Cost of Studying in New Zealand in 2025: Tuition, Living & Budget Tips

New Zealand is growing into a new higher education destination for Indian and international students alike. With universities that are internationally recognised, high-quality research facilities and quality of life, New Zealand has a lot to offer for education. But it’s important to check the study costs in New Zealand for Indian students and international students in 2025 before making your decision.

The average cost of studying in New Zealand is between INR 17 lakh to 29 lakh (NZD 35,000–59,000) per year, including tuition fees, and living expenses. This cost is competitive with any other destination for studying abroad, and certainly reasonable, given the opportunities available once students graduate. 

This article outlines the cost of studying in New Zealand for international students 2025, including tuition fees, living expenses, scholarships, and advice on budgeting.

Cost of Studying in New Zealand at Top Universities

New Zealand has eight top-quality public universities, which often feature in worldwide rankings of best universities. Tuition fees can differ depending on the university, the program, and what level of study you are undertaking.

So here is a list of the costs of studying in New Zealand in INR at the top-ranked universities:

Program-Wise Cost of Studying in New Zealand for International Students

The cost of studying in New Zealand for foreign students depends on the level of program they are taking. While undergraduate and postgraduate courses will have higher tuition costs, PhD programs are relatively cheap because of government funded subsidies. 

For students looking at specialized courses, like MBBS or MBA, the cost of studying New Zealand costs in Indian Rupees will greatly increase significantly, New Zealand costs will range between INR 30–50 lakh per year, depending on the course. 

Additional Costs of Studying in New Zealand

Besides tuition fees, students will also incur pre-arrival and post-arrival costs. These can include:

By calculating these additional expenses, students will provide a realistic estimate of the realistic cost of studying in New Zealand for Indians.

Cost of Living in New Zealand for International Students

Cost of Living is a key component of the overall average cost of study in New Zealand. Students generally spend between INR 8–12 lakh per year depending on accommodation, food, transport and other expenses. 

Students can get more with their budget by sharing accommodation, using public transport and student discounts.

Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of Studying in New Zealand

New Zealand has a number of scholarships for international students there by greatly reducing the cost of studying in New Zealand for international students.  2025.

• Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship – Full funding.
• New Zealand Excellence Awards (India) – up to NZD 320,000 (INR 1.6 Cr).
• University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship – up to NZD 10,000 (INR 5L).
• University of Otago International Research Master’s Scholarship – full TUITION + STIPEND.

If you are one of those Indian students, then these applications will help you relieve yourself of East financial constraints.

Budget Tips for Indian Students in New Zealand

Managing expenses for study in New Zealand as an Indian student requires some practical budgeting, but you may be able to save some money with a few tips:

• Look for shared accommodation instead of rental on your own.
• Eat home-cooked meals instead of going to restaurants.
• Use public transportation and always use student discounts.
• Research part-time jobs (20 hours/week during term).
• Always use student discounts for recreation/entertainment and services. 

Conclusion

How much studying in New Zealand for international students (2025) costs depends on the type of university you want to go to, the type of program you want to study, and your personal lifestyle. For Indian students, the average cost of studying in New Zealand is in the range of INR 17-29 lakh a year (including tuition and living expenses). By gaining scholarships, using cost-effective options, and planning properly, studying in New Zealand can be a valuable and financially feasible experience.

Faqs

Q1. What is the average cost of studying in New Zealand for Indian students?

Ans. On average, Indian students pay between INR 17–29 lakh, which includes both tuition fees and living expenses, each year for studying in New Zealand. 

Q2. How much is the cost of studying in New Zealand in Indian Rupees for a Master’s degree?

Ans. On average, tuition fees for a Master’s program are between INR 9–14 lakh per year, depending on the university and course. 

Q3. Is studying in New Zealand cheaper than Australia?

Ans. Yes. On average, the cost of studying in New Zealand costs less than studying in Australia, although living costs are similar.

Q4. What is the cost of a New Zealand student visa for Indians?

Ans. The fee for the student visa is approximately INR 37,000 (NZD 750) plus health insurance and medical examinations.

Q5. Can Indian students work part-time while studying in New Zealand?

Ans. Yes, international students are able to work up to 20 hours a week while studying and full time during breaks, which can help offset living costs.