Cost of Studying in New Zealand for International Students

The study cost in New Zealand for international students generally ranges between NZ$62,000 to NZ$70,000 annually, which includes tuition fees that vary from NZ$20,000 to NZ$40,000 along with other living expenses ranging from NZ$22,000 up to NZ$35,000.

In Public Universities, the average tuition fees range from: 

• NZ$20,000 to NZ$30,000 per year for undergraduate programs.
• NZ$25,000 to NZ$35,000 per year for graduate programs.

In Private Universities, the average tuition fees range from:

• NZ$25,000 to NZ$40,000 per year for undergraduate programs.
• NZ$35,000 to NZ$45,000 per year for graduate programs.

Our experts can help you get into top universities and affordable courses to reduce study costs in New Zealand.

What is the Average Cost of a New Zealand Student Visa?

International students from Bangladesh planning to study in New Zealand are required to secure a student visa. The cost of New Zealand Student Visa application fees varies on the type of submission you choose.

The paper visa application submission costs around $330 along with receiving center fees would be around $17, whereas online visa application submission costs around $230 and another $24 as receiving center fees.

Other than that, you will also need a medical examination certificate, which costs BDT 9000 (Per Applicant) for the general examination. The general examination includes a set of required tests. However, the chest X-ray (Exam 502) costs BDT 2500 per applicant.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation Options in New Zealand

International students are always looking for affordable accommodations during their studies. The average accommodation costs in New Zealand for international students ranges from:

• Single Bed Apartment: NZ$400 to NZ$800 per month.
• Student Halls (or Dorms): NZ$250 to NZ$450 per month.
• Homestay (with meals): NZ$200 to NZ$350 per month.
• Shared Accommodation: NZ$150 to NZ$300 per month for one person.

However, as an international student, you can save a great deal on accommodations if you only consider living away from the city centers or sharing an apartment with your university fellow. As we researched, off-campus accommodations in the outskirts are more affordable than next to the city centers.

Exploring Food Expenses in New Zealand

International students need to either cook food themselves or get something from outside. If you are wondering, how much it would cost? The average food costs in New Zealand are estimated:

• Cooking Yourself: NZ$200 to NZ$400 per month on groceries if you plan to cook meals at home. It mostly includes fresh milk, eggs, utensils, meat, or pantry staples.
• Eating Out: NZ$300 to NZ$500 per month for eating out every day, buying takeaway meals such as burgers or sandwiches along with some coffee. 

As an international student, the best ways to find affordable eats are looking for lunch discounts, special offers, and eating at university cafes.    

Transportation Costs in New Zealand

Yet again, international students must have to travel back and forth from their university to their accommodation every day. The monthly average transportation costs in New Zealand public transport range from NZ$80 to NZ$150 per month.

However, you can drastically reduce the monthly travel expenses by walking when going for shorter commutes or using a cycle to travel within the city. Besides that, you can also get monthly passes for students, which cover your regular travel routes.

One of the best ways to reduce overall traveling expenses is carpooling with classmates who live nearby whenever you need to travel on long journeys. Another great way is using ridesharing services because they are more cost-effective than traditional taxis.

Health Insurance Cost in New Zealand

International students are required to have health insurance before coming to the country, as per the mandatory part of New Zealand’s Code of Practice for Pastoral Care of International Students.

Without health insurance, you will find the healthcare system of New Zealand a bit more costly than your home country. However, health insurance can easily get you covered during your studies. 

The health insurance cost in New Zealand typically falls between NZ$350 and NZ$500 per academic year with basic coverage. One of the great benefits of international students' health insurance is not waiting for treatment in public healthcare, and getting timely treatment through private healthcare.

Top 5 Most Affordable Universities in New Zealand

New Zealand has quality education at affordable costs, making the country more attractive for international students. Along with this, there are even many scholarships. If you are looking for affordable universities in New Zealand, consider these:

1. Victoria University of Wellington: The minimum tuition fee starts from NZ$33,000.
2. University of Otago: The university mainly offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in humanities, sciences, health sciences, and business with minimum tuition fees starting from NZ$34,000.
3. Massey University: The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs mainly in engineering, science, humanities, and social sciences, with minimum tuition fees starting from NZ$32,000.
4. University of Waikato: The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs mainly in arts, engineering, law, and management, with minimum tuition fees starting from NZ$31,000.
5. Lincoln University: The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs mostly in agriculture, environmental management, viticulture and wine science, and landscape architecture, with minimum tuition fees starting from NZ$35,000.

How To Save My Study Costs in New Zealand?

You can easily cut down the cost of studying in New Zealand as an international student. One of the best ways is to bag a scholarship covering your tuition fees, or doing part-time jobs during studies. However, some other less-preferred ways can be:

• Buying Secondhand Goods: You can save by going for used household goods or secondhand clothing from op shops, which can be a good way of saving money.
• Eating local fruits and vegetables: Locally produced fruits and vegetables are not fresh but more affordable than restaurant food and imported products. It can help reduce monthly study cost in New Zealand.