First of all: Studying in New Zealand is expensive. Compared to other OECD countries, the cost of living in the island state is not much higher. The included tuition fees, rent and imported groceries for daily needs still make a big difference. Despite all of this, the investment is worth it, as there are many good reasons for studying in New Zealand. Some funding options are open to students. Scholarships, BAföG abroad and the opportunity to work on the side can help keep the costs of studying low and help you discover New Zealand.
Tuition expenses
The New Zealand educational institutions generally have tuition fees. Depending on the course and university, the fees for international students in the Bachelor and Master programs vary from mostly NZ $ 24,000 to NZ $ 36,000 per academic year. Individual courses, especially in the medical field, are even more expensive. Information on the current tuition fees can be found on the universities’ websites. Local students pay a significantly lower amount for their studies. The Ph.D. programs have the same fees for international students and New Zealand students.
Cost of Living in New Zealand
According to shoe-wiki, the cost of living in New Zealand varies by region. Students should budget around NZ $ 1,200 to NZ $ 1,700 per month for rent, utilities, food, internet, and transportation.
The prices for food are similar to the costs in Germany, but some imported goods are significantly more expensive. Students in New Zealand spend an average of NZ $ 70 to NZ $ 90 per week on meals.
Depending on the region, rents in New Zealand are particularly high. The universities usually offer accommodation in dormitories. This costs between NZ $ 180 and NZ $ 220 per week. However, a meal allowance is included in this price. An off-campus room in a shared flat can be a bit cheaper and is somewhere between NZ $ 80 and NZ $ 120 per week.
The everyday routes can be covered on foot, by bike or by bus. Some universities even offer a free bus shuttle. However, a car is the main form of transport for New Zealanders and is ideal for setting out on a discovery tour on your own after the lectures.
Many tips on the cost of studying in New Zealand can be found in the testimonials of students who have completed a semester or study abroad there. For example, students recommend not ignoring New Zealand’s second-hand market for furniture, cars or bicycles. For example, many students rent or buy a car to explore the North and South Islands, because traveling is an essential part of studying in New Zealand. Students can also travel cheaply domestically using trains, ferries, and domestic flights.
Study costs: financing options
Studying in New Zealand is relatively expensive due to the tuition fees and high housing costs. But there are many ways to make the dream come true with the help of financial support.
Foreign BAföG
As part of a semester program, students can apply for BAföG abroad for a semester abroad in New Zealand. The stay abroad must be at least one semester or two trimesters long. The assessment limits are higher than in Germany, so that more students have the opportunity to receive funding. Subsidies are made for tuition fees of up to EUR 4,600, travel costs of EUR 500 each for the outward and return journey and a surcharge for international health insurance. Students have to repay half of the airfare, health insurance and monthly travel allowance.
The Student Union in Frankfurt (Oder) is responsible for BAföG abroad for New Zealand.
Grants
In addition to the DAAD, numerous foundations and organizations promoting talented students award scholarships for a stay abroad. Talented students usually have to meet certain selection criteria in order to receive financial support. In addition, New Zealand universities and the New Zealand government regularly award scholarships to international students, especially doctoral students.
Student loans and education funds
A student loan or an education fund can also be used to finance studies or semesters in New Zealand. Students should inform themselves individually about the requirements, conditions and repayment modalities of various providers.
Part-time job while studying
The New Zealand student visa allows you to work alongside your studies. Are allowed 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during the holidays. Master’s students who graduate through research (by thesis) or PhD students at a New Zealand educational institution can work full-time during their studies.
