Cost of Living in New Zealand for Indian Students

Sristy Sharma
Updated on Feb 17, 2022 8:04 PM IST

Student Livings Cost in New Zealand

International Students who wish to pursue higher studies from New Zealand, they will have to spend somewhere between $20,000 and $24,000 per annum in addition to their insurance and tuition fees. On average, the students have to spend approximately $1,700 to $2,000 per month on food expenses, rent/accommodation, internet, phone bills etc. The average monthly expenses may vary according to different cities like Auckland, where the cost of living is a bit higher. In addition, the students have to submit a proof of NZD $15,000 per year to the immigration.

The average monthly expense that an International student has to bear during his/her stay in New Zealand has been summarised below:

Accommodation $800-$950
Groceries $400-$600
Electricity $160-$170
Internet $60-$70
Mobile Bill $16-$29
Entertainment $200
Transportation (Taxi) $10-$12 (5 km)
Food $18-$20

Average Cost of Study in Zealand

The flexible structure of the New Zealand education system allows the Universities to set and regulate their own tuition fees. This means the tuition fee of each and every University in New Zealand will be different. Mentioned below is the fee structure of Undergraduate (Bachelor’s), Postgraduate and Doctorate programmes offered by Universities in New Zealand:

    • Undergraduate Courses- $22,000 to $32,000 per annum

    • Postgraduate Courses- $26,000 to $37,000 per annum

    • PhD courses- $6,500 to $9,000 per annum

    • Diploma/Certificate Courses- $13,500 to $16,000 per annum (Depending on the Institute)

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FAQs on Cost of Living in New Zealand for Indian Students in 2025

Is health insurance necessary to live in New Zealand?

Yes. Health insurance and travel insurance is an absolute necessity for all the international students in New Zealand. The covers are expected to start with the arrival of the student in the country. The insurance policy must cover the student's expenses for the whole duration of their stay in New Zealand.

Which is the cheapest city in New Zealand for international students?

There is no city in New Zealand which can be considered as cheap for international students in comparison to other countries. However, Hamilton, Napier, Hastings, Whangarei, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Tauranga and New Plymouth are some of the New Zealand cities which are affordable.

Which are the costliest student cities in New Zealand?

Among the costliest student cities in New Zealand are Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch and Wellington. In fact, Auckland and Wellington are included among the top 100 most expensive cities of the world along with cities like Hong Kong, Ashgabat, Beijing, Tokyo and Seattle. The living expenses might average to NZD 60,000-82,000 annually in these New Zealand cities.

What are the average living expenses for international students in New Zealand?

The annual average living expenses of an international student in New Zealand may range between NZD 14,000 and NZD 18,000. These expenses are apart from education expenses, which are tuition and other fees charged by the universities from their students. Overall, the annual expenditures may amount to NZD 35,000-55,000 depending upon the university, city, etc.

Are living expenses included for financial proof in New Zealand?

Yes, living expenses included for financial proof in New Zealand. Even in the case of scholarships to study in New Zealand, these have to be furnished especially if the scholarship doesn’t cover the expenses or only a part of the whole.

Why is New Zealand so expensive?

New Zealand is an island country and all the products, commodities and services which are not indigenous have to be imported overseas, which becomes costlier due to absence of land connection with other countries. This causes an overall effect of increase of prices due to interdependency of all components of the economy, thereby, making New Zealand an expensive country.

Are travel expenses too high in New Zealand?

There are many public transport options available for the students residing in New Zealand, and these options are all part of well-maintained machinery and luxurious, but this also makes them quite expensive. On average, monthly travel costs in New Zealand can amount to NZD 600-1000. This cost may be customised with travel passes or transportation provided by the university.

What are the most common living expenses for an international student in New Zealand?

The common living expenses for an international student in New Zealand include rent, food, water, electricity, transportation, lifestyle necessities, medical expenses, leisure expenses, fitness, etc. Apart from these common expenses, there are also incidental expenses which may be used whenever the time arises.

Is living in New Zealand expensive?

International students will find New Zealand as expensive as the US and UK. This is due to the fact that the nation is a developed country and the quality of life is excellent. The annual average living expenses for an international student in New Zealand is NZD 15,600.

Is tuition fees included in living expenses in New Zealand?

No. Tuition fee is not included in the living expenses of international students in New Zealand. The expenses which are included are accommodation expenses, travel expenses, medical expenses, necessities, leisure activities and other miscellaneous expenses. Incidental expenses are also included in the living expenses as they are mostly urgent and absolute.

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