
Tuition Fees & Living Expenses
Study in New Zealand
Understand the total cost of studying in New Zealand, including average tuition fees, monthly living expenses, city-wise budgets, and how to manage your finances as an international student.
Tuition Fees by Study Level
This is the primary visa type for international students enrolling in a full-time course (Level 4 or higher) in New Zealand.
| Program Type | Annual Tuition (NZD) | Approx. in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | NZ$20,000 – NZ$30,000 | ₹10 – ₹15 Lakhs |
| Master’s | NZ$25,000 – NZ$40,000 | ₹12.5 – ₹20 Lakhs |
| Graduate Diploma | NZ$19,000 – NZ$28,000 | ₹9 – ₹14 Lakhs |
| PhD (International Fee) | NZ$6,500 – NZ$10,000 | ₹3.5 – ₹5.5 Lakhs |
| Diplomas & Certificates | NZ$14,000 – NZ$22,000 | ₹7 – ₹11 Lakhs |
✅ PhD students often pay the domestic student rate
✅ Tuition varies by university, course type, and location


Monthly Living Expenses for Students
| Expense | Cost (NZD) | In INR (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Accommodation | NZ$500 – NZ$1,000 | ₹25K – ₹50K |
| Food & Groceries | NZ$250 – NZ$400 | ₹12.5K – ₹20K |
| Local Transport | NZ$50 – NZ$100 | ₹2.5K – ₹5K |
| Utilities + Internet | NZ$80 – NZ$150 | ₹4K – ₹7.5K |
| Health Insurance | NZ$70 – NZ$120 | ₹3.5K – ₹6K |
| Misc. (Phone, clothes, etc.) | NZ$100 – NZ$200 | ₹5K – ₹10K |
✅ Total Monthly Estimate: NZ$1,000 – NZ$1,800
✅ Annual Living Cost Estimate: NZ$15,000 – NZ$20,000
City-Wise Cost Comparison
| City | Monthly Living Cost |
|---|---|
| Auckland | NZ$1,300 – NZ$1,800 |
| Wellington | NZ$1,200 – NZ$1,700 |
| Christchurch | NZ$1,000 – NZ$1,500 |
| Hamilton / Dunedin | NZ$900 – NZ$1,400 |
✅ Auckland is the most expensive; regional cities are more affordable
✅ Cost also depends on whether you live on-campus or off-campus


On-Campus vs Off-Campus Accommodation
| Factor | On-Campus | Off-Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | NZ$800 – NZ$1,500 | NZ$500 – NZ$1,200 |
| Meals Included | Yes (in most cases) | No |
| Location | Close to campus | May require transport |
| Social Life | Community living | More independence |
✅ Many PG students prefer shared flats; UG students may opt for university hostels in Year 1
Health Insurance & Medical Expenses
- Mandatory for all international students
- Average cost: NZ$700 – NZ$1,200/year
- Must be from a New Zealand-recognized provider (e.g., Southern Cross, OrbitProtect)
✅ Included in many university packages
✅ Covers GP visits, prescriptions, emergencies


Additional Academic Costs
| Item | Cost (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Books & Stationery | NZ$500 – NZ$1,000 |
| Lab & Equipment Fee | NZ$200 – NZ$500 |
| Technology & Internet | NZ$100 – NZ$300 |
✅ Many universities provide access to free digital libraries & resources
Pre-Departure Expenses
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa Application | NZ$375 (~₹19,000) |
| Medical & PCC | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Flight Tickets (One-way) | ₹65,000 – ₹1.2 Lakhs |
| Initial Setup & Deposit | ₹1 – ₹1.5 Lakhs |
✅ Plan for at least ₹2–₹3 Lakhs for pre-departure costs


Money-Saving Tips for Indian Students
✅ Apply early for scholarships
✅ Share accommodation to split rent & bills
✅ Use student discounts on transport, movies, and food
✅ Cook at home instead of eating out
✅ Work part-time up to 20 hrs/week (NZ$22.70/hr minimum wage)
Total Budget Estimator
| Category | Annual Range (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | NZ$20,000 – NZ$40,000 |
| Living Cost | NZ$15,000 – NZ$20,000 |
| Total Annual Cost | NZ$35,000 – NZ$60,000 (₹17 – ₹30 Lakhs) |
✅ Countrywide Visas can help you pick universities that fit your budget

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