New Zealand Services Money

Services for Students
Studying in New Zealand

Tuition fees for international students in New Zealand can range between NZ$10,500 - NZ$16,000 per year for an under-graduate degree. Postgraduate courses begin from NZ$15,000 per year and MBA Degrees are about NZ$22,000. For further details about fees, what they cover and payment methods, visit: www.newzealandeducated.com/index.cfm?layout

Please be aware that to be eligible for a student visa or permit you will need to pay your fees in advance. There is usually a non-refundable application or administration fee.

When choosing a college or university, you will need to be aware of the cost of living (accommodation, travel, food, etc) in the surrounding area. This can vary between different parts of New Zealand. For example, food, clothing, entertainment, and other living expenses may be more expensive in a city.

Being able to finance your studies is one of the most important considerations to take into account when applying to study in New Zealand. Careful planning is therefore essential, as it is normally not possible to arrange for more financial aid once you arrive at an institution in New Zealand. You can get a general idea of expenses by looking on university websites and at their catalogues or application information. You will then be able to work out a budget for your stay in New Zealand. It is important to remember that individual circumstances will vary by location, course and lifestyle.

A student should be able to live in New Zealand for a total cost of living of between NZ$8,000 and NZ$10,000 a year including accommodation, transport and entertainment. For a guide to expenses additional to fees, please visit:
www.newzealandeducated.com/index.cfm?layout

As an international student, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the university or college to which you are applying. However, it is advisable to research into whether you are eligible for support in your home country from a private trust, a private company, or your home government before you reach New Zealand.

The NZAID Postgraduate Scholarship is available to students from selected developing countries. This scholarship funds postgraduate study in areas of home country developmental relevance. The scholarship covers tuition fees, return airfare, basic living allowance, health care insurance and an arrival allowance. In some cases dependants may also be provided for under the scholarship. For more information, please visit:
www.nzaid.govt.nz/scholarships/index.html

For further information on other scholarships and funding opportunities:

Association of Commonwealth Universities www.acu.ac.uk/home/

International Education Financial Aid www.IEFA.org

International Scholarships www.InternationalScholarships.com

International Student Loan www.InternationalStudentLoan.com

Banking

As an international student, you may be eligible to open a basic checking account with a bank in New Zealand. Each bank has different banking practices, and the types of checking accounts available vary from bank to bank as do the fees they charge. Some banks in New Zealand offer special banking packages for international students, which means you get discounted fees for banking services. They are often the banks with branches on university campuses.

You can do some research before you get to New Zealand, using the links below, to help you choose a bank account. When you arrive in New Zealand you will then be able to visit the local branch of the bank you have chosen. Some banks may even let you open an account in New Zealand before you arrive.

ANZ Bank www.anz.com/nz

ASB Bank www.asb.co.nz

Bank of New Zealand www.bnz.co.nz/

National Bank www.nationalbank.co.nz

Westpac Trust www.westpactrust.co.nz

You will most likely need some form of identification to open a checking account. You may be asked for your visa as proof of residency before you are able to open a bank account.