The cost of tuition fees is a big consideration for any prospective international student. So, if you’re trying to choose between New Zealand’s eight universities – all ranked in the top thirty per cent globally – it’s understandable if you’re eager for more information. To make things easy, we've done the research. Read on to find out more about tuition fees in New Zealand.
What do tuition fees cover?
In New Zealand, tuition fees are charged annually and usually cover:
- Lectures, seminars and tutorials
- Examinations
- Access to university resources, e.g. libraries and computer rooms
- Access to course-related facilities and equipment, e.g. laboratories and studios
Tuition fees do not usually cover any student supplies (e.g. textbooks or stationery) or living expenses (e.g. rent, travel or bills). For more information about these, read our article on the cost of living in New Zealand.
New Zealand universities also require students to pay a compulsory student services levy, separate from their tuition fees. The amount varies, so be sure to check this with your preferred institutions. As an example, the University of Auckland suggests the average undergraduate paid approximately NZD 1,108.80 this year.
Understanding tuition fees
When calculating the price of tuition fees in New Zealand, there are several things you’ll want to keep in mind. Costs can vary widely.
Home country
Anyone applying to university from outside New Zealand and Australia is classed as an international student (also known as an overseas student) and therefore subject to the international fee structure.
If you are an Australian student, you are entitled to the same fees as New Zealand students.
Academic institution
Tuition fees vary significantly between institutions. Often, the higher an education provider sits in world university rankings, the more they will charge for their courses.
Some New Zealand universities charge tuition fees by unit, meaning every student’s fees are unique and tied to the classes they choose.
Type of qualification
Typically, tuition fees for postgraduate degrees cost more per year than ones for undergraduate degrees.
If you are looking to study for your PhD in New Zealand, you will be charged the same tuition fee as domestic students, provided you live in the country for the duration of your studies.
Subject studied
Typically, science degrees cost more than arts or humanities degrees. In particular, medical and veterinary science degrees tend to be much more expensive than others.
Course length
The longer your course takes, the more expensive it is likely to be. Undergraduate degrees in New Zealand are typically three years long.
Method of learning
Some courses are offered with a distance learning option that may be considerably cheaper than traditional methods of study.
At postgraduate level, research-based courses will be cheaper than those which are taught.
Years abroad
If your course offers a year abroad, the tuition fees for that year may be different to others.
How much are undergraduate tuition fees in New Zealand?
Undergraduate tuition fees for international students at New Zealand universities mostly fall between NZD 30,000 and NZD 55,000 per year, and depend on what and where you study.
If this range seems large, don't worry. We've looked closely at the numbers across the country's eight universities to give you an idea of how much you can expect to pay.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, some of the most expensive tuition fees in New Zealand are found at its top-ranked university, the University of Auckland. Charges there start at NZD 40,225 per year for arts courses, rising to NZD 58,009 for engineering courses.
However, the latter are not the most expensive courses you will find. For highly specialised degrees, you can expect to pay much more. At Massey University, for example, veterinary science fees can reach up to NZD 84,220 per year, while aviation starts at NZD 116,640.
If you are seeking the cheapest international tuition fees in New Zealand, you should look elsewhere. Specifically, you should look at the University of Waikato. Many undergraduate courses there – including sports science, human rights and linguistics – are charged at only NZD 30,897 per year. In fact, the only courses at Waikato with higher fees than the cheapest at Auckland are in engineering. All of its undergraduate engineering degrees cost NZD 45,602 per year.
Although Auckland and Waikato are typically the most and least expensive universities respectively, they may not always be for the course in which you are interested. For clarity, look for the relevant fees information at each of New Zealand's universities individually. This is the only way you can be certain of which will offer you the best price.
How much are postgraduate tuition fees in New Zealand?
International postgraduate tuition fees at New Zealand universities vary. If you are looking to study a master's, your fees are likely to fall somewhere between NZD 29,000 and NZD 69,000.
As at undergraduate level, some universities and courses tend to be more expensive than others. In many cases, it is again the University of Auckland that sets its fees highest. The lowest yearly charges there are for education courses (NZD 43,674), while the highest are for geothermal engineering courses (NZD 68,206).
If you would like to study engineering in New Zealand, cheaper options can be found at Victoria University of Wellington (NZD 46,633 per year). Along with Massey University, this institution is one of the most affordable for master's degrees in the country. For similarly priced alternatives, you may be interested in the University of Canterbury and the University of Waikato.
Beyond master's courses, there are other things to note regarding postgraduate study in New Zealand. If you are an international PhD student, your tuition fees will be charged at the same rate as New Zealand students’, providing that you live in the country throughout your studies. This charge is typically between NZD 7,000 and NZD 10,000 per year.
How do I pay my tuition fees in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, tuition fees are paid directly to universities. You must pay your first year of fees (or full course fees, if its duration is under a year) when applying for a New Zealand student visa.
If your course will take more than one year, you may also have the option to pay your full tuition fees before you start. This could enable you to avoid potential fee increases in future years.
Payment requirements vary by university. It is important to check exactly what is expected at your intended institution before you apply.
Is financial support available for paying fees in New Zealand?
Yes. Many universities and other bodies offer scholarships and funding opportunities to international students in New Zealand. Notably, the country's government runs the Manaaki programme. This offers a range of financial support for different levels and types of study, including fully funded scholarships.
For more options, read our guide to the top scholarships in New Zealand.
Now that you know more about tuition fees, why not learn about applying to university in New Zealand? You can also find your ideal course in the country with our simple search tool.
Disclaimer: While we’ve done all we can to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article, it should only be used as a guideline. Costs vary and can change at any time, so be sure to verify fee structures with any university you are interested in attending.
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