Tuition Fees & Cost of Study in New Zealand 2026
Learn everything you need to know about Studying Cost in New Zealand and get end to end expert guidance from us.
The high standards of education in New Zealand attract students from worldwide. The country’s post-study work opportunities, coupled with natural beauty, add to the several benefits of studying in New Zealand. To fully enjoy these world-class benefits, it is essential to prepare your finances thoroughly. Remember that tuition fees are only a part of the overall budgeting of your study abroad dream.
The international student tuition fees for undergraduate courses in New Zealand range between NZ $35,000 and NZ $55,000 annually, while for postgraduate courses, tuition fees may range between NZ $20,000 and NZ $45,000 per year, depending on the programme and institution. The PhD annual fee remains much lower, around NZ $6,500 - $9,000 per annum.
Starting with the largest component of your budget, ‘tuition fees for international students’, let us delve into the essential living expenses and other ancillary costs applicable to help you budget your dream of studying in New Zealand.
International Tuition Fees by Level, Field, and City of Study
Tuition fees for international students aspiring to study in New Zealand heavily depend on the level of study, the field they choose to study, and the location of the institution where they choose to study. Let us explore all these aspects in detail.
International Tuition Fees by Level of Study in New Zealand 2026
International students enrolled in various courses in New Zealand pay different tuition fees depending on the level of study. University bachelor's degrees are often more expensive per annum than many standard master's degrees (excluding PhDs), but costs vary widely by field and institution.
| Programme Type | Average Fee (in NZD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Degrees (University) | NZ $35,000 - $55,000 | 3-4 years |
| Postgraduate Degrees (Non-PhD) | NZ $20,000 - $45,000 | 1-2 years |
| Doctoral Degrees (PhD) | NZ $6,500 - $9,000 | 3-5 years |
| Diploma & Certificate Courses | NZ $12,000 - $35,000 | 1-2 years |
| English Language Course | NZ $350 (per week) | Varies (like 16 weeks) |
International Tuition Fees by Field of Study in New Zealand 2026
The tuition fees for different fields of study vary vastly because of the scope of different fields and for several other reasons. One of the reasons is the incredible work opportunities in certain fields upon graduating on a post-study work visa or PSW visa in New Zealand.
| Field of Study | Annual Undergraduate Tuition Fees (in NZD) | Annual Postgraduate Tuition Fees (in NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | NZ $48,000 - $60,000+ | NZ $45,000 - $65,000+ |
| Business and Management | NZ $38,000 - $50,000 | NZ $40,000 - $75,000 (MBA/Specialist) |
| Computer Science | NZ $40,000 - $55,000 | NZ $45,000 - $60,000 |
| Health Science | NZ $40,000 - $87,000+ | NZ $45,000 - $87,000+ |
| Humanities and Arts | NZ $34,000 - $45,000 | NZ $35,000 - $50,000 |
City-wise International Tuition Fees in New Zealand 2026
The tuition fee for international students varies across the major student cities of New Zealand. It commonly falls within the national indicative range of NZ $35,000 - $55,000 for bachelor's degrees and NZ $20,000 - $45,000+ for master's degrees.
| City | Programme Level | Annual Tuition Fee Range (in NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| Wellington | Undergraduate | NZ $33,000 - $44,000 |
| Postgraduate | NZ $35,000 - $47,000 | |
| Christchurch | Undergraduate | NZ $32,000 - $53,000 |
| Postgraduate | NZ $32,000 - $48,000 |
Check out which upcoming intake suits you and which exam to take to study in New Zealand:
Additional Essential Expenses 2026: Visa, Other Fees, Living, Insurance
In addition to the living costs discussed above, international students must budget for several other non-tuition fees. These include course application fees to several institutions, the cost of New Zealand Student Visa filing, travel and health insurance, books and study material, accommodation charges, and more.
International Student Application Fees in New Zealand 2026
Most New Zealand universities and colleges do not charge an application fee, but some do. These charges differ from one institution to another.
| Course Level | Course Type (NZQCF/NZQF) | Application Fees (in NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 5 | Diplomas, Associate Degrees, Advanced Vocational Certificates | NZ $50 - $150 |
| Level 6 & 7 | Bachelor's Degrees, Graduate Certificates & Diplomas | NZ $85 - $150 |
| Level 8 & 9 | Postgraduate Diplomas, Master's Degrees | NZ $100 - $150 |
| Level 10 | Doctoral Degrees (PhD) | NZ $50 - $150 |
International Student Insurance & Other Fees 2025-2026
The visa filing fees and health and travel insurance costs are subject to change with progressive years. Costs as of November 2025 are given below.
| Type of Expense | Average Annual Cost (in NZD) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | NZ $850 (Initial Fee) |
| Student Service Fees (SS Fees) | NZ $800 - $1,200 |
| Health & Travel Insurance | NZ $600 - $900 |
| Books & Study Materials | NZ $500 - $1,500 |
Healthcare Costs in New Zealand 2026
New Zealand's healthcare system is comprehensive, but it is a little expensive compared to some countries. International students are not eligible for publicly funded healthcare subsidies and must pay a higher casual rate for services.
Mandatory Requirement: All international students must have comprehensive medical and travel insurance for the entire duration of their stay as a condition of their student visa.
| Healthcare Service | Estimated Cost (in NZD) |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance (Annual Premium, 2026) | NZ $899 |
| General Practitioner (GP) Visit | NZ $75 - $120 |
| Emergency Treatment (ACC Covered) | NZ $0 - $65 |
| Dental Check-up | NZ $50 - $150 |
Accommodation and Living Expenses in New Zealand 2026
The cost of living is a central component of any international student’s budget. Immigration New Zealand requires international students from all countries to show proof of at least NZ $20,000 as the minimum balance against one year of living expenses in the country, making it NZ $1,667 per month.
The average total cost of living for international students ranges between NZ $1,500 and NZ $2,700 monthly, depending on the city and student lifestyle in New Zealand. The major New Zealand cities, like Auckland and Wellington, are more expensive than Christchurch or Dunedin.
Managing the Cost of Study in New Zealand 2026
International students can effectively reduce the overall cost of study in New Zealand by opting for the following:
Tip 1: Shared Accommodation: Look for shared accommodation outside city centres.
Tip 2: Public Transport: Use of public transport (with student discounts) can contribute to saving money.
Tip 3: Cook at Home: Cooking meals at home rather than dining out is the biggest money-saver when living abroad as an international student.
Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of Study in New Zealand
There are many New Zealand scholarships to help international students with their studies. Some of these scholarships can mitigate part or the full cost of study in New Zealand for international students, including tuition fees and, at times, also the living expenses of a student.
All the different expenses, tuition fees, accommodation, living costs, and other expenditures are going to be very different according to variables like the city chosen, level of study, field of specialisation, etc. With the right information at hand, students can effectively mitigate the cost of studying in New Zealand and have a great learning experience.
Ready to take the next step towards studying in New Zealand? Register at AECC to explore comprehensive resources, expert guidance, and personalised support for your study abroad journey today.