Content Curator | Updated On - Sep 20, 2024
In recent years, New Zealand has emerged as a popular study-abroad destination for Indian students. The country welcomed 68,135 international students, with 17% coming from India. The living expenses for a student living in New Zealand can range from NZD 25,000 to NZD 35,000 annually (13,00,000-18,00,000 INR). This budget can cover accommodation, food, transportation, and other essential costs.
Dunedin and Christchurch are among the most affordable cities with living expenses ranging between 1200-2500 NZD monthly (78,000 - 1,62,500 INR). Students can try to secure scholarships that also cover living expenses such as Fulbright New Zealand General Graduate Awards, Commonwealth Scholarships, and New Zealand International Undergraduate Fees Scholarships. Additionally, part-time job options in retail, tutoring, waitressing, and supermarket work can also provide earnings of NZD 20 to 25 per hour.
Overview of Cost of Living in New Zealand
The table below shows the summary of estimated annual expenses for international students:
| Expense Type | Estimated Annual Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 10,000 - 20,000 (5L - 1OL INR) |
| Food | 3,600 - 6,000 (1.8L - 3L INR) |
| Transportation | 2,500 (1.25L INR) |
| Utilities | 2,400 - 3,600 (1.2L - 1.8L INR) |
| Internet | 1,200 (60K INR) |
| Health Insurance | 800 (40K INR) |
| Entertainment | 2,500 (1.25L INR) |
New Zealand offers a diverse and vibrant environment for international students, but understanding the cost of living is crucial for effective financial planning. The overall cost of living in New Zealand varies significantly depending on the city and lifestyle choices, with average annual expenses ranging from NZD 25,000 to NZD 35,000.
Check: Top Universities in New Zealand
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation is typically the largest expense for students. Options include:
- Halls of Residence: Managed by educational institutions, these accommodations often provide fully furnished rooms with shared amenities. Monthly rents range from NZD 860 to NZD 1,500 for uncatered rooms (without meals) and can go up to NZD 1,900 for catered (with meals) options.
- Homestays: Living with a local family can be a great way to integrate into New Zealand culture. Homestays generally cost around NZD 1,200 per month and include meals.
- Flats: Renting a flat is popular among students seeking independence. Costs vary by city but typically range from NZD 600 to NZD 1,200 per month for shared accommodations, with some studio flats costing up to NZD 1,500 monthly.
|
Flat Type |
Flat charges |
|
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom (NZD) | 2 Bedroom (NZD) | |
| Flat (Shared) | 600 - 1,200
(39,000 - 78,000 INR) |
1,200 - 2,500
(78,000 - 1,62,500 INR) |
| Flat (Private) | 1,200 - 1,500
(78,000 - 97,500 INR) |
2,000 - 3,000
(1,30,000 - 1,95,000 INR) |
Food Expenses
Food costs can also add up quickly. Students should budget approximately NZD 300 to NZD 500 per month for groceries and dining out. Cooking at home is generally more economical, while a meal at an inexpensive restaurant typically costs around NZD 20 to NZD 30.
Transportation
Transportation is another significant expense. Public transport is reliable and affordable, with monthly passes costing between NZD 120 and NZD 200 depending on the city. For those who prefer driving, fuel prices and parking fees should also be considered. The modes of transportation for students to travel through are given below:
Modes of Transportation
| Mode of Transport | Cost (NZD) | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 4 - 12 NZD per trip | 260 - 780 INR |
| Train | 4 - 12 NZD per trip | 260 - 780 INR |
| Taxi/Uber | 3 - 5 NZD per kilometer | 195 - 325 INR |
| Ferry | 5 - 70 NZD | 325 - 4,550 INR |
| Cycle (rented | 1 - 2 NZD per hour | 65 - 130 INR |
| Domestic Flight | 50 - 80 NZD | 3,250 - 5,200 INR |
Other Expenses
Apart from the major expenses of accommodation, food and transport, some of the miscellaneous expenses also include the following:
- Utilities and Internet - Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) can range from NZD 2,400 to NZD 3,600 annually. Internet services typically cost around NZD 100 per month.
- Health Insurance - International students are required to have health insurance while studying in New Zealand. The average cost for health insurance is approximately NZD 800 per year.
- Miscellaneous Expenses - Students should also account for personal expenses such as clothing, entertainment, and leisure activities. A budget of around NZD 2,500 annually is reasonable for these miscellaneous costs.
Cost of Living in New Zealand Universities
Various universities in New Zealand provide students with accommodation facilities, the table given below shows the accommodation cost of the top 10 universities in New Zealand.
| University | Accommodation cost (Annual, NZD) | Expected yearly Living Expenses (NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Auckland | 7,000 - 10,000
(3.5L - 5L INR) |
20,000 - 25,000
(10L - 12.5L INR) |
| University of Otago | 8,000 - 12,000
(4L - 6L INR) |
20,000 - 25,000
(10L - 12.5L INR) |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 8,500 - 12,500
(4.25L - 6.25L INR) |
20,000 - 25,000
(10L - 12.5L INR) |
| University of Canterbury | 7,500 - 11,500
(3.75L - 5.75L INR) |
20,000 - 25,000
(10L - 12.5L INR) |
| Massey University | 6,500 - 10,500
(3.25L - 5.25L) |
20,000 - 25,000
(10L - 12.5L INR) |
| University of Waikato | 7,000 - 10,000
(3.5L - 5L INR) |
20,000 - 25,000
(10L - 12.5L INR) |
| Auckland University of Technology | 7,500 - 11,000
(3.75L - 5.5L INR) |
20,000 - 25,000
(10L - 12.5L INR) |
| Lincoln University | 6,500 - 9,500
(3.25L - 4.75L INR) |
20,000 - 25,000
(10L - 12.5L INR) |
| Eastern Institute of Technology | 6,500 - 9,500
(3.25L - 4.75L INR) |
20,000 - 25,000
(10L - 12.5L INR) |
| Unitec Institute of Technology | 6,500 - 9,500
(3.25L - 4.75L INR) |
20,000 - 25,000
(10L - 12.5L INR) |
Cost of Living in New Zealand Cities
The table below summarizes the cost of living in various cities in New Zealand for international students:
| City | Average Monthly Expense (NZD) | Average Rent per Month (NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | 1,996 (99.8K INR) | 2,215 (1.1L INR) |
| Wellington | 1,829 (91.45K INR) | 2,500 (1.25L INR) |
| Christchurch | 1,556 (77.8K INR) | 2,300 (1.15L INR) |
| Hamilton | 1,582 (79.1K INR) | 1,600 (80K INR) |
| Dunedin | 1,240 (62K INR) | 1,200 (60K INR) |
| Queenstown | 2,000 (100K INR) | 2,500 (1.25L INR) |
| Tauranga | 1,800 (90K INR) | 1,800 (90K INR) |
| Palmerston North | 1,500 (75K INR) | 1,400 (70K INR) |
| Napier-Hastings | 1,450 (72.5K INR) | 1,300 (65K INR) |
| Nelson | 1,600 (80K INR) | 1,500 (75K INR) |
Note -: Auckland is quite popular city among international student as it have many popular universities, and staying in same city provide the economical opportunity for students.
Students who are aspiring to study in New Zealand universities must know that for acquiring visa students must provide proof of having at least NZD 15,000 to cover their expenses for the first year of study. This requirement ensures that students can afford tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs while pursuing their education.Students are advised to plan their finances meticulously to ensure they can comfortably cover their living expenses and fully enjoy their educational experience in New Zealand
FAQs
Ques. Are there discounts available for international students on transportation?
Ans. Yes, there are discounts available on many public transport system for studentsmajorly prepaid transport card offers saving or capped daily charges opportunities.
Ques. What is the cheapest city in New Zealand for international students?
Ans. Dunedin and Christchurch are the cheapest city for international students in New Zealand.
Ques. What is the most expensive city in New Zealand for international students?
Ans. Queenstown and Auckland are the expensive city for international students in New Zealand.
Ques. What is New Zealand ranked in Quality of life index?
Ans. New Zealand is ranked 10 among 83 countries as per the US News quality of life index, 2024 ranking.
1691580782.png?tr=w-305,h-145,c-force?h=175&w=350&mode=stretch)
Comments