Study in New Zealand: Tuition Fees and Scholarships

All higher education in New Zealand requires you to pay per academic year of study. Fees in New Zealand are relatively low compared to those of other developed countries.

• Fees for undergraduate study can cost about NZ$22,000–$32,000 (US$16,000-$23,000) per year. Costs vary depending on your course.
• Postgraduate courses can cost between NZ$26,000-$37,000 (US$19,000-$27,000) per year.
• Living costs across much of New Zealand normally come to at least NZ$15,000 (US$11,000) per year.

In order to be granted a student visa, you will have to prove that you can not only pay the university/school fees during your time of study, but also that you can support yourself during that time. If you aren’t able to cover the costs through private means, you do still have some possibilities:

• It’s possible to be granted an extension on your visa for part-time work up to 20 hours per-week in term time and full-time during holidays. You will however have to prove that you can pay your way even without the job.
• Any government grants, scholarships or loans granted from your home country can be counted towards the threshold. 
• The New Zealand government grants certain international scholarships, for both undergraduate and postgraduate study. You can find more information on these here.

If you’re intending to stay for longer than six months or are intending to work, you will require an IRD number. This is your individual tax number supplied by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). The reason you need this number, even if you are not working, is that, if you have money in a New Zealand bank, resident withholding tax (RWT) will be withdrawn from any interest you earn. Without an IRD number, this tax will be deducted at a higher non-declaration rate.

As for scholarships, New Zealand has plenty on offer. You can find a list here. Your home country might also offer scholarships for study abroad in New Zealand.