November 24, 2025 
When you begin to consider opportunities of studying overseas, New Zealand will be among the first countries that surface in your mind. With beautiful natural landscapes, a safe surrounding, and internationally recognised degrees, it has emerged as the preferred destination for students across the world. A lot of people think it is expensive to study here, but that is not necessarily true, as some universities provide quality education at quite reasonable tuition fees-at least when compared with the US, UK, Australia and other countries.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the top 5 most affordable universities in New Zealand for international students, as well as an overview of their academic culture, range of programs and what you’ll get for your money.
New Zealand University System
Before we get into the most affordable ones, it’s helpful to understand how the university structure works here. If you’re looking for how many universities in New Zealand, we have a simple answer for you: there are eight public New Zealand universities, and all of them score pretty well when it comes to their international rankings. They are known for academic achievement, student care and research output, which is why six feature in the top universities of New Zealand rankings every year.
Most of these institutions also feature in world rankings, which makes them automatically among the best universities in New Zealand for international students, whether you are pursuing undergraduate courses, postgraduate programs, or exploring universities in New Zealand for a master’s degree.
University of Canterbury (UC)
The University of Canterbury is one of the long-standing institutions in the education system and is appreciated for providing high-quality programs at an affordable fee structure, and it’s consistently ranked among the top universities in New Zealand due to its strong academic reputation and research-led teaching.
Why It’s Affordable
As a cost-effective and high-value institution, UC tuition is affordable for engineering programs, as well as in arts and sciences and education. It’s one of the best universities in New Zealand for international students for many since it offers competitive fees which coupled with unparalleled industry links.
Programs & Environment
If you want to study for a postgraduate degree here, there are also many good universities in New Zealand for masters, like the University of Canterbury, as their courses are more research-based. It also appeals to students aspiring for management and business studies, and the ones who are looking for the best universities in New Zealand for MBA.
Massey University
Massey University is one of the most attractive universities in New Zealand, boasting a vast campus that offers a diverse range of study options and subject areas. Due to its strong focus on hands-on experience and globally relevant courses, it is often ranked among the top 10 universities in New Zealand.
Why It’s Affordable
One of the main reasons why international students are attracted to Massey is its affordable tuition fee structure, particularly for business, creative arts, agriculture and health sciences.
Programs & Environment
Massey has three main campuses and a very welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. A lot of postgraduate students think it’s one of the best universities in New Zealand for masters due to its diverse range of programs and extensive academic support.
University of Waikato
The University of Waikato is among the leading universities in New Zealand and has a distinctive profile as a research-led university with an international reputation for excellence. As an institution renowned for its work-relevant courses, it is frequently included in lists of the top New Zealand universities for international students.
Why It’s Affordable
The tuitions are pretty affordable in Computer Science, Business & Management Studies, Humanities and Environmental Sciences. A lot of students consider Waikato to be one of the cheapest universities in list of universities in New Zealand.
Programs & Environment
The university is located in a state-of-the-art campus in very friendly surroundings. It is also an ideal book for postgraduate students planning to study at universities in New Zealand for masters program in either IT, business or sciences.
Lincoln University
Lincoln University is one of the smallest tertiary universities in New Zealand and specialises in agriculture and its contribution to environmental science. It is frequently named as one of the best universities in New Zealand for students seeking specialisations at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Why It’s Affordable
Lincoln has more reasonable tuition and a cost that is favourable to students. It has developed a good reputation amongst the best universities in New Zealand for international students and attracts many students who hope to go on to careers in agriculture and environmental management.
Programs & Environment
Students interested in specialised master’s programs consider Lincoln to be a good choice when looking for universities in New Zealand for master’s, owing to its research laboratories, industry tie-ups and practical approach to education.
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
AUT is now famous and a favourite among students for its mix of contemporary infrastructure, dynamic teaching style and multicultural student body. It is usually featured in the lists of top universities in New Zealand because of its worldwide teaching excellence and practical-based education.
Why It’s Affordable
When it comes to budget-friendly universities in Auckland for international students, AUT is cheaper than some other locations if you want to study business, hospitality, IT, design or communication.
Programs & Environment
For postgraduate aspirants, AUT is one of the top universities in New Zealand for masters due to its unique industry-driven approach. Prospective business students often think of it when they look for the best universities in New Zealand for MBA.
How to Choose the Right University
They have a total of eight universities between which make up the full academic circle of New Zealand, and which one is right for you will depend on your career goals, budget, preferred location in the country and what you want to study. Most candidates look at the list of universities in New Zealand and decide on options to shortlist based on:
- Tuition affordability
- Job opportunities
- Campus facilities
- Global ranking
- Strength of course or department
- City preference
New Zealand may only have eight universities, but most of them are regulars in the rankings for the top 10 universities in New Zealand and the best universities in New Zealand for international students, simplifying the choice.
Why New Zealand is a Great Choice for International Students
What makes New Zealand the choice for you, apart from being affordable, New Zealand is also well known globally for its supportive learning environment and extremely safe society with a very bright future. The education system in the country is designed to make it easier for foreign students to land professional jobs. No matter whether you want to check out universities in New Zealand for masters, an undergraduate degree or an MBA programme, the high academic standard means that you will be able to assimilate knowledge and industry fit.
Most importantly, New Zealand degrees are internationally recognised, meaning they’re a solid stepping stone to anywhere in the world you want to work.
Conclusion
Studying at one of the top universities in New Zealand needn’t break the bank. The above-mentioned five universities provide an excellent mix of affordability and quality education and are among the best universities in New Zealand for international students. Whether you’re measuring the entire list of universities in New Zealand against one another, or comparing specific programs such as MBAs or master’s degrees at a particular school, these institutions provide a great deal of academic value without crushing your bank account.
So when you’re preparing for your academic future, these five economical options can assist you to start off your education at some of the best universities in New Zealand and pave the way for a fruitful education and career down ahead.
FAQs
Ques. 1. Which university in New Zealand is the most affordable for international students?
Ans. Among the eight public universities, it can be more affordable to study at institutions such as the University of Canterbury, Massey University and the University of Waikato, depending on the program and level of study.
Ques. 2. Are New Zealand universities good for international students?
Ans. Absolutely. Many come in world rankings and are among the best New Zealand universities to study of international students, based on the high quality of education, student support, safety and employment prospects.
Ques. 3. How many universities in New Zealand accept international students?
Ans. All eight public universities take in international students, and offer a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate and research courses.
Ques. 4. Is New Zealand a good place to study for a master’s degree?
Ans. Yes, there are globally renowned postgraduate courses in New Zealand, which also make it a great place for searching for universities in New Zealand for master’s.
Ques. 5. Which university is best for MBA in New Zealand?
Ans. There are a number of institutions in New Zealand that provide excellent MBA programs, and many of them feature among the best universities in New Zealand for MBA, featuring an international curriculum, qualified faculty, and industry-connected teaching.
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