NCUK New Zealand Global Education Pathway programmes. Two $10,000 tuition fee scholarships are available for applicants who have completed an NCUK programme and now have an offer to study at AUT at the undergraduate level or above.
Additionally, some universities in New Zealand may offer their own scholarships, so it is worth checking with the specific institution you are interested in. It is important to research and apply for scholarships well in advance, as competition for funding can be high, and some scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria or requirements.
Living costs, such as accommodation, food, and transport, are also important to consider when studying in New Zealand. International students can choose to live in student residence halls, homestays, or rented flats, with costs ranging from $100 to $700 per week. Utilities, such as gas, electricity, and water, can cost around $100 per month per person.
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Student accommodation costs
College in New Zealand is not free for international students, and tuition fees vary depending on the degree type, level of education, and the length of study. In addition to tuition fees, international students should also consider the cost of accommodation.
There are various types of student accommodation available in New Zealand, each with its own price range. The most common types of accommodation for international students are student residence halls, homestays, and rented flats.
Student residence halls typically cost between $100 and $700 per week. This type of accommodation is often the most convenient and affordable option, but the number of places might be limited.
Homestays are another option, where students can expect to pay between $100 and $370 per week for a room. This option is usually cheaper than renting a flat and can be a great way to learn about the local culture and habits.
Rented flats are a popular choice among international students, as they become more affordable when shared with other students. The average rent for a flat in New Zealand ranges from $500 to $1,200 per month, and utilities can cost between $130 and $250 per month.
It is important to note that accommodation costs can vary depending on the location within New Zealand, with some cities being more expensive than others. Students can expect to pay between NZ $15,000 and NZ $18,000 per year for rent.
In addition to rent and utilities, there are other living costs to consider, such as food, transportation, and healthcare. International students are required to have health insurance, which can cost around $2,080 per year.
To help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses, international students can apply for scholarships and grants offered by the New Zealand government, educational institutions, and private organizations. It is recommended to research and apply for scholarships well in advance, as competition for funding can be high.
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Student living expenses
College in New Zealand is not free for international students, and there are living costs to consider on top of tuition fees. The living costs for international students in New Zealand vary depending on location and spending habits. Accommodation, travel, and food are significant parts of the living costs.
Accommodation
There are several accommodation options for international students in New Zealand, each with its own cost:
- Student residence halls: $100–$700 per week
- Homestay: $100–$370 per week
- Flat: $200–$600 per week
- Rented flats: €500–€1,200 per month, plus utilities (€130–€150 per month)
Utilities
Utilities such as gas, electricity, and water can cost around $100 per month. Electricity costs for a private house can be around $200–$300 per month.
Food
Grocery costs can be budgeted at $80–$120 per week. Preparing food at home is a good way to save money.
Transport
Public transport is a cheap way to get around New Zealand. Depending on how far you live from your place of study, public transport costs can be up to $37 a week.
Phone and Internet
The average monthly phone bill in New Zealand is $20–$29. The average cost of unlimited wifi for a shared flat is $70–$90 per month.
Scholarships
There are scholarships and grants available to international students to help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses. These are offered by the New Zealand government, educational institutions, and private organisations. It is important to research and apply for scholarships well in advance, as competition for funding can be high.
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PhD programmes cost the same for domestic and international students
While college in New Zealand is not free for international students, there are options to help make it more affordable. International students are required to pay tuition fees, which vary based on the degree type, level of education, and the length of study. PhD programmes, however, cost the same for both domestic and international students.
The University of Auckland, for instance, states that international PhD students pay the same fees as domestic students. The annual fee in 2025 is NZ$8,347.20 (under US$5,000). In addition to the tuition fee, there is a Student Services Fee estimated at $1,108.80 for full-time study.
Universities in New Zealand are free to set their own fees for PhD programmes, and most will charge between NZD $6,500 to $7,500 (USD $3,690-4,258) per year for a full-time course. The cost of living in New Zealand is relatively low in comparison to some other study destinations. As a rough guide, you should budget between NZD $18,000 and NZD $27,000 (USD $10,219-15,329) per academic year.
There are no restrictions on the hours you can work as an international PhD student in New Zealand, and your student visa will allow you to bring your partner and/or dependent children to New Zealand while you study. Your children will be entitled to enrol in school as domestic students, and your partner will be able to apply for a visa to work in New Zealand.
To help with the cost of studying in New Zealand, there are various scholarships and grants available to international students. These are offered by the New Zealand government, educational institutions, and private organisations. It is important to research and apply for scholarships well in advance, as competition for funding can be high.
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Frequently asked questions
No, college is not free in New Zealand for international students. International students are required to pay tuition fees to study in the country.
The cost of studying in New Zealand varies based on the degree type, level of education, and length of study. On average, international students can expect to pay between NZ$25,000 and NZ$45,000 per year, with higher fees for subjects such as medicine and veterinary science.
Yes, there are various scholarships and grants offered by the New Zealand government, educational institutions, and private organizations to help international students offset the cost of tuition and living expenses. It is important to research and apply for these well in advance, as competition for funding can be high.
In addition to tuition fees, international students should consider accommodation costs and living expenses. Accommodation options include student residence halls (around NZ$100-NZ$200 per week), homestays (NZ$100-NZ$370 per week), or renting a flat (around NZ$120-NZ$180 per week). Other living expenses include phone bills (NZ$20 per month), internet (NZ$70 per month), and utilities (NZ$100 per month).
