One of the best places to study abroad, New Zealand has a plethora of highly ranked universities. For every Indian student aspiring to study in New Zealand, here is a complete breakdown of study costs:
Table of Contents
1. Tuition fees
There are eight leading universities in New Zealand and the cost of tuition fees depend on the subject of study. Indian students generally pay more than domestic students, although Indian students enrolled in Ph.D. programs are exempted from paying.
Indian students pay an average NZ$20,000 for an Arts and Social Sciences undergraduate degree, $25,000 for science and engineering undergraduate degree and $75,000 dentistry and medicine degree. Along with tuition fees, some universities also charge administration and student services fee which varies from one university to another.
While studying at undergraduate or postgraduate level, students must have sufficient funds to support themselves, which amounts to $15,000 per year. This amount is exclusive of course fees and returns airfare.
2. Accommodation costs
There are generally three possible accommodation options for Indian students studying in New Zealand:
- Residence halls ($200 per week)
- Shared flat ($120 per week)
- Private flat ($180 per week).
An estimate shows that the rent for a room in a three-person apartment varies from $120-$220 in various cities. Indian students staying in New Zealand must plan an accommodation budget of $8,080 per year of stay.

3. Transportation Cost
A one-way ticket fare of public transport costs around $3.50, while a monthly pass costs around $152. In some cases, like Auckland’s HOP Card costs $180. Student can avail discounts and spend around $35 per week on transport.
4. Lifestyle Costs
An average Indian student can expend to spend $80 on weekly shops and $18 for a meal in a restaurant. A movie ticket costs $16 and gym membership costs an average of $55.80 per month.
5. Other Essential Costs
An Indian student must expect the following monthly expenses:
- Phone Bill- $20
- Internet Bill (split between tenants)- $85
- Utility Bill (gas, water, electricity)- $ 100
- Books and academic supplies- $500
Indian students must be covered by medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand for the entire duration. The healthcare system in New Zealand is quite affordable. Visits to doctor cost between $25 and $60 and hospital costs are paid for by the state. Prescriptions cost $5. Health and travel insurance cover for Indian students cost $590.
6. Costs for Studying in Top Universities in New Zealand
University | Undergraduate (First Year) | Postgraduate (First Year) |
1.University of Auckland | 16-27 lakhs INR | 17-23 lakhs INR |
2. University of Otago | 11-15 lakhs INR | 16-22 lakhs INR |
3. University of Canterbury | 13-17 lakhs INR | 11-22 lakhs INR |
4.Victoria University of Wellington | 14-16 lakhs INR | 14-25 lakhs INR |
5. University of Waikato | 14-15 lakhs INR | 18-21 lakhs INR |
6. Massey University | 14-17 lakhs INR | 16-18 lakhs INR |
7. Lincoln University | 14-15 lakhs INR | 17-19 lakhs INR |
8. Auckland University of Technology | 15-19 lakhs INR | 15-22 lakhs INR |