The cost of living in New Zealand for foreign students
One of the most popular study abroad locations for international students seeking a higher degree is New Zealand. According to statistics from 2021, there are more than 100,000 students enrolled in New Zealand universities to pursue higher education. Those planning to study in New Zealand, particularly international students, should have a rough idea of the costs associated with their stay.
A master’s degree costs between NZD 26,000 and NZD 37,000 for an academic year, while a PhD may cost between NZD 6,000 and NZD 9,000 depending on the amount of funding they receive in New Zealand for their studies. An undergraduate degree typically costs between NZD 22,000 and NZD 32,000 for an academic year. The immigration agency requires the applicant to have at least NZD 10,200 in their account to demonstrate that they can afford to support their studies, according to the official criteria. Candidates are only given a visa to study in New Zealand after demonstrating this amount.
International Students’ Living Costs in New Zealand
The cost of living in New Zealand for an academic year for overseas students is discussed in the section that follows. For a better understanding of the bifurcation, the costs are separated into three major categories.
Basic Cost
You will require between $20,000 and $25,000 a year ($380-480 per week) for housing and rent, food, transportation, phone bills, internet usage, and entertainment, in addition to your tuition and insurance expenses. The typical living expenses will be the same regardless of your tuition or course price. Note that these figures are only suggestions; the actual requirements from Immigration New Zealand are $15,000 per year plus return flights, or an additional $2,000.
| General expensesGeneral expenses | Cost (in NZ dollars)Cost (in NZ dollars) |
| Rent (per month) | $800–$950 |
| Groceries (per week) | $100–$150 |
| Gym membership (per year) | $300 |
| Entertainment (per week) | $50 |
| Milk (per litre) | $3 |
| Coca-Cola (per can) | $2 |
| Cup of Coffee | $3–$5 |
| Lunch from the University food hall or campus café | $7–$12 |
| Local calls made from a cell-phone | $0.50–$1.50 |
| Taxi – 5 km ride | $10–$12 |
| Movie ticket | $10–$14 |
| Visiting for consultation to a doctor | $45–$85 |
Miscellaneous Cost
Students should be aware that if they enrol in a course that lasts less than three years or 36 months, they will need to pay $12,500 per month in fees each year. In this situation, the students may be required to open an FTS account and have living expenses remitted to that account. This may be required before receiving the study visa’s final stamp.
Other Costs
During the years you spend studying, you might incur additional costs. These expenses include the price of school supplies and stationery, doctor and dentist visits, quarterly or yearly insurance premiums, proper attire for the weather, and weekend excursions. Since there is no generalisation, these prices will vary from person to person.
