Tuition (per year, approximate)
| Level | Typical range (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Certificate / diploma at a polytechnic or private provider | 16,000 – 28,000 |
| Bachelor’s degree | 25,000 – 45,000 |
| Master’s degree (taught) | 28,000 – 50,000 |
| PhD | often the same fee as New Zealand students |
International doctoral students in New Zealand usually pay the domestic fee, which makes a PhD much cheaper than in many countries. Medicine, veterinary science and some engineering courses are more expensive.
Funds INZ expects
Immigration New Zealand states that you need NZ$20,000 for each year of study for living costs (or NZ$1,667 a month for courses shorter than a year), in addition to your tuition. Money from a student loan can count in some cases, but government loans do not, so check before you apply.
Real living costs
- Rent: a room in a shared flat is commonly NZ$200–NZ$350 a week; Auckland and Wellington are the most expensive, Dunedin, Palmerston North and Hamilton are cheaper.
- Food: NZ$80–NZ$130 a week if you cook.
- Transport, phone, internet, power: NZ$50–NZ$110 a week combined.
- Insurance: approved medical and travel insurance is compulsory for international students.
Use our funds calculator and exchange-rate page to plan in rupees.
Check before you rely on it. Tuition is set by each provider, and INZ updates living-cost and fee figures. Rules, fees and dates are changed by governments often. We last reviewed this page in October 2026. Confirm the current position on the Study in New Zealand cost guide or ask our counsellors, who check it again before your file is submitted.
Talk to WIEC about New Zealand
Our Lalitpur counsellors can review your marks, English score and finances and tell you honestly which courses and universities fit. Book a free appointment, start your file online at Apply Online, or practise for the English test with IELTSWIZZ.
Last updated 29 Oct 2026