I have reviewed affordable universities in New Zealand with tuition fees, accommodation cost, cost of living in New Zealand and Visa requirements.

About New Zealand

Flying for hours may not be a thing to worry about for some international students who seek to study in New Zealand. The country New Zealand, is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, just south of Australia. It consists of 2 main islands, both marked by volcanoes and glaciation. The Capital Wellington, is on the North Island.

New Zealand’s unit of currency is the dollar (NZ$).

Notwithstanding the distance, students still aspire to study in any of the universities/colleges. New Zealand is a small country. As expected from a small country, there are only eight universities in New Zealand (and 23 polytechnics).

Interestingly, students who wish to study in English taught programs, can do so easily. English is the predominant language spoken in New Zealand.

Having a valid passport and the right visa obtained is a major booster to having a trouble-free entry into New Zealand. For more information, visit the country official website for clarifications on immigration requirements.

Entry and Visa Regulations

• Please note: All UK citizens will need a student visa to study overseas in New Zealand if the programme of study is longer than three months.
• To study as a full-time student in New Zealand an offer from an education institution must be included in the visa application.
• You must also show that you have enough money to cover your living and accommodation costs while studying abroad.
• A medical examination may be demanded to ensure health requirements and for stays of longer than two years a police check may also be carried out.

Tuition Fees 

• Fees for arts or social sciences range from NZ$20,000 (£9,680) a year.
• Courses in science and engineering can cost from NZ$25,000 (£12,000) per year.
• Dentistry and medicine tend to be the most expensive degrees – NZ$75,000 (£36,300) per year.
• All other programs are not far from these estimates; it depends largely on your choice of University.

Unfortunately, there are few scholarships available for international students that wish to study in New Zealand, and those that are on offer are for PhD students.

Read also; cheap-universities-in-new-zealand-with-tuition-fees-and-programs-offered/

Work and Study 

A student visa is conditioned on sufficient funds to pay for living and accommodation costs.
Being able to work while studying can help with certain expenses.
Full-time students are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week but must seek a variation in the conditions of their visa. On a student visa, you are allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week through the semester; during vacations you can work for up to 40 hours.

There are possibilities of clinching internships and other practical work. The international studies office at your university can help you find a job to sustain you during your time in New Zealand. 

Another great thing is that you can get a permit at the end of your degree program and work for 12 months in the country under a special “work permit”.

New Zealand’s adult minimum wage is NZ$13 (£6.30) per hour

Accommodation

Pricing depends on the place, time of year, and day of the week, so the below is just to give you a general idea. Use our accommodation finder to see price ranges for your specific location.

• Campsite: NZ$10-$35 per person, per night
• Dorm bed in a hostel / backpackers: NZ$17-$35 per night
• 3 star motel / hotel room: NZ$80-$250 per night

Note; These figures are subjected to change and varies.

Read also; study-abroad-in-australia-student-visa-information-available/

Travelling with Cash to New Zealand

There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought in or taken out of New Zealand. However, every person who carries more than NZ$10,000 in cash in or out of New Zealand is required to complete a Border Cash Report.

Cost of Living in New Zealand

The cost of living in New Zealand will mostly depend on your location and can vary between NZ$ 7,000 and NZ$ 12,000 per year. A lot will depend on a student’s lifestyle and chosen accommodation options. You can choose between various housing/accommodation options while studying in New Zealand.

There are private accommodations (approximately NZ$ 180 per week), flat accommodation (approximately NZ$ 120 per week along with a bond) or student hostels and halls of residence (approximately NZ$ 200 per week).

List of Affordable Universities in New Zealand

• University of Canterbury
• Laidlaw College
• Massey University
• University of Auckland
• Lincoln University