🇳🇿OceaniaPost-Study Work visa: up to 3 yrsPR: StrongNZD (NZ$)

Study in New Zealand

Small classes, huge scenery, real work rights. Discover verified tuition costs, monthly living expenses, post-study work rights, and residency options.

Tuition RangeNZ$25k–$40kAnnual average

Living CostsNZ$1,700–$2,300/moMonthly budget

Post-Study WorkPost-Study Work visaPost-Study Work visa: up to 3 yrs

Work While Studying20 hours/weekFull-time breaks

Overview & Key Advantages

New Zealand offers an extraordinary combination of high-ranking universities, tight-knit academic communities, and awe-inspiring natural beauty. All 8 of New Zealand's public universities rank in the top 3% globally, offering practical research and straightforward migration routes through the Green List.

All 8 Public Universities Top 3% Globally

New Zealand is the only nation where every single public university is ranked in the global top 500 by QS.

Up to 3-Year Post-Study Work Visa

Degree graduates enjoy open work rights up to 3 years to pursue their chosen professional career.

Direct Green List PR Pathways

Fast-track residence pathways for qualifications in healthcare, civil engineering, construction, and IT.

Unmatched Outdoor Quality of Life

Live in a peaceful, secure society globally celebrated for environmental preservation, sports, and friendliness.

Student Visa & Entry Requirements

Official Visa Name

Fee Paying Student Visa

Application Fee: NZ$375

Healthcare Coverage

Private/university health insurance required

Financial Proof (Funds)

NZ$20,000/year

NZ$20,000/year (approx.)

Application Roadmap to New Zealand

Offer of Place & Fee Payment

Receive your unconditional Offer of Place from an NZQA-accredited university and pay course tuition.

Proof of Funds (NZ$20,000)

Provide bank statements showing at least NZ$20,000 per academic year for living expenses plus outbound travel funds.

Medical & Police Certificates

Provide chest x-ray and general medical exam certificates from an approved panel physician.

Lodge Visa Application Online

Submit via Immigration New Zealand portal, pay the NZ$375 application fee, and receive eVisa.

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Official Government Immigration PortalImmigration New Zealand

Visit Official Portal

Tuition Fees & Cost of Living Breakdown

Estimated Annual Tuition by Degree Level

Degree Level	Typical Annual Cost	Key Details
Bachelor's Degrees3-year standard degrees with extensive hands-on applied research.	NZ$24,000 – NZ$38,000 / year	3-year standard degrees with extensive hands-on applied research.
Master's Degrees1 to 2 years in duration, granting maximum post-study work rights.	NZ$26,000 – NZ$42,000 / year	1 to 2 years in duration, granting maximum post-study work rights.
PhD Degrees (Domestic Fee Rate!)International PhD students pay the exact same low subsidised fee as domestic Kiwi students.	NZ$7,000 – NZ$9,000 / year	International PhD students pay the exact same low subsidised fee as domestic Kiwi students.

Monthly Living Expenses Budget

Average total: NZ$1,700–$2,300/mo

Accommodation & FlattingNZ$750 – NZ$1,350 / month

Furnished room in shared house or student hall.

Food & GroceriesNZ$320 – NZ$480 / month

Weekly grocery baskets and campus lunches.

Public TransportNZ$80 – NZ$150 / month

Buses, commuter trains, and ferries.

Utilities & Personal ExpensesNZ$120 – NZ$200 / month

Shared power/fibre, phone, and outdoor weekend activities.

Work Rights & Settlement Pathways

Working While Enrolled

International students on degree-level programs can work up to 20 hours per week during academic semesters and full-time during holidays.

Post-Study Work Visa (Post-Study Work visa)

Graduates of degree-level courses (NZQF level 7 and above) are eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa for up to 3 years.

Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

Graduates can gain residence through the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) 6-point system or the Straight to Residence / Work to Residence Green List pathways.

High Demand Employment Sectors for Graduates

Civil, Structural & Geotechnical EngineeringNursing, Medicine & Allied HealthSoftware Engineering & Digital TechEnvironmental Science & Sustainable AgriculturePrimary & Secondary School Teaching

Top Universities in New Zealand

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#65 QS World

University of Auckland

Auckland

New Zealand's largest and highest-ranked research university.

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#214 QS World

University of Otago

Dunedin

Famous for medical sciences, research excellence, and legendary student culture.

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#244 QS World

Victoria University of Wellington

Wellington

Situated in the capital, renowned for law, public policy, and creative arts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is New Zealand especially attractive for PhD students?

In New Zealand, international PhD students pay the exact same low domestic tuition fees as local citizens (approx. NZ$7,000–$9,000/yr), can work full-time, and their partners receive open work visas.

What is New Zealand's Green List?

The Green List is a national register of high-priority occupations offering direct pathways to New Zealand residence for graduates with targeted qualifications in engineering, healthcare, and tech.

Can international students work during studies in NZ?

Yes, student visa holders enrolled in full-time degree programmes can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during scheduled holiday breaks.

Is healthcare covered for international students?

International students are generally not eligible for publicly funded healthcare in NZ, so comprehensive travel and medical insurance is a compulsory condition of holding a student visa.

A note on immigration routes

Visa categories, post-study work rights and permanent residence pathways shown on NELO are guidance only, based on publicly available rules at the time of writing — they are not immigration advice and can change without notice. Always confirm current requirements directly with the official government immigration authority for your destination before making any decisions.