How much will it cost to study in New Zealand?

Planning your international education in New Zealand requires careful financial preparation. While New Zealand offers a high-quality education at a comparatively affordable rate, it's important to consider all potential expenses beyond tuition. These include living costs like accommodation, food, health coverage, and transport.  

To help you start your budget, let's outline typical university fees for international students in NZ, a significant part of your overall study cost. 

*Please note that all figures are indicative 

As you can see, the cost of education in New Zealand for international students differs by academic level due to several factors.  

For undergraduate degrees (NZD $20,500 - $25,000 annually), variations often reflect the resources needed for different subjects, with STEM fields potentially having higher costs than arts or humanities. University reputation can also influence fees. 

Postgraduate studies (NZD $19,000 - $29,000 per year) can vary based on program specialisation and research intensity, with fields like business or law sometimes having higher tuition. 

PhD programs (NZD $6,500 - $9,000 annually) often have lower fees due to their research focus and potential funding support. 

Your expenditure on tuition fees will depend on the type of qualification and the university or school you opt for in New Zealand. Numerous high-ranking universities here have their own fee structures for international students, so understanding these is crucial for your financial planning.  

To give you a more detailed idea of the costs, here's a breakdown of typical annual tuition fees:  

Undergraduate degrees: You can generally expect to pay between NZD $20,500 and $32,000 per year. This can vary based on your chosen field. For example:  

• Humanities and Social Sciences: Typically range from NZD $22,000 to $28,000 per year. 

• Engineering and Technology: Generally costs between NZD $28,000 and $32,000 per year. 

• Business and Commerce: Usually fall in the range of NZD $24,000 to $30,000 per year. 

• Health Sciences and Medicine: Tend to have higher fees, ranging from NZD $32,000 to $40,000 per year. 

Postgraduate programs: Tuition fees at this level are typically higher and vary depending on the specific program.  

• Master's degrees: Can range from NZD $19,000 to $37,000 per year. 

• Doctoral programs (PhD): Often have more affordable annual fees, typically between NZD $6,500 and $9,000 per year. 

• MBA programs: As with many countries, these tend to be among the most expensive, with an average cost ranging from NZD $30,000 to $50,000 per year. 

Keep in mind that these are indicative, and it's always recommended to check the specific tuition fees with the universities you are considering.

Beyond tuition fees, there are other essential costs associated with studying at a New Zealand university that international students should be aware of. These can vary, so it's important to factor them into your overall budget. 

• Student services and administration fees: Some universities charge these additional fees. For instance, the ​​University of Auckland's fees are around NZD $1,108.80 per year. Costs differ between universities, so checking with your chosen one is key. 

• Health insurance: This is mandatory for international students in New Zealand. Providers like ​​StudentSafe offer coverage at approximately NZD $810 per year. Ensure you choose a suitable plan that meets requirements. 

• Study materials and textbooks: Budget for these throughout your academic year, as costs will depend on your specific courses. 

• Exam fees: To study in New Zealand, students are generally required to demonstrate English proficiency through tests such as IELTS (SGD 406), TOEFL (USD 270, ~SGD 346) or PTE (USD 300, ~SGD 385). For medical-related programmes, applicants may also need to take the UCAT ANZ (AUD 395, ~SGD 337).

To give you a clearer picture of the overall financial commitment, let's look at estimated total annual costs for international students at New Zealand universities, combining tuition fees and an NZD $15,000 general guide for living expenses (to be detailed later). Note that living costs vary by lifestyle and location. 

Undergraduate programs: 

• Minimum estimated annual cost: Tuition (NZD $22,000) + Living Expenses (NZD $15,000) = NZD $37,000 

• Maximum estimated annual cost: Tuition (NZD $32,000) + Living Expenses (NZD $15,000) = NZD $47,000 

Postgraduate programs: 

• Minimum estimated annual cost: Tuition (NZD $20,000) + Living Expenses (NZD $15,000) = NZD $35,000 

• Maximum estimated annual cost: Tuition (NZD $37,000) + Living Expenses (NZD $15,000) = NZD $52,000 

These estimations offer a helpful range for your initial financial planning. Remember that actual costs depend on your specific program, university, and lifestyle. 

Securing a valid study permit is the essential first step towards studying in New Zealand, and this process involves certain costs. You'll need to factor in the application fee and a mandatory health levy. 

Here's a breakdown of the costs associated with your New Zealand student visa application: 

• Student visa application fee: ​​NZD $850. An International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $100 will be charged and is included in the cost. This fee is payable to Immigration New Zealand when you submit your application for a student visa for courses lasting longer than 3 months.  

• Chest X-ray or medical examination fee: You may need to undergo a chest X-ray or a full medical examination, depending on your length of stay and personal circumstances. These checks must be done at an Immigration New Zealand-approved panel clinic in Singapore, with fees typically ranging from SGD $200 - $300, paid directly to the clinic. 

 For the most up-to-date information and any potential changes to these fees, it's always best to refer to the official Immigration New Zealand website.

Exploring scholarship and financial aid options can significantly help in funding your education in New Zealand. Both universities and the New Zealand government offer various opportunities for international students to help ease the financial costs of studying abroad. 

University scholarships 

Many New Zealand universities offer scholarships specifically for international students to support their academic pursuits. Here are a couple of examples: 

• University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship (up to NZD$10,000) (recognises high-achieving students) 

• VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship (NZD $15,000) and VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship (NZD $10,000) 

• AUT International Scholarships – Southeast Asia (Undergraduate: NZD$5,000 or NZD$10,000) (Postgraduate: NZD$7,000) 

• University of Otago Global Scholarships (NZD $15,000) 

It's recommended to check the websites of individual universities for a comprehensive list of available scholarships and their eligibility criteria. 

Government scholarships

The New Zealand government also provides scholarships to foster international education and development. A notable example is:  

• PSC Scholarship: The Public Service Commission (PSC) Scholarship is one of Singapore’s top awards for students aspiring to serve in the Public Service. It supports undergraduate studies in Singapore or overseas (such as New Zealand) with possible postgraduate opportunities. Open to Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents (who must take up citizenship if awarded), applicants should have strong academics, leadership qualities, and a commitment to serving the nation. 

Further information and application details can be found on the official New Zealand government education websites.

Understanding the costs associated with living and accommodation is crucial to planning your studies in New Zealand. While many universities offer on-campus residence, which can be a convenient option, other alternatives like homestay or shared/private flats are also available. The costs for these can vary depending on the location and type of accommodation.  Here's an overview of common accommodation options and their ​​typical weekly costs:  

• Student residence halls: NZD $200 to $700 per week. These often include meals and utilities, making budgeting simpler. Applying early is advisable due to high demand. 

• Homestay: NZD $100 to $370 per week. This option provides a cultural immersion experience, living with a local family, and often includes meals. 

• Shared flats: NZD $120 to $200 per week. Sharing a flat with other students can be a more independent and cost-effective option, though you'll typically need to factor in additional costs for utilities like electricity, internet, and water. 

• Private flats: NZD $180 to $600 per week. Renting a private flat offers more independence but usually comes with higher costs and the responsibility of managing all bills, including potential tenants' insurance. 

Besides student accommodation in New Zealand, you'll also need to budget for general living expenses such as groceries, social activities, transportation, and unexpected situations. On average, estimated monthly living expenses for a student in New Zealand are around NZD $1,250, totalling approximately NZD $15,000 per year. This figure is indicative and can vary based on your lifestyle and spending habits. 

Most universities offer support and resources to international students in finding suitable accommodation, both on and off campus. It's always a good idea to explore these resources early in your planning process. 

Whether you’re planning to study in Wellington or considering student life in Christchurch, understanding the financial aspects of studying in New Zealand is a crucial first step towards an enriching educational experience. From tuition fees and living costs to visa expenses and scholarship possibilities, careful planning is key. Ready to explore your study options and navigate this journey with expert guidance? Contact IDP Singapore's experienced counsellors today to discuss your aspirations and let us help you make your dream of studying in New Zealand a reality.