Guide to Study Abroad in New Zealand for Indian Students: Living Costs, Food, Culture & Advice

Global Ed
July 25, 2025


Over the past few years, more and more Indian students have started picking New Zealand as their study abroad destination. And it’s simple to understand why.

The country offers nearly everything a student could possibly need to succeed: high-quality education, affordable cost, attractive scholarships, career opportunities, and that relaxed lifestyle many of us crave.

According to official reports, India ranks as the second-largest source country for international students in New Zealand. There were almost 7,930 Indian student enrolments in 2023 alone.

Even though the idea sounds exciting, it’s not as easy as you might think. Studying in New Zealand from India involves tuition fees and living expenses, cultural adjustments, and a whole lot of planning. What’s the process? What’s the real cost? Is the lifestyle manageable? You’ll have a whole lot of questions.


Why Choose New Zealand?


Why Choose New Zealand?

Here are some practical reasons why Indian students are choosing New Zealand for overseas education:

More Lenient Entry Requirements

Let’s be honest for a second. Getting admission to a reputed foreign university is pretty tough. But New Zealand stands as an attractive choice with a student-friendly admission system.

The majority of universities accept an overall IELTS score of 6.0 for undergraduate and 6.5 for postgraduate level. And several institutions are open to students with mediocre academic records, provided you can demonstrate good motivation or relevant work experience.

This makes New Zealand much more accessible for Indian students who may find the entry bar too high in countries like the U.S. or the U.K.

Lower Tuition Fees

Compared to Australia, the US, or the UK, New Zealand offers more affordable tuition fees and lower living expenses. For example, average tuition fees for international students range from NZ$35,000 to NZ$55,000 per year. That’s way less than similar programs in other major study destinations.

And daily expenses such as food, transport, and accommodation are more affordable, especially outside of major cities like Auckland.

Work While Studying

As per the official source, New Zealand allows international students to work a maximum of 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time in holidays. You can cover a major part of your living costs with that.

Post-Study Work Visa

Apart from other countries that make you leave immediately after graduating, New Zealand allows you time to settle and find employment.

If you finish a degree that’s Level 7 or higher (such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s), you could be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa of up to 3 years.

And guess what? The job market is pretty promising. New Zealand has a skills shortage in fields like IT, healthcare, construction, engineering, agriculture, and education. If you’re studying in any of these areas, your chances of landing a job (and a longer stay) go up significantly.

Top Universities

Here’s something mind-blowing: New Zealand has only eight universities! All of them are government-funded and are ranked in the global top 500 (according to QS World University Rankings 2026). That means you don’t have to sift through hundreds of colleges trying to determine which ones are real.

Cost of Studying in New Zealand for Indian Students


Cost of Studying in New Zealand for Indian Students

To get started with your study abroad process, first of all, you need a clear idea of how much it costs. Let’s break it down:

Tuition Fee

Check out a quick overview of study abroad in New Zealand for Indian students‘ fees:

Level Average Annual Fee (NZD)
Undergraduate $35,000 – $55,000
Postgraduate $20,000 – $45,000
PhD (International) $6,500 to $7,500

Accommodation Costs

Have a look at the three most common types of student housing in New Zealand and what they cost:

Halls of Residence (On-Campus)

Cost: NZD 300–450 per week

These are dorms that are run by the university and intended primarily for first-year international students. Usually, they are completely furnished. Everything is provided, including meals, internet, electricity, and laundry. It’s easy to settle and befriend during the first year.

Shared Flats (Off-Campus)

Cost: NZD 150–250 per week (per person)

This is one of the most popular options among Indian students, particularly from the second semester onwards. You and your roommates split the rent, utilities, internet, and occasionally the cost of groceries.

It is appropriate for students who want to save money and are at ease living independently.

Homestay with Local Families

Cost: NZD 250–350 per week

Homestays involve living with a Kiwi family in their home. They typically include meals, a private room, and basic household facilities. For younger students, it’s more comfortable and safe. However, you will have to give up privacy.

Daily Living Expenses

Aside from rent and tuition, you’ll need to manage food, transport, health insurance, entertainment, and other basic needs. Here’s what an average student budget might look like per month:

Expense Average Monthly Cost (NZD)
Food $320 – $480
Power $200 – $300
Entertainment $200
Transport $150
Internet $40 – $60

So, the overall costs look like this:

Expense Category Average Annual Cost (NZD)
Tuition Fees $30,000 – 40,000
Accommodation $12,000 – 17,000
Living Expenses $15,000 – 19,000
Total Annual Estimate $57,000 – 76,000

 

Food And Lifestyle in New Zealand


Food And Lifestyle in New Zealand

The best part about New Zealand is its diversity. You can find a variety of global and local cuisines easily. Vegetarian, vegan, halal, and all options are easily accessible. Supermarkets like Countdown and New World stock an extensive range of global food items.

Indeed, all of the major cities, including Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, have Indian restaurants and grocery stores. Your favourite pulav, roti, dosa, biriyani, etc., will always be there.

Indian students often follow home cooking. Many share kitchens in halls or flats and prepare meals together to cut down on expenses.

The way of life is pretty laid-back and outdoorsy. People prefer a balanced life. You may see students hiking or just enjoying a coffee by the beach on weekends. And not to mention, New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world.

The pace of life is slower compared to Indian cities, which might feel odd at first. But it’s great for mental health.

A Quick Peek into New Zealand’s Culture


New Zealand’s culture feels quite unique compared to other English-speaking countries. Take a look at its main features:

● Casual Environment: Don’t be surprised if your lecturer tells you to call them by their first name. It’s normal there. Everyone’s friendly, but still respectful.

● Punctuality Matters: Time is taken pretty seriously. Being late for class, group meetings, or part-time work is not acceptable. It is frequently interpreted as negligence.

● Diverse and Inclusive Atmosphere: Campuses have a very diverse and inclusive atmosphere. You’ll meet students from China, Fiji, South Korea, and yes, lots of fellow Indians too.

● Māori Culture: Māori traditions are still a part of everyday life in New Zealand. You can expect to hear greetings like Kia ora and see Māori ceremonies at university events. It adds depth to your cultural experience.

● Work-Life Balance: New Zealanders believe in balance. There is no toxic hustle. Most people spend their weekends hiking, BBQing, relaxing, or simply spending time with family. Stores close early, and no one expects you to work around the clock.

Feeling it’s difficult to adapt? Many universities offer strong mental wellness services, including free counselling and stress management workshops, to help students with cultural adjustment.

5 Practical Tips For Indian Students


5 Practical Tips For Indian Students

Getting admission to a top university in New Zealand is just the tip of the iceberg. You need solid planning for the transition. Have a look at some practical tips:

1. Pre-Departure Preparation

Start your pre-departure preparations right from the moment you get the Offer of Place, because you have to handle a whole lot of important things like:

Student Visa Requirements

Submit your visa application at least 10–12 weeks prior to your intake. Check out the document requirements to study in New Zealand for international students:

  • Proof of tuition fee payment
  • Financial proof of NZD 20,000/year for living expenses
  • Police clearance certificate (PCC)
  • Medical examination results (Chest X-ray for TB screening, blood and urine tests for general health clearance) from an approved panel physician

You also need full travel and medical insurance valid throughout your stay. Some universities provide insurance (like Studentsafe). You can also opt for third-party providers.

Processing time varies between 20–40 working days. It may get longer during peak seasons (May-August).

Currency Exchange and Banking Setup

You must have at least NZD 2,000 cash on arrival. Then, arrange wire transfers or forex cards for higher amounts. Certain Indian banks (such as HDFC, and ICICI) permit international student accounts with NZD debit cards.

What to Pack

NZ’s weather is unpredictable. You must pack layers for all seasons, particularly rain jackets and thermals. And don’t forget to bring adapter plugs. New Zealand has Type I sockets.

2. First 2 Weeks in New Zealand: What to Do and Where to Go


The first few days would be challenging: new place, new folks, new regulations. But here’s a quick checklist to sort you out:

  • Airport Pickup and Temporary Accommodation: Most NZ universities provide airport pickup if arranged in advance. If that’s not available, you can book a shuttle service through Supershuttle. And you can arrange temporary accommodation in university hostels or a cheap Airbnb for almost two weeks until you settle for a long-term stay.
  • Open a Bank Account: Local banks require proof of ID, a visa, an address (temporary or permanent), and an admission letter. ANZ and ASB offer student-friendly savings accounts with no monthly fees.
  • Apply for IRD Number: If you intend to work part-time, you must have your IRD (Inland Revenue Department) number. You can apply for it online. Typically, processing takes up to two weeks.
  • Mobile SIM and Internet Setup: Spark, Skinny, and 2degrees are the common providers. Starter packs with 10–20 GB of data cost just NZD 20. Just make sure that you select service providers that are well-received in your city.
  • Get Familiar With Transport: Most New Zealand cities have good public transport connections, but could be pretty costly. You can obtain a student transport card (such as an AT HOP card in Auckland) for subsidized fares.

3. Search for Better Accommodation Options


You don’t have to confine yourself to the first accommodation facility. New Zealand has plenty of options to choose from, be it for convenience, cost savings, freedom, or any other reasons. Have a look at some tips for your house search:

  • Don’t depend solely on Google. You must always refer student-focused forums and portals for verified listings. You can also seek recommendations from senior Indian students who are already residing in New Zealand; they frequently know someone who is moving out. If lucky, you can even get shared apartments with your natives.
  • The rental terms differ a lot from India. Water and electricity are often not included in the rent. So, keep a close eye on the contents of the rent prior to signing. Never pay an amount without a rental agreement. And remember, a lot of landlords are willing to combine electricity and internet at a set price.
  • A slightly smaller room close to campus is far more cost-effective than a large flat that requires daily transportation. It can save you 30-50 NZD and your valuable time for part-time work.

4. Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities


Many scholarships are available for those concerned about the study abroad in New Zealand for Indian students fees. Here are some of them:

Scholarship Name Benefit Eligibility
New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) NZD $10,000–$20,000 towards tuition fees Strong academic record and an offer letter from a participating university in New Zealand
University of Auckland India High Achievers Scholarship Up to NZD $20,000 for tuition (1 year, undergrad or postgrad) Full-time offer in eligible degree programs
University of Otago International Master’s Research Scholarship Stipend NZD $18,204/year + partial tuition waiver International students enrolling in a research master’s program
Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship for India Up to NZD$15,000 towards tuition fees Get admission to the University of Waikato with a minimum GPA equivalent of B+

5. Utilize Career Services

Most Indian students wait until their final semester to think about jobs. It’s too late in New Zealand. Here are some things that you can do early on to secure a career in New Zealand:

  • First of all, try to acquire a part-time job that matches the course you study because employers often prefer local experience. And many part-time positions have the potential to lead to full-time offers or provide useful NZ work references.
  • Join LinkedIn groups for New Zealand alumni of your university; they frequently share job openings.
  • Reputed New Zealand universities like Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Auckland offer mock interviews, internship matching programs, and CV building workshops to help you start a career in the country. But you need to sign up early.
  • Sign up for internships and graduate-level positions through the NZUni Talent portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need IELTS for a New Zealand student visa?

Yes, in general. You’ll have to demonstrate English language competence via IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.

2. Can I bring my spouse or children while studying in New Zealand?

Yes, postgraduate students are eligible to bring dependents. Your partner can even acquire a work visa in some cases.

3. Will I be refunded if my visa is declined?

Most universities also refund tuition fees (less admin fees) if your visa application fails. Just make sure to read their refund policy very carefully.

4. Do I have to bring a hard copy of every one of my documents to the airport?

Yes! Always have hard copies of your visa, offer letter, insurance, and accommodation information with you upon arrival.

Conclusion

Most students who wish to study abroad in New Zealand usually believe that receiving an offer letter is the final hurdle. In fact, that’s just the beginning. You need the right support system to proceed through various stages.

That’s exactly what we provide at TC Global (The Chopras)! Our experts will be in close touch with you, right from finding the right university to getting the visa approved. Get in touch with us now for an easy transition!



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