5 Cheapest Universities in New Zealand for International Students

Before diving deep into the cheapest universities in New Zealand for International Students, it’s quite interesting to mention that New Zealand is an Island country located in the southwestern part of the pacific ocean. It has several beautiful islands in it which students would love to experience.

Recent studies and research confirm that international students make choices of countries before universities. In a survey conducted from over 20000 international students on their choices of Universities, New Zealand ranked among the top 10 choices by International students.

Below are the reasons why International students choose New Zealand over other countries:

• According to the global peaceful index, it ranks as the second most peaceful, also among the safest country.
• The quality of education provided by the government of New Zealand is excellent and world-class.
• It also provides international students with the opportunity to work and study.
• Scholarships are readily available to zealous international students who may be facing financial difficulties.
• The landscape, mountains, lakes, biodiversity etc. of New Zealand is extremely unique.
• The entry requirements to for any university in New Zealand is minimal as compared to many other countries.

You’d come across a detailed description of the cheapest universities in New Zealand for international students in this research article at Start Skool, along with the admission requirements, Visa Requirements and the Covid protocols needed from you to study in NZ.

Let’s quickly get on with it!

New Zealand’s Educational System

New Zealand provides world class education and at low cost when compared to the US and UK. It’s educational system is viewed as among the best in the world.

The literacy rate in New Zealand is among the highest recorded in the world. This is because of the government’s concentrated and concerned effort on the education of it’s citizens. As compared to the world, New Zealand provides the highest funding to education. Even with the presence of private schools, parents don’t mind putting their children through the public school system, since the government provides the necessary funding and materials needed for proper education.

As concerns the higher education in New Zealand, there are 8 Universities in the country, 5 of which are ranked among the top 50 of the World’s University. Aside the Universities, there are 18 technological institutions and over 600 training schools present in New Zealand.

In general, education in New Zealand is superb as well as affordable since the government is dedicated to it’s availability and affordability.

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

As an International student coming to New Zealand, one must meet the following requirements.`

• Must possess a student visa
• Valid Passport( up to 3 months beyond your stay)
• Proof of similar University Entrance Level of Education.
• A proof of English Language Proficiency

Covid Requirements

The coming of Covid brought about restrictions and regulations of the number of International students coming into New Zealand. Covid rules are strictly observed, and non-compliance to these rules could lead to immediate detention or deportation.

Here is more information on the Covid rule and guides for students coming into New Zealand.

Cheapest Universities in New Zealand for International Students

Below are the cheapest universities to study in New Zealand.

1. Massey University

Massey University is a public university in New Zealand.

It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, diplomas and certificates to students from around New Zealand, and the world.

It’s important to note that Massey is ranked among the top 3% of universities in the world.

Average Tuition: $17, 600

University Contact: international@massey.ac.nz

You can also read on the Low Tuition Universities in Canada for International Students.

2. University of Canterbury

University of Canterbury is recognized as the second oldest university in New Zealand after the University of Otago. It’s a university one wouldn’t want to miss. Among it’s numerous achievements is the 5 star QS ranking for internationally renowned ranking and teaching.

It is also recognized among the top 300 Universities in the whole world.

What a wonderful place to be in.. Isn’t it?

Average Tuition: $21, 400

University Contact:  Phone: +64 3 369 4494
                                  Fax: +64 3 364 2171.

3. Lincoln University

Lincoln University is recognized among the top Universities in the world. It was ranked among the top 150 universities in 2020, by Times Higher Ranking Young University Ranking.

This institution is one of the cheapest Universities in New Zealand for International Students and it’s a place almost every international student in the world would love to be.

It has made so many achievements not to mention it’s 5-star score overall, in QS rating.

Average Tuition: $30, 000 (it varies greatly with different programs).

Visit Lincoln University official website for more information.

University Contact:  international@lincoln.ac

4. University of Waikato

Here is another university an International student wouldn’t want to miss.

The University of  Waikato is a prominent university in New Zealand known for it’s excellence in research and education. It’s QS ranking is 375 out of the world’s best 1000 universities.

Because of it’s research impact and quality, it is globally ranked in the 72th place, which places it among the top 5% globally and number #1 in New Zealand for research.

Even with it’s low tuition provided to international students, it maintains it’s high and standard quality of education. It’s quite impressive that the low tuition don’t equate to low academic standards.

Average Tuition: $32,000 (it also varies with the programs of interest).

Visit the official site for more information

University Contact Information: international@waikato.ac.nz

5. University of Auckland

Another prestigious university to look out for as an International Student who wants to study in New Zealand is the University of Auckland which is known for it’s graduate employability. It was in fact ranked #1 in New Zealand and #71 worldwide in the QS Graduate employability ranking. This portrays the dedication of University of Auckland to the general employability of it’s scholars.

With a world wide ranking of #81 out of the best 1000 universities, University of Auckland ranks #1 in New Zealand. Let’s look at the tuition fees of this renowned institution.

Average Tuition: $37,000

Here is more information on the tuition fees at the University of Auckland.

University Contact Information: admission@auckland.ac.nz

Now we’re done with some of the cheapest universities in New Zealand for International Students, let’s now talk about the visa application and requirements for international students in NZ.

Visa Application and Requirements for International Students to New Zealand

Before commencing application for a New Zealand Student Visa, a lot must be put in place. One must properly plan and be fully prepared to stay in  New Zealand for the required period of time.

As stated earlier in the eligibility section, as an international student, one must first recognize how the coming of Covid affect’s the visa holders and their education providers.

Other requirements which must be met, in order to qualify for a student visa include the following:

• You must be accepted for a course at an education institute endorsed by the Ministry of Education or the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
• You’ll also show proof that you have the fund for your tuition fees or proof that you have a scholarship that pays your fees
• You’ll provide a proof that you enough money to meet the general cost of living while in New Zealand.
• And finally, a ticket out of NZ or evidence that you enough money to buy one.

Meeting the above requirements as well as providing the necessary documents can get one a student visa to New Zealand. For the necessary information on the application for student Visa, visit here

General Cost Of Living in New Zealand

For a students looking for some of the cheapest universities in New Zealand for International Students to get one’s academic degree, it’s crucial to know the general cost of living too.

As part of the requirements for getting a student Visa in New Zealand, one must prove his/her capabilities of taking care of the living expenses. If you’re to study on a scholarship or a family member decided to take financial responsibility of the expenses, a proof may not be requires.

If you’ll be studying in NZ for more than a year, you must proof that you have at least $15,000 to take care of the living expenses for the first year. If you’ll be studying for less than a year, you must proof that you have at least $1250 for each month of study.

In general, living expenses in New Zealand varies from individual to individual and the part of the country the student in question lives in. Lifestyle plays a major role on your cost of living.

The general cost of living in New Zealand falls under:

• Food
• Internet
• Transport
• Entertainment
• Accommodation
• Power/Electricity.

You can Visit NZ’s government site to know more about the general cost of living in New Zealand including ways to save cost while staying in New Zealand.

Are Scholarships available to International Student’s in New Zealand?

Yes, Of course.

Because New Zealand value their international students, scholarships are provided for foreign students to supplement their finance. Available scholarships ranges from partial to full-tuition even up to fully-funded scholarships.

You can apply based on your financial needs. Visit the government’s website to access the available scholarships and requirements as well as their dates and durations of application.

Thanks for staying with us.