The Cost of Education in New Zealand

Sharing is caring :)

About New Zealand 

New Zealand is one of the best countries in the world. Unlike busy cities in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, everything is so laid back in New Zealand. Not to mention of varied geography and natural landscapes where you could have many opportunities for outdoor activities.  When you add in all the other elements like low crime rates, a good infrastructure, great restaurants, amazing wine, awesome craft beer and that’s why so many people rate New Zealand as one of the best countries in the world to live in.

Safety Concern studying in New Zealand

New Zealand’s rates of violence are very low compared to elsewhere in the world. Watch the popular NZ Police Recruitment Video below and you will understand how safe is to live in New Zealand.

Cost of Education in New Zealand 

From short-term English language courses to postgraduate degrees, there is always a qualification to suit you. The tuition fees you pay varies from NZD$13,000 to NZD$60,000 per-year. This really depends on what you study, and which provider is delivering the education. Download NZ University fees for International Students 2019 (PDF 225KB) here.

As part of tuition fees, you must provide supporting documents that you can cover your living expenses while studying in New Zealand. The living expenses in New Zealand for international students are approximately NZ$1200 per month includes accommodation, meals, transportation, utilities, other miscellaneous. If you will be studying in New Zealand for more than a year, you‘ll need to show that you have at least NZ$15,000 to support yourself for the first year. However, the living costs will depend on your lifestyle and which part of the country you live in.

As an example, Victoria University recommends that international students need around NZ$18,000 – $27,000 per year, the University of Auckland recommends NZ$20,000 – $25,000 per year and Massey University recommends NZ$15,000 – $18,000 per year.

International student’s work rights in New Zealand 

New Zealand offers international students the opportunity to work up to 20 hours a week, or unlimited-hour in the holidays. The national minimum wages in New Zealand is NZ$16.50 per hour. Assuming if you are studying and working in New Zealand, you will get to make around NZ$300 per-week. This amount would be sufficient to cover most accommodation cost and you would have some balance to buy your meals. As international students in New Zealand, your dependent spouse can share the same work right under your student visa.

Quality Education at an affordable Price

New Zealand offers a quality English language based education at an affordable price. When compared with other countries, New Zealand is 20% cheaper compared to Australia and a 50% cheaper compared to the US and UK.

English Language Course

General English cost about NZ$350 to $450 per week

Diploma / Certificate (Level 1 – 5)
Fees range about NZ$15,000 per year
Diploma / Certificate (Level 6)
Fees range about NZ$17,000 to $23,000 per year
Bachelor’s Degree / Graduate  Diploma (Level 7)
Fees range about NZ$17,000 to $23,000 per year
Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) (Level 8)
 Fees range from $22,000 to $32,000, with higher fees for subjects such as medicine and veterinary science. 
Master’s Degree (Level 9)
Fees range from $26,000 to $37,000, with higher fees for subjects such as medicine and veterinary science.
Doctoral Degree (Level 10)
Fees range from $6,000 to $8,000 per year


Migration Opportunities

As international students in New Zealand, your dependent children will be classified as domestic students and can attend New Zealand’s primary and secondary schools at the same subsidised rate as New Zealand children.

On completion of your tertiary education (Level 7 and above), you can apply for a 12-month Post-study work visa through Immigration New Zealand to allow you to search for employment. If you are able to find a suitable job in your chosen field, you may then apply for a two-year Post-study work visa.

Recommended Universities in New Zealand

The recommended affordable Institutions in New Zealand are

  • Alpha Educational Institute (AEI) – Diploma in Business (Level 7)
  • Wellington Language Centre (WLC) – General English
  • Cornell Institute of Business & Technology – Diploma in Computing (Level 7) + General English

The recommended top 3 Universities in New Zealand are

  • Massey University – All Disciplines
  • Auckland University – All Disciplines
  • Otago University – All Disciplines

Downloads

Download NZ University fees for International Students 2019 (PDF 225KB) here. An indicative list of University tuition fees from Universities New Zealand. 

Contact us to find out more

International Student enquiries:

Phone: +60182414802

Email: [email protected]

For more stories like this, join the Excel Education community on Facebook

Need help with your uni application? Connect with us Here

About Author
Michelle Phan
A freelance writer graduated from Curtin University with a specialisation in commercial writing. Michelle loves to travel and enjoys walking on the beach. Michelle also feeds on psychology quote and will give away just about anything to cuddle with furry felines.
Sharing is caring :)