Tuition is the main cost and is set by each institution: this research confirmed bachelor's figures from about NZD 19,000 a year at an institute of technology to well over NZD 100,000 a year for the most specialised programmes, with most university subjects falling between NZD 30,000 and 50,000. On top of tuition, the government's own cost-of-living guidance for international students gives these weekly figures: shared-house accommodation from about NZD 140 up to NZD 484 for a catered hall of residence, at least NZD 80 to 120 for groceries, up to NZD 37 for public transport, about NZD 19 for a mobile phone plan, and about NZD 90 a month for unlimited wifi in a shared flat; a private house's electricity typically runs NZD 200 to 300 a month. For the purpose of a student visa application, Immigration New Zealand sets a minimum funds requirement of NZD 20,000 for each year of study of one year or more, or NZD 1,667 for each month of shorter study, which is a useful lower-bound estimate of what a full year actually costs to live on.
- https://www.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/en/plan-your-studies/cost-of-living
- https://www.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/en/plan-your-studies/steps-to-studying-in-new-zealand
- https://www.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/en/study-options/scholarships
- https://www.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/en/why-new-zealand/education-system
- https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/
- https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/
- https://www.education.govt.nz/news/regional-polytechnics-be-re-established-2026
- https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-and-standards/about-new-zealand-qualifications-credentials-framework/