New Zealand should be on your top list when considering a country to study in as an international student.
Wondering why I said that? I will tell you!
New Zealand is one of the world’s top countries that is safe for all categories of people, including students. The country has fantastic and unique features that make it conducive for its citizens and visitors.
Due to the country’s multicultural focus and world-class academic institutions, it houses over 130,000 international students who travel to the country for their studies every year.
In fact, the country provides the best education quality anyone can ever imagine of.
Although the country doesn’t have many universities like other developed countries, universities are ranked among the best in the world.
Interestingly, despite the quality of education they provide, their tuition fees are much more affordable when compared to other destinations like the UK and the United States.
In this article, I’ll list the 11 most affordable universities in New Zealand that offer exceptional academic services for national and international students.
Before I proceed, let me share a little about New Zealand education.
Meanwhile, here’s the table of content below for an overview of what to expect from this article.
Table of contents
- About New Zealand
- Why study in New Zealand
- How much will it cost to study in New Zealand?
- What are the Requirements for Studying in New Zealand?
- What are the affordable Universities in New Zealand?
- #1. The University of Waikato
- #2. Victory University of Wellington
- #3. University of Canterbury
- #4. University of Otago
- #5. Massey University
- #6. Lincoln University
- #7. Auckland University of Technology
- #8. Whitireia New Zealand
- #9. Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC)
- #10. The University of Auckland
- #11. Laidlaw College
- Bottom Line
- Reference
- Recommendations
About New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the Pacific Ocean. The country mainly comprises two islands. These are the North Island and South Island, although there are many smaller islands. The closest countries to New Zealand are Australia and the Pacific island nations: Fiji, New Caledonia, and Tonga.
Made internationally famous through the Lord of the Rings film series, the beautiful scenery of New Zealand is varied thanks to ancient volcanic eruptions.
New Zealand offers a rich mix of cultures, including Maori, Pakeha (people of European descent), Asian and Pacific populations.
It is a developed country and does well in national performance rankings. These rankings consider all aspects, including quality of life, health, education, and economic freedom. The most dominant sector of the national economy is the service sector, followed by the industrial sector.
Related Article: New Zealand Aid Programme Scholarship for International Students, 2024
Why study in New Zealand
New Zealand has several higher education institutions: universities, colleges, private institutions, and polytechnics. There are 12 universities in New Zealand, which all offer high-quality education.
They rank all 12 universities within the QS World University Ranking top 500. The University of Auckland is the highest-ranked in 82nd place, followed by the University of Otago in 151st.
One great advantage to studying in New Zealand is the unique approach to education. They encourage students to think individually and find their solutions, which is how many develop unique strengths and ideas whilst studying in the country.
You can study in New Zealand at all the traditional levels; undergraduate (bachelor’s), postgraduate (master’s), and doctoral (Ph.D.).
There are options to gain specific qualifications, such as Graduate Diplomas and Honours. These types of studies generally last one year.
How much will it cost to study in New Zealand?
The cost of studying in New Zealand differs by institution. Every institution in the country has its own studying cost for its national and international students.
For instance, as an international student, you should expect to pay about $22,000-$32,000 for a bachelor’s degree and $26000 to $37,000 for a postgraduate program. To go for Ph.D. will cost you about $6,500 to $9,000 a year.
However, you will pay higher if you want to study courses like veterinary science, engineering, medicine, or engineering.
In New Zealand, institutions and governments provide international students with bachelor, postgraduate, and Ph.D. degrees. Levels with scholarship opportunities. With these opportunities, they study without having much.
The cost of living, it depends on the part of New Zealand you want to stay. In most countries, it will cost you more to live in a bigger city than in a smaller town. However, to live in New Zealand, you might spend an average of $15,000-$27,000 a year.
Now, if you’re going to study in New Zealand for more than a year, you’ll have to show that you have at least $15,000 to support yourself in the first year.
Generally, you may need health care to study in New Zealand. This is going to depend on where you’re from.
You are not eligible for public health services if you hold a student visa. The exception to this law is students from Australia and the United Kingdom or Ph.D. students.
These students only may access government-provided health insurance for urgently required medication.
What are the Requirements for Studying in New Zealand?
New Zealand universities like the University of Auckland, University of Otago, University of Canterbury, Victoria University of Wellington, and Massey University have their different admission requirement any applicant desiring to get admitted must meet.
Though these requirements differ, some are still compulsory in all institutions.
Language tests and requirements are mandatory for all courses and universities in New Zealand. IELTS (minimum of 5.5), TOEFL, and PTE are the most popular English language proficiency tests used in the country.
For undergraduate, applicants must have NCEA level 3 or New Zealand year 13 for any undergraduate course. Conversely, graduate applicants must have excellent academic results and enough money to handle all their education expenses.
It is also essential to produce all the required documents and a valid visa for New Zealand Education.
Applicants will be expected to get GME or GMAT results for courses like MBA.
What are the affordable Universities in New Zealand?
There are 11 affordable universities in New Zealand. That means they have low tuition fees that 85% of international students who want to study there can afford comfortably. They include:
- University of Waikato
- Victory University of Wellington
- University of Canterbury
- University of Otago
- Massey University
- Lincoln University
- Auckland University of Technology
- Whitireia New Zealand
- Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC)
Related Article: How To Get A Working Holiday Visa In New Zealand
#1. The University of Waikato
The University of Waikato is an institution located in Hamilton, New Zealand. Founded in 1967 with the core aim of bringing to fulfillment the academic needs of citizens in the Southern Auckland region, the university has worked effectively towards making that a reality.
With a tuition fee of NZD 25,915 ($18,725) a year for undergraduate programs and NZD 31,615 (~$22,840) per year for graduate programs, the University of Waikato is renowned as one of the cheapest universities in New Zealand for international students.
Currently, it is placed 292 in the world by the QS World University Rankings.
Below are the available programs at the university:
- Arts
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Education
- Engineering
- Fine Arts
- Indigenous Studies
- Management.
- Health Sciences
- Law
Visit the university’s official website to learn more.
#2. Victory University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington is one of the affordable public universities in New Zealand, established in 1897.
The university is ranked No. 229 in the world’s Top 500 universities by the QS World Rankings, with more than 22,000 students on their three campuses (Kelburn, Pipitea, and Te Aro).
Out of the 22,000 students, 3700 are international students. However, undergraduate student’s tuition fee is about NZD 26,150 (~$18,895) per year, while graduate students are about NZD 29,050 (~$20,990) per year.
Below are the available Degree Programs
- Education
- Engineering
- Science
- Social Science
- Humanities
- Health
- Management
- Law
- Government
- Finance
- Economics
- Information Management
- Architecture
- Design
Visit the university’s official website to learn more.
#3. University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury is one of the best and most affordable universities in New Zealand. The university, since 1873 it was founded, has accepted national and international students.
Currently, the university has over 15,000 students studying different degree programs, and it’s ranked 2024 #270 by QS World University Rankings.
The institution is renowned for its wide range of programs and scholarships at different levels.
At Canterbury, tuition is very cheap. The tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs is about NZD 27,000 (~$19,510) a year, while the tuition Fee for Graduate Programs is NZD 30,250 (~$21,855) per year.
Below are the available programs the institution offers:
- Arts
- Commerce
- Education
- Engineering
- Fine Arts
- Forestry
- Health Sciences
- Law
- Music
- Social Work
- Sports Coaching
- Teaching
- Speech and Language Pathology
- Science
Visit the university’s website to learn more.
#4. University of Otago
The University of Otago, established in 1869, is the first university in New Zealand. It is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide because of the academic excellence and outstanding student experience they provide.
The universities with over 21,000 students house four academic divisions of schools, departments, faculties, and colleges.
And considering the aspect of its tuition fee, which is affordable, it is ranked as one of the most affordable universities in New Zealand.
The Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs is NZD 27,156 (~$19,620) per year, while that for Graduate Programs is NZD 22,712 (~$16,410) per year.
Available Degree Programs
- Business
- Science
- Humanities
- Health
- Science
Visit the university’s official website to learn more.
#5. Massey University
Address: Tennent Drive, Palmerston North, 4474, New Zealand
Massey University is among the cheapest universities in New Zealand. The university is distinctive amongst the best universities in New Zealand because it offers research-led teaching and training on three different campuses: Auckland, Palmerston North, and Wellington.
Currently, the institution has approximately 30,200 students, with 5,300 foreign students from different countries.
Massey University is the only university in New Zealand offering degrees in aviation, dispute resolution, veterinary medicine, and nanoscience. And according to the University ranking system, it ranks 287th position.
Considering this university’s tuition fees which are NZD 27,770 (~$20,065) and NZD 31,010 (~$22,405) for undergraduate and graduate programs, respectively, the university maintains one of the most affordable universities in New Zealand for both national and international students.
Below are the available Degree Programs at the university for both national and international students
- Business
- Health
- Creative Arts
- Humanities
- Health
- Science,
- Maori Knowledge.
Visit the university’s website to learn more
#6. Lincoln University
Address: 85084 Ellesmere Junction Road, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand
Lincoln University is a New Zealand university established in 1990 when Lincoln College, Canterbury, was made independent of the University of Canterbury. However, the university is a small university in New Zealand with approximately 2700 students which 1200 are international students.
One unique feature of this school is its focus on sustainable practices to ensure that productivity doesn’t come at the expense of the environment.
And because the school is one of the affordable New Zealand Universities because of its low tuition, most international students make it their study destination.
The tuition fee for undergraduate programs is NZD 29,100 (~$21,025) per year, while that for graduate programs is NZD 29,100 (~$21,025) per year.
Below are the available Courses offered at the university:
- Engineering
- Medical
- Natural sciences
- Business
- Social science
Visit the university’s website to learn more
#7. Auckland University of Technology
Auckland University of Technology is the second largest, fastest-growing, and one of the cheapest university in New Zealand. It was established in 1895.
The university has three campuses in Northcote, Manukau, and Auckland, with 30,000 students, including 4,300 foreign students from 107 other countries.
The yearly fee for undergraduate programs is NZD 30,092 (~$21,740) per year, while that of graduate Programs is NZD 32,095 (~$23,190) per year.
Visit the university’s website to learn more.
Related article: Auckland Medical Aid Trust Scholarship in New Zealand, 2024
#8. Whitireia New Zealand
Address: C-204, Pioneer Urban Square, Sector 62, Gurgaon, Haryana.
Whitireia is one of the most affordable universities in New Zealand, established in 1986. The university houses over 7500 students attending its Auckland, Wellington, Kāpiti, and Porirua campuses.
At Whitireia, the tuition fee per year for undergraduate programs ranges from NZ$21,390, while that for postgraduate ranges from NZ$23,650.
Furthermore, the university has six schools which include:
- Creativity and Hospitality
- Business and Information Technology
- Health and Social Services
- Learner Journey
- Te Wānanga Maori
- Construction and engineering
To learn more about this cheap university in New Zealand, click the link below:
#9. Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC)
Address: Tristram Street, Hamilton, Whitiora,3200, New Zealand
WINTEC is one of New Zealand’s leading institutes of technology in Hamilton. The institution houses approximately 20,000 students from 52 countries every year.
Currently, Wintec offers over 130 degrees, diplomas, and certificates specializing in applied tertiary training for nurses, social workers, midwives, graphic designers, performing artists, engineers, tradespeople, early childhood teachers, horticulturists, arborists, and sports scientists.
The school is ranked among the cheapest universities in New Zealand because of the affordable, high-quality programs they provide. Undergraduate programs tuition fee is about NZ$ 21,000 while graduate programs tuition fee is about NZ$20,000.
To learn more about WINTEC, click the link below:
#10. The University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is a public research university in New Zealand founded in 1883. It is the highest-ranked New Zealand university in the QS World University Rankings and Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities.
The institution is New Zealand’s largest university by enrolment, housing over 40,000 students on five Auckland campuses. Note that eight faculties are associated with the university, including a law school and three research institutes. (https://fernandez-vega.com)
The following courses are available at this University:
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Business Administration
- Management sciences
- Law
- Human services
To learn more about this university, visit the official website.
#11. Laidlaw College
Laidlaw College is one of the cheapest universities in New Zealand for international students. The College was established in 1922 as a public college. This university is famous for its biblical, pastoral, and historical courses.
Laidlaw College is located in Henderson, New Zealand. The College offers affordable courses for international students from all over the world.
Currently, the university has around 1,000 students and offers programs at Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor, and Masters levels and doctoral supervision.
Available courses
- Bible studies
- History
- Management
- Theological studies
- Pastoral studies
To learn more about this university, visit the official website.
Bottom Line
For any international student who wishes to study in New Zealand but needs to do that without having to spend much, any of these universities listed above can help make that dream a reality. These universities offer various degree programs in different courses and fields.
Reference
- https://uscollegeinternational.com/2024/02/08/cheap-universities-in-new-zealand/
- https://www.findcourse.com/en/highereducation/article/115/most-affordable-universities-in-nz
- https://collegelearners.com/cheapest-universities-in-new-zealand-for-international-students/
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