Education Cost in New Zealand

How much does it cost to study in New Zealand? If you are interested in studying in New Zealand, one of the most important things to consider is how much everything is going to cost. This essential guide breaks down the cost of every aspect of university life to ensure that you have everything covered.

Note that prices and exchange rates are $1=BDT 60.90 (all figures noted are in New Zealand dollars)

There are eight main universities in New Zealand and they all set their own tuition fees, which will vary depending on subject and level of study. However, the New Zealand government has confirmed plans to abolish tuition fees from 2018 for one year of study, increasing to three years of study from 2024.

Most international students are expected to pay more than domestic students, although international students can be exempt from paying foreign student fees in some cases – for example when students are enrolled in Ph.D. programmes.

On average, an international student can expect to pay NZ$20,000 (BDT 12,17,937) for an arts and social sciences undergraduate degree, $25,000 (BDT 15,22,422) for science and engineering and $75,000 (BDT 45,67,266) for a dentistry and medicine degree.

For example, at the University of Auckland, a typical international undergraduate student pays $27,592 (BDT 16,80,266) for most BA courses and up to $72,896 (BDT 44,39,139) for medicine degrees beyond the first year. Postgraduate degrees at the University of Auckland are between $32,392 (BDT 19,72,571) and $46,787 (BDT 28,49,182) per year.

Therefore an international student studying at the University of Auckland would spend $82,776 (BDT 50,40,800) for a three-year bachelor’s degree.

For a domestic student, an undergraduate degree comes in at between $10,000 and $25,000 per year (BDT 6,08,968- 15,22,422), with postgraduate degrees between $10,000 and $30,000 (BDT 6,08,968- 18,26,906).

The full list of tuition fees and a comparison of costings are available on the Te Pōkai Tara site, which represents all universities in New Zealand. As well as tuition fees, some universities will also charge administration and student services fees; for example, the University of Otago charges students $798 (BDT 48,595).

Whether studying at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, students will be expected to prove that they have sufficient funds to support themselves, which is $1,250 (BDT 76,121) per month for any study period less than nine months, and $15,000 (BDT 9,13,453) per year if the stint is longer. This amount is surplus to the amount needed to cover your course fees and return airfare.

There are several possible options for renting during a period of study in New Zealand. You could stay in student residence halls ($200 or BDT 12,179 per week, on average), a shared flat ($120/BDT 7,307 per week) or a private flat ($180/BDT 10,961 per week).

The 2017 estimate for renting a room in a three-person apartment is $202 (BDT 12,301) per week in Auckland, $127 (BDT 7,733) in Hamilton, $170 (BDT 10,352) in Wellington, $132 (BDT 8,038) in Christchurch and $147 (BDT 8,951) in Dunedin. Therefore to live in Auckland (the most expensive of the university cities), students should budget to spend $8,080 (BDT 4,92,046) on rent per year (based on a 40-week contract) which would amount to $24,240 (BDT 14,76,140) across the entire three-year bachelor’s degree.

The average monthly phone bill in New Zealand is $20 (BDT 1,217) and an internet plan is $85 (BDT 5,176) per month, split between the tenants of the flat, as well as $100 (BDT 6,089) per month (per person) on utilities such as gas, electricity, and water. Students should expect to spend $500 (BDT 30,448) on books and other academic supplies per year.

A one-way ticket on public transport costs an average $3.50 (BDT 213), with a monthly pass at $152 (BDT 9,256), although for students it’s more like $120 (BDT 7,307). One example is Auckland’s, HOP Card. With student discounts, students should expect to spend up to $35 (BDT 2,131) a week on transport, depending on which modes they choose to use.

The healthcare system in New Zealand is commendable – you will pay between $25 and $60 (BDT 1522-3,654) to see a doctor, and hospital costs are paid for by the state, while prescriptions are $5. You must be covered by medical and travel insurance policies while you’re studying in New Zealand, from the point at which you enroll until your visa expires. Health insurance is affordable even for international students – for example, 12 months of health and travel insurance cover with students are (a popular choice with students) costs $590 (BDT 35,929).

The average student’s weekly shop in New Zealand costs $80 (BDT 4,871) and a meal out in an average restaurant is $18 (BDT 1,096).

A cinema ticket will cost $16 (BDT 974) and a monthly gym membership costs an average $55.80 (BDT 3,398). In 2017, a Big Mac was priced at $6.10 (BDT 371).

What is Financial Support Available?

Unfortunately, there are few scholarships available for international students studying in New Zealand.

Scholarships are offered by the New Zealand government. There is a useful search tool on the Education New Zealand website, with which you can search for a scholarship depending on your subject and study level.

However, full-time students are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week but it is important to check the terms of your visa, and the visa authorities may need to be contacted should you choose to work. The adult minimum wage in New Zealand is $13 (BDT 791 per hour).

A popular choice for obtaining student discounts is the $20 (BDT 1,217) Student Card, which offers more deals than any other card. There are discounts on clothes, travel, food, drinks, and entertainment. Air New Zealand also offers a student discount on airfares.