Are you planning to study in New Zealand? Wondering how much it might cost to live and study in this beautiful country? From accommodation and meals to transportation and leisure activities, understanding the cost of living in New Zealand is essential for any international student preparing their budget. This blog offers a comprehensive overview of living expenses in New Zealand, helping you manage your finances effectively as you start your academic journey in New Zealand.
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Why study in New Zealand as an international student?
Studying in New Zealand as an international student offers several benefits:
World-class education system: New Zealand's universities are renowned for their high educational standards, innovative teaching methods, and research facilities. All eight of its universities rank in the top 3% globally, providing internationally recognised and respected qualifications.
Safe and welcoming environment: New Zealand is known for its friendly and inclusive atmosphere, and it consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. This makes it an ideal place for international students to live and study.
Work opportunities: International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays, which can help offset living costs and provide valuable work experience in a global setting.
Pathway to residency: New Zealand offers various pathways to residency for students who wish to stay in the country after their studies. Graduates with skills in demand may apply for a post-study work visa, which can lead to permanent residency.
Innovative and research opportunities: Especially for students in scientific fields, New Zealand offers many opportunities for cutting-edge research, often involving international collaboration and real-world impact.
Cost of living in New Zealand for international students
Here's an overview of the living expenses in New Zealand for international students. Keep in mind that these are approximate costs and can vary based on the city, lifestyle, and personal spending habits.
Expense category | Cost in NZD (per year) | Cost in INR (per year) |
|---|---|---|
Accommodation | NZD 8,000 - 12,000 | INR 4,32,000 - 6,48,000 |
Food | NZD 3,000 - 7,000 | INR 1,62,000 - 3,78,000 |
Public Transport | NZD 800 - 1,200 | INR 43,200 - 64,800 |
Insurance | NZD 500 - 700 | INR 27,000 - 37,800 |
Miscellaneous | NZD 1,500 - 2,500 | INR 81,000 - 1,35,000 |
Notes:
Tuition fees are broad estimates and can vary greatly depending on the university and the specific program.
Living expenses such as accommodation can range from shared apartments to individual flats, and food costs will depend on whether you cook at home or eat out frequently.
Public transport costs vary by location but are generally affordable with options like buses and trains.
Insurance typically includes health coverage, which is mandatory for international students.
Miscellaneous costs include entertainment, personal care, and other daily living expenses.
Cost of studying in New Zealand for international students
Here's the cost of studying in New Zealand for international students based on different :
Level of study | Cost in NZD | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
Undergraduate Degrees | NZD 22,000 - 32,000 | INR 11,66,000 - 16,96,000 |
Postgraduate Degrees | NZD 26,000 - 37,000 | INR 13,78,000 - 19,61,000 |
Specialised Courses | Up to NZD 75,000 | Up to INR 39,75,000 |
Work opportunities after studying in New Zealand
Studying in New Zealand can open various work opportunities for international students, both during their studies and after graduation. Here’s an overview of the work opportunities and conditions:
During studies:
Part-time work: International students in New Zealand are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays. This can help offset living costs and gain work experience in a foreign country.
Post-study work opportunities:
Post-study work visa: New Zealand offers a post-study work visa for up to three years, depending on the level of your qualification and where you studied. This visa allows graduates to work for any employer and in almost any job to gain experience.
Long-term career opportunities:
Skill shortage list: New Zealand has a list of skill shortages in various sectors. If your skills and qualifications are in an area of shortage, it increases your chances of finding employment and potentially gaining residency. Key areas include IT, engineering, healthcare, agriculture, and construction.
Pathway to residency: For those looking to settle permanently, certain work experiences can lead to residency under the Skilled Migrant Category. This is based on points for qualifications, work experience, and an offer of skilled employment.
Entrepreneurial opportunities: New Zealand encourages entrepreneurship with visas specifically designed for those looking to start a business, particularly if it's innovative and has export potential.
Affordable cities to live in New Zealand
In New Zealand, some cities are more affordable for students compared to others, especially when considering housing, food, and overall living expenses. Here’s a list of some of the more affordable cities in New Zealand:
Palmerston North: Located on the North Island, Palmerston North offers a lower cost of living compared to larger cities. It hosts Massey University, making it a student-friendly city with affordable housing and amenities.
Hamilton: As the fourth largest city in New Zealand, Hamilton is known for its vibrant culture and affordable living costs. It's home to the University of Waikato, which attracts many domestic and international students.
Dunedin: Often considered one of the best cities for students, Dunedin boasts a lower cost of living, primarily because it caters to students from the University of Otago and the Otago Polytechnic. Accommodation and living expenses are reasonable here.
Christchurch: While it's a major city, Christchurch's rebuilding efforts post-earthquake have led to more modern and affordable housing options. The city offers a good balance of urban living and nature, with relatively lower rental costs than Auckland or Wellington.
Rotorua: Known for its tourism and geothermal activities, Rotorua also offers affordable living conditions, particularly in terms of housing. It’s smaller and less populated, which helps in keeping the living costs down.
Invercargill: At the southern tip of the South Island, Invercargill is one of the most affordable cities in New Zealand. The cost of living is low, including some of the cheapest housing in the country. It's ideal for students attending the Southern Institute of Technology, which offers zero tuition for certain programs.
These cities are generally more affordable due to lower housing costs, fewer transportation expenses, and a less expensive lifestyle overall compared to bigger cities like Auckland or Wellington.
Hope this blog helps you understand the cost of studying in New Zealand as well as living expenses in New Zealand. So, if you are also planning to study in this amazing country and want to increase the chance of getting accepted at the top universities then consider taking an IELTS test.
Also, if you want to know or have any questions related to the IELTS test, then you can consider getting in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will clear up all your doubts.