Quick Facts
| Tuition Range | NZD 20,000 – NZD 55,000 per year (PhD at domestic rates, about NZD 6,500 – NZD 9,000) |
|---|---|
| Living Cost | About NZD 1,400 – NZD 2,500 per month |
| Student Visa Fee | From NZD 850 |
| Intakes | February (main), July |
| Last Verified Date | November 10, 2026 |
New Zealand offers eight public universities, a safe and open way of life, and post-study work rights that rank among the most generous in the English-speaking world. Teaching is in English, class sizes are modest, and the country’s Pastoral Care Code of Practice sets standards for how institutions look after international learners. For students who want a degree from a well-regarded system without the scale and cost of the largest destinations, New Zealand is a serious option.
What it costs to study in New Zealand
Tuition varies by institution, level and subject. Undergraduate degrees generally cost about NZD 30,000–55,000 a year, and postgraduate degrees about NZD 20,000–45,000 a year. One notable exception is the doctorate: international PhD candidates pay domestic-level fees of about NZD 6,500–9,000 a year, which makes New Zealand unusually affordable for doctoral study. For living costs, Immigration New Zealand requires evidence of NZD 20,000 per year for study of one year or more. A realistic monthly budget runs about NZD 1,400–2,500, with Auckland the most expensive city and Dunedin and Wellington generally cheaper. Shared-house accommodation starts from about NZD 140 a week, and basic groceries run about NZD 80–120 a week.
Student visa and financial proof
Most international students apply for the Fee Paying Student Visa from Immigration New Zealand, which costs from NZD 850. Applicants must show NZD 20,000 per year for living costs, plus tuition, and must hold comprehensive medical and travel insurance for the whole stay as a condition of the visa. The visa is normally issued for the period of study paid for, up to a maximum of four years. Because the fee is listed as a starting figure, confirm the exact amount in the online application before paying.
Working while you study
Since 3 November 2025, eligible students may work up to 25 hours a week during term, up from 20 hours, and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions written on the visa. PhD and research master’s students have no hour limit. The adult minimum wage is NZD 23.95 an hour from 1 April 2026. Part-time work can cover a meaningful share of living costs, but it should not be counted on to pay tuition.
Staying on after graduation
The Post-Study Work Visa lets graduates stay and work for up to three years, depending on the qualification. A master’s or doctorate studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks gives three years; for qualifications at level 8 or below, the visa equals the time studied. The fee is from NZD 1,670, at least NZD 5,000 in funds is required, and most graduates must apply within three months of the student visa expiring. From 16 November 2026, eligibility widens to some holders of a level 7 graduate diploma, and a new six-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa opens for graduates who do not qualify for the main visa. Only one Post-Study Work Visa can be held per person.
Applying
The main intake is February, with July as the second main intake for many programmes. Applications go to the university, which issues an Offer of Place used for the visa application. English is the language of teaching; universities commonly ask for about IELTS 6.0 at undergraduate level and 6.5 at postgraduate level, with the exact band set by each programme. All eight universities are public and well regarded, so the choice usually turns on subject strength and city rather than on a single ranking.
Official source: Study with New Zealand
