Curious about the amount you’ll be charged as tuition fees if you’re an international student in New Zealand? Our comprehensive guide provides all the essential information.
For any international student looking to enroll in a university, the tuition fees are an important factor to consider. With New Zealand boasting eight globally-ranked universities within the top 3%, it’s only natural for you to seek more information before making your decision.
Luckily, we’ve done all the necessary research and have compiled everything you need to know about tuition fees in New Zealand. Keep reading!
What expenses are covered by tuition fees?
Annual tuition fees in New Zealand typically encompass:
- Presentations, discussions, and study sessions
- Tests
- University resources such as libraries and computer rooms are accessible.
- There is the availability of course-specific resources and machinery, such as labs and studios.
Typically, the expenses related to student supplies (like textbooks and stationery) or living expenditures (such as rent, travel costs, or bills) are not included in tuition fees. Find out more about such costs by reading our article on New Zealand’s cost of living.
A mandatory student services levy is also charged by universities in New Zealand, which must be paid separately from the tuition fees. The fee amount differs and it’s important to check with your desired institution. For instance, the University of Auckland proposes that an average undergraduate could pay around NZD 1,000 annually.
Understanding the system
There are multiple factors to consider when determining the cost of tuition fees in New Zealand. The expenses may differ significantly.
Country of origin:
International students, also known as overseas students, who are not from New Zealand or Australia will be required to pay the international fee structure when applying for university.
Australian students have the right to receive subsidized fee rates equivalent to those of New Zealand students.
The field of study:
Arts or humanities degrees are generally less costly than science degrees, with medical and veterinary science degrees being particularly pricey.
Learning methodology:
There are courses available through distance learning which can be significantly less expensive than conventional methods of study.
Research-based courses will have lower costs compared to those with a teaching focus at the postgraduate level.
Time spent overseas:
The tuition fees for a year spent studying abroad through your course may be distinct from those of other years.
An educational organization:
The cost of tuition can differ greatly among different educational institutions. Typically, the greater a school’s ranking in global university listings, the pricier its programs tend to be.
Tuition fees in certain New Zealand universities are calculated on a per-unit basis, resulting in customized and individualized fees for each student based on their selected modules.
Qualification type:
Postgraduate degree tuition fees are generally higher annually compared to the undergraduate level.
As a PhD student studying in New Zealand, you can enjoy the same tuition fee rates as domestic students if you reside within the country throughout your academic pursuit.
Length of the course:
The cost of tuition increases with the duration of your course since it is charged annually. In New Zealand, undergraduate programs normally span three years.
What is the cost of postgraduate tuition fees in New Zealand?
Tuition fees for international postgraduate students differ across universities in New Zealand, ranging from NZD 24,000 to NZD 66,000 for a master’s degree.
Just like at the undergraduate level, certain universities and programs are more costly than others. Typically, the University of Auckland charges some of the highest fees across multiple fields. The annual expenses range from NZD 41,180 for arts courses to NZD 62,460 for geothermal engineering courses.
For those interested in pursuing an engineering degree in New Zealand, affordable options are available at Victoria University of Wellington (NZD 42,712 per year) and Massey University (NZD 42,530).
These universities offer some of the most budget-friendly master’s programs nationwide. Alternatively, if you seek similarly priced alternatives to these institutions then consider exploring the offerings at both the University of Canterbury and the University of Waikato.
Apart from master’s programs, there are additional considerations to bear in mind when pursuing postgraduate studies in New Zealand. International PhD students who reside throughout their academic journey within the country will be subject to the same tuition fees as local scholars, which may range from NZD 5,000 to NZD 10,000 per annum.
What is the cost of undergraduate tuition fees in New Zealand?
International students pursuing undergraduate programs at universities in New Zealand typically pay annual tuition fees ranging from NZD 28,000 to NZD 53,000 which vary according to the program and location of study.
Don’t worry if the range appears wide, as we’ve analyzed data from all eight universities in the country to provide you with an estimate of what you can anticipate paying.
It may not come as a shock that the University of Auckland, which is New Zealand’s top-ranked university, has some of the highest tuition fees in the country. The cost for arts courses begins at NZD 36,836 per year and increases to NZD 53,122 for engineering courses.
Although the former courses are not excessively costly, some highly specialized degrees demand a significantly higher tuition fee. Take Massey University as an example: pursuing veterinary science can cost up to NZD 71,380 annually; aviation comes with a price tag of NZD 97,290 per year.
To find the least expensive international tuition fees in New Zealand, it’s best to search beyond this institution. However, those interested in programs such as teaching, mathematics, and human development at a reasonable cost of NZD 28,000 per year should consider studying at the University of Waikato instead.
The only exception would be engineering courses since all undergraduate degrees have higher fees starting from NZD 41’760 annually – more than Waikato’s most affordable options but still less costly compared to Auckland University’s lowest-priced equivalents.
While Auckland and Waikato universities are usually the costliest and most affordable respectively, it does not always follow suit for your desired course.
To avoid confusion, please refer to each of New Zealand’s university’s fees information separately. This is the sole means by which you can guarantee that you secure a reasonable price deal on tuition fees offered to courses that meet your needs best.
Conclusion
Tuition fees in New Zealand are a significant factor for international students, with eight globally-ranked universities within the top 3%.
These fees cover various expenses, including presentations, discussions, and tests, as well as access to university resources and course-specific machinery.
A mandatory student services levy is also charged by universities. Factors determining tuition fees include country of origin, field of study, learning methodology, time spent overseas, educational organization, qualification type, and course length.
Postgraduate tuition fees vary across universities, with the University of Auckland charging some of the highest fees across multiple fields.
