Student Accommodation in New Zealand

New Zealand, nicknamed the Land of the Long White Cloud, has become a global academic center of learning. This beautiful country is a great place to live and study among the international community. As of December 2023, over 69,000 students are enrolled at the universities in New Zealand. These students are offered unique opportunities to study at top universities and thrive in a budget-friendly environment.

Here are the major reasons to study in New Zealand. 

Globally Recognized Education System: New Zealand's education system is modeled after the successful UK framework, ensuring high academic standards. All eight of its universities are ranked among the top 3% globally, offering internationally respected and recognized qualifications. 

Affordable Tuition Fees and Cost of Living: Compared to other popular study destinations, New Zealand offers more affordable tuition fees and living expenses. International students pay between NZ$20,500 - NZ$50,000 per academic year, making it a cost-effective option for quality education. 

Post-Study Work Opportunities: New Zealand provides a "Post-Study Work Visa" for up to three years. This allows international students to seek employment and gain work experience in the country post-graduation. This facilitates a smooth transition from academic to professional life. 

Safe and Peaceful Environment: Ranked as the fourth most peaceful country globally according to the 2024 Global Peace Index, New Zealand offers an exceptionally safe and supportive environment for education. Low crime rates and political stability contribute to a secure living and learning atmosphere. 

Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity: New Zealanders are known for their friendliness and openness towards internationals, following the traditional Māori principle of manaakitanga, which emphasizes care and respect for others. This creates a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds. 

Stunning Natural Landscapes and Outdoor Activities: Beyond academics, New Zealand offers breathtaking natural beauty, from mountains to beaches. Students can engage in various outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and water sports, enriching their overall experience.

New Zealand is home to eight major universities in the world. Here are all the eight top universities in New Zealand.

The University of Auckland

QS Rank: #65

City: Auckland

University of Otago

QS Rank: #214

City: Dunedin

University of Waikato

QS Rank: #235

City: Hamilton

Massey University

QS Rank: #239

City: Palmerston North

Victoria University of Wellington

QS Rank: #244

City: Kelburn, Wellington

University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha

QS Rank: #261

City: Christchurch

Lincoln University

QS Rank: #371

City: Lincoln

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

QS Rank: #412

City: Auckland

Studying in New Zealand offers a high-quality education system with relatively affordable costs compared to other Western countries. The cost of studying in New Zealand can vary from NZ$20,000 to NZ$50,000/ year. Here’s a detailed division of the cost of studying in New Zealand.

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate Degrees: NZ$22,000 to NZ$30,000 per year. 

Postgraduate Degrees: NZ$25,000 to NZ$40,000 per year.

MBA Programs: NZ$31,000 to NZ$50,000 per year. 

Living Expenses

Student Residence Halls:

NZ$150 to NZ$500

Shared Apartments:

NZ$120 to NZ$350

Private Apartments:

NZ$200 to NZ$700

Food and Groceries:

NZ$80 to NZ$120

Utilities and Bills:

NZ$30 to NZ$50

Internet and Mobile:

NZ$20 to NZ$40

Miscellaneous:

NZ$50 to NZ$120

Tuition Fees: Your tuition fees in New Zealand will largely depend on the academic level and chosen discipline. For instance, undergraduate degrees typically range from NZ$22,000 to NZ$30,000 per year, while postgraduate degrees can cost between NZ$25,000 and NZ$35,000 annually.  

Accommodation: Housing expenses depend on the type and location. Student residence halls may cost approximately NZ$200 per week, shared flats around NZ$120 per week, and private flats about NZ$180 per week. 

Cost of Living: Daily expenses such as food, transportation, and utilities vary by city. Larger cities like Auckland and Wellington tend to have higher living costs compared to smaller towns. On average, students should budget between NZ$13,000 and NZ$16,000 per academic year for living expenses.  

Health Insurance: International students are required to have health insurance, which adds to the overall cost. The expense varies depending on the provider and coverage selected. 

Course Materials and Supplies: Depending on the field of study, students may need to purchase textbooks, lab equipment, or other materials, which can add to the overall cost. 

Transportation: Public transport costs can vary. For example, depending on how far you live from your place of study, public transport costs can be up to NZ$37 a week. 

Personal Lifestyle Choices: Individual spending habits on dining, entertainment, and travel can significantly impact the overall cost of living.

As a student in New Zealand, you’ll be offered exceptional housing options. Each of the student accommodation types in New Zealand offer a comfortable experience to make the best of their academic life. 

On-campus student accommodation in New Zealand are known as the Student Residence Halls. These properties are directly management by the university in proximility to the campus. Students who want to live near the campus can consider these on-campus housing. 

Off-campus student accommodation in New Zealand include multiple student rooms, private apartments, PBSAs, and homestays. These privately-owned properties feature all the essential housing facilities, including furnished bedrooms, private kitchen and bathroom, utilities, etc.

Private Student Apartments

These are the ideal choices for every student seeking an independent and private life. These self-contained apartments come with furnished bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen with cooking appliances, bathroom with geysers for hot showers and essential toiletries, etc.

Purpose-Built Student Accommodations (PBSAs)

Designed specifically for students, PBSAs offer a range of room types, from studios to shared apartments. They often come fully furnished and include amenities such as study areas, gyms, and social spaces, fostering a community environment. PBSAs are usually located near universities, providing convenience and a supportive atmosphere.  

Homestays

If you wish to live with a local host family in New Zealand and experience cultural immersion, then homestays should be your first choice. Students have a private room and share common areas with the family. Homestays also include meals and utilities in the cost and provide a supportive environment. 

Universities in New Zealand offer a wide range of courses in fields like Arts & Humanities, Business & Management, Engineering & Technology, Healthcare, Science, etc. Here are the top subjects and their courses to study in New Zealand.

Arts & Humanities:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Global Studies
• Master of Arts
• Master of Public Policy
• Postgraduate Diploma in Arts

Business & Management:

• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
• Bachelor of Business Analytics
• Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Master of Business Management (MBM)

Postgraduate Certificate in Business Management (PGCertBM)

Engineering & Technology:

• BEng in Civil Engineering
• BEng in Chemical Engineering
• BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• MEng in Chemical and Materials Engineering

Healthcare:

• Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc)
• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
• Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHSc)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Sciences

Science:

• BSc in Biological Science
• BSc in Physics
• BSc in Marine Science
• MSc in Environmental Science
• PG Diploma Science in Physics