Planning to study in New Zealand in 2025, 2026 or even 2027? Well, the cost of studying could be one of your main considerations. But guess what? Getting your numbers clear from the start can help you plan smart and manage your budget with ease.
Yet it’s not that easy. Tuition fees and rent in New Zealand can vary a lot depending on the university, city, and even the course you choose. In addition to these, other essentials include health insurance, proof of funds, visa processing fees, travel expenses, and so on. All of them vary depending on many factors.
Missing out on these small but significant costs can easily stretch your budget later.
So, let’s check out the real cost of living and studying in New Zealand for Indian students, including tuition fees in New Zealand for international students, living costs, pre-departure costs, and proof of funds. In this blog, you will read about:
Undergraduate Courses
According to Study With New Zealand, the annual tuition fees for a bachelor’s degree may fall between a range of NZD 35,000 to NZD 55,000.
But don’t just look at the yearly fee. It’s equally important to check the course specifics for your chosen program. Some bachelor’s degrees, particularly in fields like engineering and law, are four-year programs, not three. This fourth year can significantly drive up your total tuition cost.
Did You Know?
At many universities, fees are charged per “point” or “credit”. If you take extra courses, that can push up the cost.
Postgraduate
Master’s usually take less time (1–2 years), so the total cost is lower than UG even though the yearly fee is a bit higher (NZD 20,000 to NZD 45,000). But specialization matters. Courses in business, engineering, or health sciences are more expensive than those in the arts.
Doctoral (PhD)
Luckily, the tuition fees in New Zealand for international students studying a PhD are the same as those of domestic students. The cost is as low as NZD 7,000–10,000 per year, making it one of the most affordable research destinations globally.
Short-Term Courses
Foundation courses and diploma programs usually cost less overall because they last for a shorter time. Depending on the university and the subject, you can expect to pay between NZD 12,000 and 18,000 per semester.
Course Specialization
- Engineering: Tuition fees for engineering programs are higher due to the hands-on training with specialized tools and labs. But the practical exposure to industrial projects makes it worth it.
- Business and Management: Fees are usually in the middle range. You will find many affordable universities and institutions in New Zealand offering strong MBA programs with high placement rates.
- Arts, Humanities, and Education: If you have a passion for creative expression, history, or social sciences, you’ll be glad to know that these programs are generally the most affordable.
- Health And Medicine: Costs go up for MBBS, nursing, and other health-related degrees because of the clinical training they require.
The exact fee obviously depends on the course you select and changes based on the university reputation. Here’s a general estimate of the annual average tuition fees of New Zealand universities in 2025:
| University |
Estimated Undergraduate Fees |
Estimated Postgraduate Fees |
| University of Auckland |
NZD 38,310 – NZD 86,561 |
NZD 40,209 – NZD 86,561 |
| Victoria University of Wellington |
NZD 33,360 – NZD 43,822 |
NZD 35,712 – NZD 46,633 |
| University of Canterbury |
NZD 32,800 – NZD 52,835 |
NZD 32,400 – NZD 98,550 |
| Massey University |
NZD 32,280 – NZD 106,250 |
NZD 36,640 – NZD 70,120 |
| University of Waikato |
NZD 32,400 – NZD 42,230 |
NZD 56,905 – NZD 89,090 |
| Auckland University of Technology (AUT) |
NZD 41,900 – NZD 48,922 |
NZD 45,300 – NZD 52,322 |
| Lincoln University* |
NZD 35,000/NZD 37,000 |
NZD 36,500 – NZD 74,000 |
*Lincoln University has two main fee bands: NZD 35,000 for commerce programs and NZD 37,000 for science and agriculture programs.
Did You Know?
All eight NZ universities are in the QS Top 500 (2026). So, you can choose the right one that fits your aspirations with peace of mind.
Once you’ve secured admission, a student visa would be the next step. Here’s what you could expend to spend on it:
New Zealand categorizes countries into different “bands” for visa processing, and India falls into Band C (Rest of the World). The total visa cost comprises:
- Student Visa Fee: The standard processing fee for Indian students is NZD 485.
- Immigration Levy: On top of the New Zealand student visa fee, you’ve to pay another NZD 265 as a service charge.
- International Visitor Conservation & Tourism Levy (IVL): Another NZD 100 as part of IVL. The IVL was introduced by the New Zealand government in 2019 to help fund tourism infrastructure and conservation projects. All international visitors (including students) are required to pay this.
That brings the overall visa cost to NZD 850.
Fun Fact
About 30% of New Zealand’s land area is protected national reserve.
As India is not listed as a low-incidence tuberculosis country, Indian students are required to go through a detailed medical examination, including a chest x-ray, blood tests, urine tests, etc. You can expect to pay about ₹8,000 to ₹9,000.
If you are 17 years or older and your total planned stay in New Zealand is 24 months or longer (across all visits), you are required to provide a Police Clearance Certificate as evidence of good character. It costs just ₹500.
You can plan to set aside about ₹52,000 to ₹75,000. For the most affordable fares, try to book several months in advance and look for flights during the off-season.
New Zealand requires international students to hold medical insurance for the entire period of stay. The cost can vary widely based on your provider and the length of your stay, but you should budget for at least NZD 600 – NZD 800 per year for comprehensive insurance.
Many universities have preferred providers or even mandatory insurance plans that you will need to pay for after your arrival.
Living expenses are the steady flow you must budget for. Even though the correct figures depend on the location (Auckland and Wellington are pricier; smaller towns cheaper), here’s a general estimation of what you can expect under each category:
New Zealand offers a variety of accommodation options for international students and here’s what it costs:
| Accommodation Type |
Estimated Cost (Per Week) |
| Shared house room |
NZD 140 |
| Flatting (independent share) |
NZD 200–300 |
| Catered hall of residence |
NZD 350–484 |
A shared house room may seem more attractive on paper as it’s least expensive, plus more freedom. But it comes with more responsibility. You’ll have to manage bills on your own and may get yourself locked into a contract.
That’s why most Indian students go for a catered hall of residence. It’s the safest and most convenient choice for first-timers. It covers all your utility bills and sometimes, even meals. And guess what? You can make friends easily and get a head start on building a valuable network.
If you flat off-campus, you’ll need to account for your share on extra bills like:
- Power, which may cost around NZD 200 – NZD 300 per month
- Unlimited wifi in the flat for about NZD 90
- Mobile phone plans of NZD 19
Eating out is tempting, but cooking for yourself is the best way to save money on food. You just need to set aside about NZD 80 – NZD 120 per week for groceries. If you buy in bulk from your local farmer markets, the amount would be even less. Whereas even a cheap student meal at a fast-food joint might cost NZD 15-20 (NZD 30+ for a mid-range restaurant).
Fun Fact
You may have heard that New Zealand has more sheep than people. Well, it’s true! Even though the ratio has changed over the years, there are still roughly 4.5 sheep for every person in the country.
Getting around costs money, especially if you’re not living extremely close to campus. Yet, New Zealand local authorities often introduce many transport concessions for students. Have a look at some of them:
- If you’re an international student in Auckland, you will receive about 20% off adult fares on most AT buses, trains, and ferries using the AT HOP card.
- 25% off adult Snapper fares on Metlink buses & trains (ferry 10-trip ticket only)
- 40% off Metro bus single-trip fares across Greater Christchurch through a Metrocard
Overall, you can expect to spend around NZD 37 a week on transport.
Did You Know?
NZ ranks #3 in the world for safety (Global Peace Index, 2025). Travelling alone in New Zealand at night feels safer than in many other developed countries.
Have a look at some other expenses that you can expect:
| Category |
Amount (per week) |
| Entertainment |
NZD 55 |
| Clothing and personal care |
NZD 20–30 |
| Study materials and stationery |
NZD 10-15 |
| Expense head |
Estimated Cost |
| Annual Tuition Fee |
NZD 35,000 – NZD 55,000 |
| Visa Fee |
NZD 750 |
| Annual Insurance Fee |
NZD 600 – NZD 800 |
| Medical Examination |
NZD 140 – NZD 160 |
| Police Clearance Certificate |
NZD 9 |
| English Language Test |
NZD 290 – NZD 325 |
| Flight Ticket (one-way) |
NZD 870 – NZD 1,250 |
| Accommodation |
NZD 6,720 – 23,232 |
| Utilities |
NZD 3,708 – 4,908 |
| Food |
NZD 3,840 – 5,760 |
| Transport |
NZD 1,776 |
| Other Miscellaneous Charges |
NZD 4,080 – 4,800 |
| TOTAL |
NZD 56,000 – 96,800 |
So, studying in New Zealand can cost Indian students about NZD 56,000 – 96,800.
Apart from all these expenses, international students are required to show proof of funds to demonstrate that they have enough financial capability to meet the needs in New Zealand. Here’s the exact figure you need to arrange under each category:
| Category |
Amount |
| Living Costs |
NZD 20,000 per year (or NZD 1,667 per month if study period is less than 36 weeks) |
| Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS)* |
NZD 20,000 |
| For bringing spouse |
NZD 4,200 |
| Maternity |
NZD 9,000 |
| Dependent child |
NZD 17,000 per year |
*Immigration New Zealand may ask for FTS if your liquid funds are hard to verify. If paid, the money is drip-fed back to you from an ANZ Bank account in 12 monthly installments of NZD 1,667.
Additionally, you must either have a paid-fee receipt of the first year tuition fee or prove that you’ve the capability to cover the invoiced amount. It could be shown as a bank balance, scholarship amount, or an education loan. Plus, you need to show a return ticket or enough funds to buy one.
It is important to remember that these show money figures are just paperwork to prove basic requirements to study in New Zealand, not actual expenses. You can use an educational loan to arrange them. Immigration New Zealand accepts sanction or disbursal letters from most banks as valid proof of funds.
Also, keep in mind that immigration officers usually check that the required balance has been in your account for at least a few months. So, keep that money sitting in your account (or your sponsor’s account) steadily for the required period.
Check out these tips to help you deal with the financial pressure of studying in New Zealand:
● Buy Second-hand Essentials
You can buy used furniture, bikes, and even textbooks on websites like Trademe. It’s a great way to save money without losing quality.
● Make the Most of Your StudentCard
New Zealand has a dedicated student discount program through StudentCard. You can use it to get discounts on things like groceries and movie tickets.
● Budget-Friendly Shopping
Even though there are many global supermarket brands in New Zealand, check out budget-friendly chains like Pak’nSave. Their wholesale prices can help you save a lot of money on your weekly grocery bill. Also, make sure to get their loyalty cards so you can access the exclusive members-only deals.
● Leverage On-Campus Health Services
Most probably, your university will have a dedicated student health center. You can get doctor’s appointments, basic medical advice, and prescriptions for a small fee (or even for free). This is a lot cheaper than going to a private clinic.
1. Can I work while studying in New Zealand to manage my expenses?
Of course! You can usually work up to 20 hours a week during the school year and full-time during breaks.
2. What is the average pay for a part-time job?
You can expect to make between NZD 20 and NZD 25 an hour, which can really help you manage your weekly expenses well.
3. Which city in New Zealand is the most affordable for students?
Cities like Hamilton, Dunedin, and Christchurch often offer a more affordable student lifestyle. They offer great education and a lower cost of living, especially for accommodation.
4. What is one cost that Indian students often forget?
Course material charges. They may not seem like much, but they can add up over the course of the semester. Keeping a small reserve fund is very helpful.
When you start planning to study in New Zealand, it’s easy to get caught up in numbers: rent, food, transport, tuition fees in New Zealand for international students, and so on. You need to make intelligent choices that let you focus on learning, exploring, and building a life you’ll remember forever.
Instead of figuring it all out on your own, why not lean on experts who know the ins and outs of Cost of Living and Studying in New Zealand for Indian Students?
At The Chopras – TC Global, we can help you out. Our dedicated study abroad team will help you find affordable universities and institutions in New Zealand and connect you with the right scholarships to take the financial burden off your shoulders.
So if you’re ready to turn your dream into a real plan, don’t wait. Discover study opportunities in New Zealand with The Chopras – TC Global India now!
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