How Much Does it Cost to Study in New Zealand in 2025?

New Zealand's international education sector has seen a 26% surge in enrollments, with over 73,535 enrollments recorded between January and August 2024. This is 6% higher than the total enrollments for 2023. This growth can be attributed to factors such as high-quality education, globally recognized universities, and the availability of post-study work opportunities.

The cost of studying in New Zealand includes tuition fees, living expenses, and additional costs like insurance. Understanding these expenses will help you choose the right university, program, and location, read below to understand more.

Cost of Studying in New Zealand: Top Universities and Their Fees

The cost of studying in New Zealand varies depending on the university and program. For instance, the tuition fee for MSc Computer Science at the University of Otago is NZD 48,785, while MA Psychology at Massey University costs NZD 36,640. 

The cost of living also varies from city to city, depending on the type of accommodation (e.g., shared housing) and lifestyle.

Here are some top university programs and their fees:

University	Program	Annual Tuition Fee (NZD)	Deadline
University of Auckland	MBA	$45,505.40 - $50,104 (INR 22.8L - 25.1L)	31 March 2025
University of Otago	MSc Computer Science	$48,785 (INR 24.4L)	10 December 2024
Victoria University of Wellington	Master of Health	$53,600 (INR 26.9L) Complete program	1 May 2025
University of Canterbury	Master of Education	$55,200 (INR 27.7L)	7 July 2025
Massey University	MA in Psychology	$36,640 (INR 18.3L)	1 September 2024
Lincoln University	Master of Agricultural Science	$36,500 (INR 18.3L)	1 May 2025

Also Read: MS in New Zealand for Indian Students – An Overview

Worried about unexpected expenses? upGrad’s expense calculator can help you estimate your total study costs accurately!

Apart from tuition fees of universities, it’s crucial to consider additional expenses like visa-related fees.

What Are the Visa Costs for Studying in New Zealand?

The visa costs for studying in New Zealand include application fees and the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Additional charges include biometric fees and medical examinations. Other costs, such as police clearance certificates or document verification, may also apply based on individual cases.

Here are the visa-related cost of studying in New Zealand:

Purpose	Amount (NZD)	Amount (INR)
Visa Application Fee	$750	INR 37.7K
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)	$100	INR 5K
Receiving Centre Fee	$850	INR 42.7K
Medical Examination	$140	INR 7K
Biometric	$40	INR 2K

Also Read: New Zealand Student Visa: How to Apply & What You Need to Know

To reduce financial burdens, international students can explore various financial aid options, including scholarships.

Are There Scholarships for International Students in New Zealand?

International students can explore scholarships such as the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship and Tongarewa International Scholarships, which offer financial aid. Additionally, universities like the University of Auckland provide their own scholarships for eligible students.

The state funds government scholarships to cover tuition fees, while university-specific scholarships are awarded by individual institutions based on merit, need, or field of study.

Here are some scholarships that can help reduce the cost of studying in New Zealand:

Scholarship	Details
New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)	Eligibility: Indian applicants studying in applicable universities. Deadline: July 2025 Benefits: Financial aid of NZD 260,000 (INR
New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships	Eligibility: Individuals from developing commonwealth countries for master's and PhD. Deadline: N/A Benefits: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships	Eligibility: Citizens of developing countries in Asia and the Pacific Islands. Deadline: 28 February 2025 Benefits: Covers 100% of tuition fees for program duration.
Tongarewa International Scholarships (Victoria University of Wellington)	Eligibility: Fee-paying international students. Deadline: 1 May 2025 Benefits: Upto NZD 10,000 (INR 5L)  financial aid
Vice-Chancellor's International Postgraduate Scholarships (University of Otago)	Eligibility: Post-graduate international students. Deadline: 30 April 2025 Benefits: Provides NZD 10,000 (INR 4.9L) to cover tuition fees.
International Student Excellence Scholarship  (University of Auckland )	Eligibility: Graduate and post-graduate international students. Deadline: 1 April 2025 Benefits: Provides NZD 10,000 (INR 4.9L) to cover tuition fees.

Note: Scholarships are highly competitive. Increase your chances by preparing strong SOPs and securing recommendation letters.

Also Read: New Zealand Scholarship for Indian Students- Your Guide

While scholarships can help, it's important to consider whether studying in New Zealand is financially more viable compared to countries like the US.

How Does the Cost of Studying in New Zealand Compare to Other Countries?

The cost of studying in New Zealand ranges from NZD 25,000 to 85,000 (INR 12.5L - 42.7L), which is comparable to the UK but cheaper than the US or Australia. 

However, the costs can be lower at certain institutions, such as the University of Otago in Dunedin. Here, tuition fees are generally on the lower end of the spectrum compared to other universities in the country. 

Here’s a comparison of the cost of studying in different countries:

Country	Cost of Studying	Cost of Studying (INR)
United States	$99,417	INR 86L
United Kingdom	£10,400 - £39,400	INR 9.8L - 37.3L
Canada	CAD 36,100 - CAD 51,100	INR 21.8L - 30.9L
Germany	€10,700 - €40,200	INR 10.1L - 38L
Australia	AUD 40,000 - AUD 76,000	INR 22L - 41.8L
Ireland	€19,400 - €65,400	INR 18.3L - 61.9L

The cost of studying begins even before you land in New Zealand, with several expenses to consider right from the start.

Cost of Study in New Zealand: Pre-Arrival 

The costs include applying to universities, which can vary, as well as purchasing health insurance to cover illness while in the country. You'll also need to spend on essentials like laptops and winter clothing. Once these are taken care of, you’ll need to buy a one-way flight ticket to New Zealand.

Here are the pre-arrival cost of studying in New Zealand:

Purpose	Amount (NZD)	Amount (INR)
Application Costs	$100	INR 5K
Flight Tickets	$850 – $1,300	INR 42.7K - 65.4K
Health Insurance	$500 – $1,500	INR 25.1K - 75.4K
Cost of Education Loans	varies	N/A
Essential Items (e.g., winter clothing)	$1,000 – $2,500	INR 50.3K - 1.2L
Miscellaneous	$2,000 – $4,000	INR 1L - 2L

Note: Flight costs may vary based on season and demand. Booking in advance can help secure the best deals.

After you land in New Zealand, additional costs like accommodation and food come into play that are essential for settling into life and your studies.

Cost of Study in New Zealand: Post-Arrival 

After arrival, a large portion of your budget will be spent on tuition fees and living expenses, such as accommodation and food. Additionally, there may be costs related to transportation, utilities like internet, and essentials like books.

Here are the post-arrival cost of studying in New Zealand:

Purpose	Annual Amount (NZD)	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fees	$6,500 - $45,000	INR 3.2L - 22.6L
Accommodation	$6,720 - $14,400	INR 3.3L - 7.2L
Food and Groceries	$3,840 - $5,760	INR 1.9L - 2.8L
Transportation	$1,776	INR 89.3K
Utilities and Internet	$960 - $1200	INR 48.2K - 60.3K
Books and Study Materials	$300	INR 15K
Miscellaneous	$1200 - $2400	INR 60.3K - 1.2L

Note: Tuition fees may vary based on the level of study (undergraduate, postgraduate) and the chosen program (engineering, business, etc.).

Also Read: How Much Does it Cost to Study in New Zealand in 2024?

After understanding the costs, it’s essential to evaluate how they align with the overall quality of life in New Zealand.

Should You Move to New Zealand? Cost vs Quality of Life

New Zealand stands out for its high-quality educational institutions (such as the University of Auckland) and growing job opportunities in sectors like healthcare and IT. It provides an excellent quality of life, supported by a strong work-life balance and safety.

However, cost factors like living expenses (accommodation, food) and job prospects (part-time and full-time) should be carefully weighed against these benefits.

Here’s why moving to New Zealand could be a great option:

• Cost of Living

Cost of living is high in cities like Auckland and Wellington, which can range from NZD 18,000 - 27,000 (INR 9L - 13.5L). Tuition fees can range from NZD 6,500 - 45,000 (INR 3.2L - 22.6L), which is comparable with countries like the UK. 

Additionally, transportation costs in larger cities, such as Auckland (NZD 215), are higher than in smaller cities like Dunedin (NZD 120).

Verdict: While living costs are high, scholarships like Manaaki and university-specific awards can ease financial strain. Part-time work (20 hours per week during study and full-time during breaks) can also help cover expenses.

• Quality of Education

New Zealand universities, such as the University of Auckland (#65 in QS ranking), rank among the top 100 in the world. Institutions like the University of Otago have internship programs and direct links to industries, improving employability.

Verdict: If you aim for high-quality education and a globally accepted degree, the investment in tuition is justified.

• Job Prospects

New Zealand has a growing demand for skilled workers, with sectors like IT, healthcare, engineering, and finance. In-demand jobs include software engineer (NZD 1L/INR 49.9L), doctor (NZD 1L/INR 49.9L), and financial analyst (NZD 79T/INR 39.4L). After completing education, you can stay for up to 3 years to work. 

Verdict: If you aim for long-term employment in New Zealand, studying in a field aligned with skill shortages can help recover costs faster through high-paying jobs.

• Lifestyle and Well-Being

New Zealand offers an exceptional quality of life, with 40 hrs working week. It offers recreation opportunities like beaches, mountains, and outdoor activities, improving mental well-being. As far as safety is concerned, New Zealand is ranked 4th in the world (Global Peace Index 2024).

Verdict: If you prioritize well-being, safety, and work-life balance, New Zealand is a good choice, even with a high cost of living.

• Pathway to Permanent Residency

Unlike countries with complex visa renewal processes, New Zealand provides a clear pathway to permanent residency. If your study aligns with industries facing skill shortages (e.g., IT, healthcare, engineering, construction), you have a higher chance of securing a work visa and PR.

Verdict: If you are looking for education plus long-term career and residency options, New Zealand is one of the best destinations for international students.

Wondering if New Zealand is the right choice for your studies?  Explore upGrad's guide on the 10 Top Reasons to Study in New Zealand and find all the answers you need for your journey ahead.

While tuition and living expenses can be high, there are ways to manage costs effectively through scholarships, part-time work, and smart budgeting.

Quick tips to lower your Costs!

Lowering study expenses involves managing both living and tuition costs. Sharing accommodation, purchasing second-hand essentials, and cooking at home can help reduce daily expenses. Additionally, applying for scholarships and seeking financial aid can significantly cut tuition fees.

During your free time or study breaks, consider looking for part-time jobs in IT services, hospitality, or on-campus assistance roles.

Here are some actionable tips to reduce costs:

• Choose Affordable Cities

Auckland and Wellington have high living costs at NZD 20,000-27,000 (INR 9.9L - 13.4L). Cities like Dunedin and Hamilton offer lower living costs at NZD 18,000-21,000 (INR 8.9L - 10.4L) while still having good universities.

Check if your preferred program is available at Massey University (Palmerston North) or University of Otago (Dunedin) instead of more expensive cities.

• Apply for Scholarships & Fee Discounts

Scholarships like Manaaki New Zealand, University-Specific Grants, and Research-Based Funding can significantly cut tuition costs. Most full-funding scholarships close by February or March each year. Applying early can help you receive funding at the earliest.

• Part-Time Job

You can work 20 hours/week during study and full-time during breaks, earning NZD 22–30 (INR 1K-1.4K) per hour in sectors like hospitality, education, and IT support. Use Student Job Search (SJS) or LinkedIn to find flexible, well-paying student jobs.

• Choose Sharable Accommodation

Private rentals are more expensive than university dorms or shared flats. Look for flatmates using platforms like FlatmatesNZ or Trade Me Property. Renting with others can save you about NZD 100–200 (INR 4.9K - 9.9K) per week.

• Use Student Discounts

Public transport in Auckland (AT Hop), Wellington (Snapper Card), and Christchurch (Metrocard) offer student discounts. Always ask for student deals at transport services to save up to 50% on expenses.

• Cook Your Own Meals 

Eating out frequently can increase your food expenses. Groceries for home cooking cost NZD 80–150 (INR 3.9K - 7.4K) per week. Dining out can cost NZD 20–30 (INR 0.9K - 1.4K) per meal.

• Purchase Second-hand Essentials

Second-hand electronics, books, and furniture can cut costs by 50% or more. Use Trade Me, Facebook Marketplace, and university noticeboards to find affordable second-hand items.

After exploring ways to reduce the cost of studying in New Zealand, let’s see how upGrad can help simplify the process.

How Can upGrad Counsellors Help You in Studying in New Zealand?

upGrad provides comprehensive support for students planning to study in New Zealand, including university selection, application guidance, and visa documentation assistance.

Here’s how upGrad can help you:

• University & Course Selection: Get expert advice on choosing the right university and program based on your career goals and budget.
• Career Counselling: Align your skills with high-demand courses to improve employability in New Zealand.
• Exam & Application Support: Access guide for IELTS or TOEFL exams and get assistance with SOPs, LORs, and university applications.
• Visa & Documentation: Step-by-step guidance on student visas, financial documents, and medical requirements.
• Scholarships & Financial Aid: Learn about scholarships, grants, and education loan options.

Looking for a budget-friendly university? Book a free counseling session with upGrad’s experienced advisors today. Get personalized guidance on choosing the right course, university, and financial aid to study in New Zealand!

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• Packing List for Indian Students for Studying in New Zealand
• PhD in New Zealand: Universities, Costs, Eligibility & Scope
• Study in New Zealand Without IELTS