Universities? Visas? Accommodation? What do you think international students worry about the most? It’s something that tops all these concerns and makes the whole process of studying abroad pointless. We are talking about the cost of studying in your dream destination. Think about it: money is needed at every step, from applying to universities and paying tuition fees, and visa fees to covering airfare and accommodation.

Because of financial worries, many international students are now looking beyond Western countries to other places that offer high-quality education at a lower cost. One such place is the land of the Māori – can you guess where? It’s New Zealand! So, why study in New Zealand, especially when thinking about costs? Let us find out about that in this article.

Why Study In New Zealand?

Let us list down the points that prove the worth of pursuing your higher education in New Zealand,

  • Affordable World-Class Education
  • Higher Pay-Scale Post Degree Completion
  • Plenty of Part-time Job Opportunities
  • Lower Living Costs
  • Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities

After listing down the reasons why we can say that pursuing your degree in New Zealand is both affordable and top-notch, it is time for us to actually prove these. So let us break down all the costs that are associated with studying at the Capital of Picturesque Locations.

Cost of Studying in New Zealand

Here is a comprehensive overview of the cost to study in New Zealand. To give you a clearer picture, we have divided the expenses into Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival costs.

  1. Pre-Arrival Costs

Pre-arrival costs are the expenses you need to cover while you are still in your home country. These are crucial steps and preparations for your journey, including,

  • Application Fees: When applying to universities in New Zealand, you’ll need to pay an application fee, which typically ranges from NZ$50 to NZ$150.
  • Admission Test Fees: These are the costs associated with standardized tests required for admission. For example,
    • GRE: Approximately US$205 (NZ$320)
    • GMAT: Around US$250 (NZ$390)
    • IELTS: About US$240 (NZ$370)
    • TOEFL: Roughly US$180 (NZ$280)
  • Tuition Fees: Tuition fees vary depending on the level of study
    • Bachelor’s Degree: NZ$20,000 to NZ$35,000 per year
    • Master’s Degree: NZ$22,000 to NZ$37,000 per year
    • Ph.D.: NZ$6,500 to NZ$9,000 per year for international students (subsidized by the New Zealand government)
    • Health Insurance: Health insurance is mandatory for international students and can cost you between NZ$200 and NZ$700 per year.
  • Visa Fees: The cost of obtaining a student visa is as follows,
    • Fee-paying Student Visa: NZ$430
    • Pathway Student Visa: NZ$295
  • Airfares: The cost of airfare to New Zealand will depend on your home country and the time of booking, but you can expect to pay between NZ$1,000 and NZ$2,500 for a round-trip ticket.

  1. Post-Arrival Costs

Post-arrival costs are the financial aspects you need to consider once you arrive in New Zealand. Living expenses in New Zealand typically range from NZ$15,000 to NZ$27,000 annually, covering a variety of essential costs, such as,

  • Accommodation: Depending on your choice of living arrangement, accommodation costs can vary significantly,
  • On-campus housing: NZ$200 to NZ$400 per week
  • Off-campus rental: NZ$180 to NZ$350 per week, depending on the city and type of accommodation.
  • Food and Groceries: Monthly food expenses usually range from NZ$400 to NZ$700, depending on your eating habits and whether you cook at home or eat out frequently.
  • Transportation: Public transportation is reliable and affordable. Monthly costs can range from NZ$100 to NZ$150. If you plan to use a car, consider additional expenses such as fuel, insurance, and maintenance.
  • Utilities and Internet: If you are living off-campus, you need to budget for utilities such as electricity, heating, water, and internet. These can cost around NZ$100 to NZ$200 per month.
  • Books and Study Materials: This can vary widely depending on your course requirements but expect to spend between NZ$500 and NZ$1,000 per year.
  • Entertainment and Leisure: To enjoy your time in New Zealand, you should also budget for leisure activities. This can range from NZ$100 to NZ$300 per month depending on your lifestyle.
  • Miscellaneous Expenses: These include clothing, personal care, and other daily needs, which can add up to around NZ$100 to NZ$200 per month.

In conclusion, looking at all these costs might seem overwhelming. But what if we told you there are plenty of options like overseas education loans, grants, sponsors, and numerous scholarships for international students in New Zealand? These can really ease your financial worries. For more detailed information on these options, it is always a great idea to visit an overseas education consultant in your area. They can provide expert guidance and help you make the most of your study abroad experience.