Living funds
Tertiary students generally need NZ$20,000 for each year of study.
Destination guide
Study in New Zealand
New Zealand study visas connect your offer of place, tuition payment, genuine intentions, health, insurance and access to living funds. The provider must be approved and meet the pastoral-care requirements for international learners.
Before you shortlist
Before you choose a course
Compare the qualification, provider, city and complete budget, then confirm the details in your offer and current student-visa guidance.
Visa fee
The Fee Paying Student Visa currently starts from NZ$850.
Work condition
Eligible student visas may allow up to 25 hours of work a week.
Insurance
Acceptable medical and travel insurance is required for most international students.
Study options
Find your study pathway
Course names alone are not enough. Compare qualification level, duration, assessment, progression and professional relevance.
English language
Approved full-time English courses with work rights only when specific conditions are met.
Certificates and diplomas
NZQCF-aligned applied qualifications at different levels and durations.
Bachelor's degrees
Undergraduate study through universities and approved tertiary providers.
Postgraduate and research
Graduate certificates, master's degrees and doctoral routes.
Application pathway
Your application, step by step
Requirements differ by institution and personal circumstances. Keep every decision traceable and every document consistent.
View student visa guidanceProfile and course review
Check academic history, subject fit, entry criteria and realistic progression.
Provider shortlist
Compare recognition, location, tuition, intakes and the support offered to international students.
Admission application
Prepare accurate academic, identity and English-language evidence for the institution.
Offer and payment review
Read every condition, deadline, refund term and deposit requirement before paying.
Visa preparation
Organise funds, health, identity and study-purpose evidence around the official checklist.
Pre-departure plan
Arrange housing, insurance, travel, arrival documents and the first weeks of living costs.
Costs and funding
Plan your study budget
Use current official and provider figures before paying. Exchange rates, tuition and immigration charges can change.
Tuition
Fees vary by course, provider and duration; use the offer of place and provider invoice.
Living funds
Plan around the NZ$20,000 annual immigration requirement for tertiary study.
Accommodation
Official guidance shows options from shared housing to catered halls, with very different weekly costs.
Food and transport
Study with New Zealand suggests at least NZ$80–$120 weekly for basic groceries alone.
Immigration New Zealand figures reviewed 22 July 2026. Figures are guidance, not a guarantee of admission or visa approval.
Work and everyday budget
Work and living costs
Employment is never a substitute for the funds required to study. These figures help you compare local pay rules with common recurring costs.
Hourly baselineNZD 23.95 / hourAdult minimum wage
Student work limitUp to 25 hours / weekAlways check the visa conditions
Gross illustrationAbout NZD 599 gross / weekBefore tax and deductions
Typical living-cost guideLocal currency
Shared roomFrom NZD 140 / week
Catered hallUp to NZD 484+ / week
GroceriesNZD 80–120 / week
TransportCity dependent
Phone and internetPlan dependent
Insurance and setupProvider dependent
Living and studying
Before you travel
Work conditions
Eligible visas may allow 25 hours a week during study and full-time work in scheduled holidays.
Health and insurance
Medical and travel insurance must meet the code and be acceptable to the education provider.
City choice
Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and regional centres have different rent and transport profiles.
Arrival planning
Keep accessible copies of your offer, visa, funds, address, insurance and provider contacts.
Official references
Check the source before you make a decision.
Rules can change. These links are the official starting points used to review this guide.