New Zealand is one of the top destinations for international students seeking quality education, stunning landscapes, and welcoming environments. For many, studying here is a dream come true, but one major concern is the cost. Understanding the breakdown of tuition fees and living expenses is key to making informed decisions. In this blog, we will help you navigate the costs associated with studying in New Zealand in 2025.
1. Tuition Fees in New Zealand (2025)
Tuition fees vary depending on the program level, university, and field of study. As an international student, it’s important to know what you will be paying for tuition annually.
| Program Level | Average Tuition Fees (NZD) | Popular Fields |
| Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) | $22,000 – $32,000 per year | Arts, Business, Engineering, Science, Health |
| Postgraduate (Master’s) | $25,000 – $45,000 per year | Business, Technology, Engineering, Humanities |
| PhD | $6,500 – $9,000 per year | Varies based on the field |
| English Language Courses | $15,000 – $20,000 per year | English proficiency courses |
- Undergraduate Tuition Fees: Undergraduate programs typically cost between NZD $22,000 to $32,000 per year. Fields like Engineering and Medicine often have higher tuition fees, while more general programs like Arts may be on the lower end.
- Postgraduate Tuition Fees: For master’s programs, international students can expect to pay NZD $25,000 to $45,000 per year. Specializations such as Business or Engineering tend to be on the higher end of the scale.
- PhD Tuition Fees: The cost of PhD programs is relatively lower compared to undergraduate and master’s courses, ranging between NZD $6,500 to $9,000 per year.
- English Language Courses: If you need to improve your English proficiency before enrolling in a degree program, tuition for language courses generally ranges from NZD $15,000 to $20,000 annually.
2. Living Expenses in New Zealand (2025)
Living costs in New Zealand can vary based on the city, lifestyle, and housing choice. Below is a breakdown of common living expenses for international students:
| Living Expense | Average Cost (NZD) | Details |
| Accommodation | $150 – $400 per week | Shared rooms, private rentals, student housing |
| Food & Groceries | $80 – $150 per week | Cooking at home vs eating out |
| Transport | $30 – $60 per week | Public transport, fuel costs |
| Health Insurance | $500 – $700 per year | Mandatory for all international students |
| Entertainment & Miscellaneous | $100 – $200 per week | Social activities, sports, etc. |
- Accommodation Costs: The cost of accommodation varies depending on your choice. Student housing or shared rooms can cost NZD $150 to $250 per week. Renting a private apartment typically costs between NZD $250 to $400 per week. Major cities like Auckland and Wellington may have higher rent.
- Food & Groceries: If you cook at home, you can expect to spend between NZD $80 to $150 per week. Eating out regularly will raise this cost, so cooking your meals is a more affordable option.
- Transport: Public transport in New Zealand is affordable, with students spending an average of NZD $30 to $60 per week on buses, trains, or ferries. Many cities offer student transport passes, which can provide significant discounts.
- Health Insurance: International students are required to have health insurance for the duration of their stay in New Zealand. On average, this will cost between NZD $500 and $700 per year, depending on the plan and provider.
- Entertainment & Miscellaneous: Students typically spend between NZD $100 and $200 per week on social activities, entertainment, and miscellaneous items. This includes spending on movies, sports, and leisure activities.
3. Total Estimated Costs for Studying in New Zealand (2025)
Let’s now combine the tuition fees and living expenses to get an overall view of the costs you’ll incur as an international student in New Zealand.
| Expense | Total Cost (Per Year) |
| Tuition Fees (Undergraduate) | $22,000 – $32,000 |
| Living Expenses | $15,000 – $22,000 |
| Health Insurance | $500 – $700 |
| Total (Estimated) | $37,500 – $54,700 |
- Total Annual Cost (Undergraduate): If you’re studying an undergraduate degree in New Zealand, you can expect to pay between NZD $37,500 and $54,700 per year. This includes tuition fees, living expenses, and health insurance.
- Total Annual Cost (Postgraduate): For postgraduate programs, the total cost will be higher due to higher tuition fees, ranging from NZD $40,000 to $67,000 annually, covering tuition, living expenses, and health insurance.
4. Ways to Save Money While Studying in New Zealand
While the costs of studying abroad can be high, there are various ways you can manage and reduce your expenses while studying in New Zealand.
| Money-Saving Tip | Details |
| Work Part-Time | International students can work up to 20 hours per week during terms and full-time during holidays. |
| Student Discounts | Many shops, transport services, and restaurants offer student discounts. Always carry your student ID. |
| On-Campus Accommodation | Opting for university-provided housing can be cheaper than private rentals. |
| Cook at Home | Save money by preparing your meals instead of eating out regularly. |
| Use Public Transport | Take advantage of public transport discounts for students. |
- Part-Time Work: International students in New Zealand are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during the academic semester and full-time during holidays. This can help you cover some of your living expenses.
- Student Discounts: Always use your student ID to access discounts available on transport, food, entertainment, and other services. Many businesses offer student deals.
- On-Campus Accommodation: Many universities offer affordable on-campus accommodation for international students. These options tend to be cheaper than renting a private apartment and are more convenient since they’re close to campus.
- Cooking at Home: One of the best ways to save money in New Zealand is by cooking your meals instead of eating out. Groceries are relatively affordable, and you’ll find plenty of student-friendly recipes to keep costs low.
- Public Transport: Make sure to use student transport passes for discounts. Public transport is efficient and affordable, and using it over taxis or ridesharing can save you a significant amount.
5. Scholarships and Financial Aid
New Zealand offers a range of scholarships for international students to help reduce their overall costs. Scholarships can cover tuition fees, living costs, or both. Some scholarships are offered directly by universities, while others are provided by the New Zealand government and international organizations.
| Scholarship | Details |
| New Zealand Scholarships | Offered by the New Zealand government, covering full or partial tuition fees and living costs. |
| University-Specific Scholarships | Many universities offer merit-based or need-based scholarships for international students. |
| Private Scholarships | Various private organizations offer scholarships for international students, focusing on specific fields or countries. |
Be sure to research available scholarships, as they can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying in New Zealand.
Conclusion
Studying in New Zealand is an exciting opportunity, and while it can be costly, it’s important to remember that the investment in your education is worth it. The tuition fees are relatively affordable compared to other study destinations, and with the right planning and budgeting, you can manage your living expenses effectively.
By taking advantage of work opportunities, student discounts, and scholarships, you can make your study abroad experience in New Zealand more affordable. Be sure to research and plan your finances well in advance to ensure that you can fully enjoy your time in this beautiful, welcoming country.
Good luck with your studies, and remember, the experience and education you gain in New Zealand will stay with you for a lifetime!