Let’s start with a common scenario: you’re scrolling through study abroad options and your jaw drops looking at those astronomical tuition fees and cost of living in the US and the UK. In New Zealand, the tuition fees are affordable yet the education is world-class. According to Numbeo, the cost of living (including rent) in the US, the UK, Australia, and Canada is 24.7%, 14.1%, 11.6%, and 9.6% higher than in New Zealand.
Studying in New Zealand universities is affordable but that doesn’t mean there is compromise in quality. All universities in New Zealand rank in the Top 500 globally (QS World University Rankings 2025) with the University of Auckland sitting at the 65th position competing with the best universities in the US and the UK. Add straightforward visa rules, generous part-time work rights, and easy pathways to the post-study work visa, and you get more bang for your buck.
Let’s talk about various reasons that make studying in New Zealand a smart and affordable choice for you as an international student.
As we discussed above, all eight New Zealand’s universities are ranked highly as per the QS World University Rankings 2025. The University of Auckland leads the charge but other universities are also not far behind. The University of Otago, University of Waikato, Massey University, and Victoria University of Wellington are in the top 250 globally.
New Zealand consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, New Zealand is the fourth most peaceful country in the world. The cities in New Zealand consistently rank among the top cities in Mercer’s Quality of Living City Ranking, with Auckland at 5th position and Wellington at 14th in 2024.
New Zealand’s student visa policies are incredibly work-friendly, allowing you to earn while you learn. As an international student, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and go full-time during scheduled holidays (as per your visa conditions). This generous allowance helps you balance study commitments while gaining valuable work experience and easing financial pressure. To learn more, please visit the official website of Immigration New Zealand.
New Zealand post-study work options are also quite generous. This is a major reason why international students choose to study in New Zealand. After completing your qualification, you can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa. This visa allows students to stay and work for up to 3 years in New Zealand depending on their level of study and how long they studied in New Zealand. To learn more about the Post Study Work Visa, please visit the official website of Immigration New Zealand.
Finally, let’s talk about the friendly people and stunning nature in New Zealand. These two things enhance student life in New Zealand more than you think. The famous Kiwi warmth isn’t a myth! New Zealanders pride themselves on their friendly, laid-back approach to life. New Zealand’s rich multicultural society features a beautiful blend of Māori traditions, European influences, and vibrant Asian and Pacific communities.
As you ease into student life in New Zealand, you’ll gradually realise that nature has become a part of your education. From the subtropical beaches of the North Island to the fjords and glaciers of the South Island, weekend adventures are unlimited. International students in New Zealand often say that exploring the country’s natural wonders provides the perfect balance to academic pressures. Many graduates describe these experiences as life-changing, providing perspective and memories that last far longer than late-night study sessions. Well, obviously!
I will start with the tuition fees in New Zealand and then talk about tuition fees in the US, the UK, Australia, and Canada. For tuition fees, international students in New Zealand typically pay between NZ$30,000 and NZ$50,000 annually for undergraduate programmes. Postgraduate courses generally range from NZ$40,000 to NZ$50,000 per year. Specialised degrees like medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and MBA have higher tuition fees.
International PhD students pay the same domestic fees as Kiwi students, making doctoral studies surprisingly affordable. Like in other countries, there are additional fees apart from the tuition fees like services and administration fees.
In the United States, tuition fees for undergraduate programmes typically range between US$20,000 and 71,000 per year. Tuition fees for postgraduate programmes like master’s degrees are US$6,000–59,000 annually. Some specialised courses may cost more than this average.
For the United Kingdom, the undergraduate tuition fee is £20,000–59,000 annually. If you’re enrolling in a postgraduate programme like a master’s, your tuition fee could be £5,000–53,000 per year. There is a huge variation in tuition fees from university to university.
Let’s talk about Canada. The tuition fees for undergraduate programmes are CAD 30,000–65,000 annually. For a master’s, the tuition fee is CAD 3,000–51,000 per year. In Australia, tuition fees for undergraduate programmes are AUD 37,000–57,000 annually. When it comes to a master’s degree, the tuition fees range from AUD 22,000–58,000 per year.
As we discussed at the start, the cost of living (including rent) in the US, the UK, Australia, and Canada is 24.7%, 14.1%, 11.6%, and 9.6% higher than in New Zealand. But this doesn’t mean New Zealand is cheap. Let’s talk about some important contributors to the living cost in New Zealand.
After tuition fees, the biggest expense is accommodation. The different kinds of accommodation in New Zealand include University Halls of Residence, University Flats, Private Shared Flatting, and Homestays.
The university halls of residence typically range from NZ$380-$500 weekly and include fully furnished rooms, meals, and utilities like water, electricity, Wi-Fi, and laundry. The university flats cost NZ $200-$370 weekly and you usually share a kitchen, bathroom, and lounge with a few others but have your own bedroom. You also have to cook your own food.
Private shared flatting is usually the most budget-friendly option at NZ $180-$280 weekly. You’ll make your own food and share utility bills with your flatmates. In homestays, you’ll live with a Kiwi family and pay approximately NZ $200-$450 weekly which includes a separate room, meals, electricity, and internet.
Let’s talk about food and groceries now. The average student spends about NZ$80-120 per week on food in New Zealand, but you can cut this down with some smart student budgeting tips. Supermarkets like PAK’nSAVE and Woolworths are great options for affordable online grocery shopping. Farmers’ Markets are another great option that offer farm-fresh veggies that are often cheaper than supermarkets.
The next big expense is transportation. Getting around in New Zealand won’t break the bank if you play it smart. Public transport is widely available in major cities, with student concessions making it even more affordable. When it comes to utilities like electricity, gas, water, and internet, expect to pay around NZ$30-60 per week.
Entertainment is not super expensive in New Zealand. Cinema tickets typically cost NZ$10-14, but watch out for student discounts where prices drop appreciably. When you’re exploring New Zealand’s breathtaking scenery, keep a budget of around NZ$30-100 per excursion for local trips.
To make your study in New Zealand more affordable, learn about our international student budgeting tips.
The New Zealand government and universities understand the financial burden international students face. That’s why they offer numerous scholarships specifically designed for overseas students.
Some famous scholarships for international students in New Zealand include the Manaaki New Zealand scholarships, the University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship, the University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarship, the Victoria University of Wellington Tongarewa International Scholarship, the University of Canterbury India High Achievers Scholarship, the Lincoln University 180-credit Taught Master Merit Scholarship, Waikato Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship, AUT International Scholarships, Doctoral Scholarships by New Zealand’s Universities, and Massey University Master’s Research Scholarship.
These scholarships make studying in New Zealand even more affordable.
When you’re coming to study in New Zealand, planning becomes extremely important to maximize savings. Begin 6 to 12 months before departure by researching universities/courses and creating a detailed cost estimate. Compare tuition across institutions for your specific programme. Also, take into account living cost variations between cities.
At the six-month mark, submit scholarship applications. Cast a wide net and apply for university-specific awards, government schemes, and external funding simultaneously. Even partial scholarships significantly reduce your financial burden. This will make studying in New Zealand more affordable.
Three months before departure, submit your student visa application with the required documents. Applying early will help you to avoid peak months and reduce your application processing time. If Immigration New Zealand requires more documents or clarification on any issue, you’ll be able to resolve it in time. You can also contact our team of licensed immigration advisers if you’ve any queries regarding the visa application process.
Two months out, you should start looking for accommodation. University halls require early booking but provide certainty. For flat sharing, join Facebook groups for your chosen city and arrange viewings for your arrival week. Book flights midweek for better rates and consider shoulder seasons (if possible) when airfares drop.
Prepare a first-month budget covering arrival transport, temporary accommodation if needed, food, phone setup, and unexpected expenses. Also, open a New Zealand bank account as soon as possible.
New Zealand offers a unique combination that budget-conscious international students shouldn’t overlook. You’ll get a world-class education at affordable prices in New Zealand. As we have discussed, tuition fees as well as cost of living are more affordable in New Zealand than other famous study-abroad options. Start your research early and turn your dream of quality education at affordable prices into a reality!
Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has built a reputation around her rare set of skills, which could be considered ideal for her legal profession.