Living Cost - New Zealand

According to information from Study with New Zealand and other sources, the average living cost for international students in New Zealand ranges around NZ$1,666 per month.

Bigger cities like Auckland and Wellington tend to be more costly than smaller towns. 

The following data gives you an average/approximate number of the Cost of Living for International Students in New Zealand.

CategoryNew Zealand (Per Month)Remarks
Accommodation CostsNZ$600 to NZ$1400Housing rent
Food ExpensesNZ$600 to NZ$800 
Transportation CostNZ$200Auckland’s HOP Card can provide you with discounts on ticket prices
EntertainmentNZ$100 to NZ$300 
Basic UtilitiesNZ$200 

Note: The above-mentioned values are approximate and tend to vary based on location, currency conversion rates, lifestyle choices etc.,

Total Estimated Cost Per Year

  • Less Expensive/Affordable Cities (Dunedin, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Christchurch, etc.): NZD 20,000 – NZD 30,000
  • Moderate Cities (Wellington, Tauranga, Napier, etc.): NZD 30,000 – NZD 40,000
  • Expensive Cities (Auckland, Queenstown, etc.): NZD 40,000 – NZD 55,000

High-Quality Education:

New Zealand’s universities remain high in international education rankings, as all eight institutions feature in the QS World University Rankings.

The education system adheres to the British-based framework, guaranteeing degrees that are recognized worldwide.

Colleges focus on research and hands-on learning, preparing graduates for employment.

Affordable Tuition Fees and Cost of Living:

In comparison to other English-speaking nations such as the US, UK, and Australia, New Zealand provides more budget-friendly tuition fees.

The living expenses are also comparatively lower, particularly away from large cities like Auckland and Wellington.

Post-Study Work and Immigration Pathways:

International students are eligible to apply for a post-study work visa (for a duration of up to 3 years, based on the qualification).

New Zealand offers a straightforward route to residency, making it appealing for individuals looking for long-term prospects.

Scholarships:

New Zealand provides a range of scholarships designed for international students such as yourself, assisting in alleviating the financial strain of studying overseas. There are three types of Scholarships. They are:

  1. Government Funded Scholarships
  2. Non-Governmental Scholarships
  3. University Specific Scholarships
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