A top study abroad destination for Nepali students, New Zealand offers high-quality education, affordable tuition and living costs, opportunities for research and post-study work options. Students looking to study in New Zealand would be required to spend anywhere between NZD $20,000 to NZD $25,000 (NPR 1,615,125 - 2,018,906) a year to pursue undergraduate courses. For pursuing postgraduate programmes, the tuition fee would bump up to approximately NZD $19,000 to NZD $29,000 (NPR 1,534,369 - 2,341,931) a year.
Nepali students looking to study in New Zealand should note that the total cost of studying in New Zealand depends on their preferred course and their standard of living. Now let us break down the cost of education in New Zealand in detail. We will discuss everything from tuition fees in New Zealand for Nepali students to living costs.
Now that you have decided to study in New Zealand, you will need to know the total cost of studying in New Zealand for Nepali students. Here is a table that outlines the primary expenses and their average costs in Nepalese Rupees (NPR):
|
Types of Expense |
Cost of Studying in New Zealand |
Cost of Studying in New Zealand (NPR) |
|
Tuition Fee |
NZD $20,000 - NZD $29,000 |
NPR 1,615,125 - 2,341,931 |
|
Living Cost |
NZD $13,000 - NZD $16,000 |
NPR 1,049,831 - 1,292,100 |
|
Health Insurance Fee |
NZD $855 |
NPR 69,047 |
|
New Zealand Student Visa Fee |
NZD $750 |
NPR 60,567 |
|
Application Fee |
NZD $85 - NZD $100 |
NPR 6,864 - NPR 8,076 |
The cost of studying in New Zealand usually varies across universities, programmes and levels of study. The tuition fees for undergraduate programmes can range from NZD $20,000 to NZD $25,000, and for postgraduate programmes, they can range from NZD $19,000 – NZD $29,000 per year. Your course determines your average tuition fee in New Zealand.
|
Study Programme |
Cost of Studying in New Zealand (NZD $) |
Cost of Studying in New Zealand in NPR |
|
Undergraduate Degree |
NZD $20,500 - ND $25,000 annually |
NPR 1,615,125 - NPR 2,018,906 |
|
Master’s Degree |
NZD $19,000 - NZD $29,000 annually |
NPR 1,534,369 - NPR 2,341,931 |
|
Doctoral Degree |
NZD $6,500 - NZD $9,000 annually |
NPR 524,916 - NPR 726,806 |
|
MBA |
NZD $31,000 - NZD $50, 000 annually |
NPR 2,503,444 - NPR 4,037,812 |
Programmes like arts and humanities are more affordable. Below is an overview of average tuition costs for some popular undergraduate programmes:
|
Programme Name |
Average Tuition Fee in NZD$ |
Average Fee in NPR |
|
Business Administration |
NZD $20,000-NZD $29,290 |
NPR 1,615,200 - NPR 2,365,332 |
|
Engineering |
NZD $20,000 and NZD $45,000 |
NPR 1,615,200 - NPR 3,634,200 |
|
Computer Science |
NZD $20,080 - NZD $106,250 |
NPR 1,621,660 - NPR 8,581,950 |
|
Health Sciences |
NZD $30,400 - NZD $64,569 |
NPR 2,455,024 - NPR 5,214,788 |
Being well-informed about the tuition fees in New Zealand for Nepali students can help in selecting the right programme within the right budget. Below is an overview of average tuition costs for some popular postgraduate programmes for Nepali students looking to study in New Zealand:
|
Programme Name |
Average Tuition Fee in NZD$ |
Average Fee in NPR |
|
Business Administration (MBA) |
NZD $49,346 |
NPR 3,985,486 |
|
Engineering |
NZD $52,842 |
NPR 4,267,629 |
|
Computer Science |
NZD $52,842 |
NPR 4,267,629 |
|
Health Sciences |
NZD $52,585 - NZD $86,561 |
NPR 4,246,999 - NPR 6,991,884 |
The cost of studying in New Zealand for Nepali students can also vary by province, with some regions being more affordable than others, especially those with top-tier universities, charging higher fees.
Here is an overview of the tuition fees in New Zealand for Nepali students across different provinces.
|
Location |
Undergraduate Tuition Fees (NZD per year) |
Postgraduate Tuition Fees (NZD per year) |
|
Auckland |
NZD $33,894 - NZD $84,842 |
NZD $18,272 - NZD $59,010 |
|
Dunedin |
NZD $25,700 - NZD $41,000 |
NZD $33,000 - NZD $110,417 |
|
Wellington |
NZD $29,000 - NZD $45,000 |
NZD $16,134 - NZD $65,000 |
|
Christchurch |
NZD $23,600 - NZD $49,000 |
NZD $19,400 - NZD $86,000 |
|
Hamilton |
NZD $17,025 - NZD $43,760 |
NZD $17,085 - NZD $61,490 |
It is crucial to examine the tuition fees at top New Zealand universities. Here is a comparison of some of the leading institutions and their tuition fees for popular undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses, to understand the average tuition fee in New Zealand.
|
University Name |
Popular UG Course & Fee (NZD/NPR) (Approx) |
Popular PG Course & Fee (NZD/NPR) (Approx) |
|
The University of Auckland Auckland, New Zealand |
Bachelor of Commerce: NZD $45,841 / NPR 3,700,000 |
Master of Engineering: NZD $52,842 / NPR 4,200,621 |
|
University of Otago Dunedin, New Zealand |
Bachelor of Health Sciences: NZD $41,400 / NPR 3,355,679 |
Master of Business Administration (MBA): NZD $55,323 / NPR 4,484,209 |
|
Massey University Palmerston North, New Zealand |
Bachelor of Veterinary Science: NZD $50,520 / NPR 4,094,902 |
Master of Applied Science: NZD $35,450 / NPR 2,873,402 |
|
Victoria University of Wellington Wellington, New Zealand |
Bachelor of Arts: NZD $29,154 / NPR 2,363,079 |
Master of Laws (LLM): NZD $41,250 / NPR 3,343,521 |
|
University of Waikato Hamilton, New Zealand |
Bachelor of Science: NZD $32,000 / NPR 2,593,762 |
Master of Management Studies: NZD $37,940 / NPR 3,075,229 |
|
University of Canterbury Christchurch, New Zealand |
Bachelor of Engineering: NZD $49,900 / NPR 4,044,648 |
Engineering: NZD $49,900 / NPR 4,044,648 |
|
Lincoln University Lincoln, New Zealand |
Bachelor of Commerce: NZD $31,576 / NPR 2,653,638 |
Master of Applied Sciences: NZD $35,500 / NPR 1,377,936 |
|
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Auckland, New Zealand |
Bachelor of Engineering: NZD $47,092 / NPR 3,817,045 |
Master of Computer and Information Sciences: NZD $42,746 / NPR 3,464,780 |
New Zealand is also a viable alternative for scholars who would like an affordable education without having to spend a lot in the process. The most affordable universities in New Zealand for Nepali students encompass lower tuition costs and additional financial assistance potential.
Here are some universities that are generally considered to be more affordable, along with their approximate annual tuition fees and the key factors that contribute to their affordability:
Lincoln University:
Massey University:
University of Waikato:
Ara Institute of Canterbury:
Otago Polytechnic:
Institutions in New Zealand may charge an application fee. For the 2025 academic year, you can expect the application fee to be NZD $100 or NPR 8,076. However, some specialised programmes or institutions might have higher fees or no fees at all.
When planning for the cost of studying in New Zealand for Nepali students, accommodation and living expenses are important factors to consider. On average, students can expect to spend between NZD $600 to NZD $1,000 per month for accommodation (shared rental flats), depending on the city and type of housing. Other living expenses, such as food, transportation, and utilities, can range from NZD $750 to NZD $1,000 monthly. The total cost of living in New Zealand for Nepali students is between NZD $13,000 - NZD $16,000 or NPR 1,049,831 - 1,292,100 for one academic year.
Related Article: Find the best student accommodation for international students
Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for Nepali students studying in New Zealand. It is also included in the total cost of studying in New Zealand, with premiums varying by provider and duration. On average, the annual health insurance cost for Nepali students is around NZD $855 or NPR 69,047.
When planning for the cost of studying in New Zealand, Nepali students get a chance to access several scholarships and educational loan options. This kind of financial help can drastically reduce the overall financial pressure to manage your studies abroad better.
Related Article: Scholarship in New Zealand for Nepalese students
While studying in New Zealand for free may seem challenging, there are several opportunities for you to minimise the financial burden.
Fully funded scholarships in New Zealand offer comprehensive coverage, including tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. Scholarships like the New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA) and Manaaki New Zealand Government Scholarships provide full financial support.
Nonetheless, keeping realistic expectations is important, as there is fierce competition for these scholarships. While students from Nepal should consider any and all alternatives to offset their overall costs, most of the time, even with scholarships, they will still have costs, such as living costs or health insurance.
Here are simplistic suggestions to manage, or lessen, your total expenses in New Zealand:
Readers are informed that the cost information provided in this document is based on available data and serves as a general guideline for the 2025 academic year. Tuition fees and other expenses can vary significantly depending on the specific university, programme, and individual circumstances. Students are strongly advised to consult directly with the respective institutions and financial advisors or get in touch with our AECC Counsellors for the most current and accurate information.
The cost to study in New Zealand for Nepali students contains many components, including tuition fees, accommodation, food and daily living expenses, errands and health insurance. New Zealand does offer scholarships and loan options which may help alleviate the financial burden, however, it is important to budget accordingly and be aware of all associated costs.
If you would like help with your application or financial planning, AECC Nepal will guide you every step of the way. Talk to our expert to learn about study cost management in New Zealand for Nepali students.
Yes, Nepali students can get an education loan for New Zealand to cover their tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs. Many banks like NIC Asia and NSBL State Bank give loans specifically for studying in New Zealand.
Generally, the cost of studying in New Zealand does not cover travel insurance; students are responsible for purchasing their health and travel insurance. Some scholarships may also consist of that expense for the student.
This cost may vary to send the document to the university or other institution, but generally, it may range from NPR 3,000 to NPR 5,000 to send the academic documents, visa application forms, and other related documents.
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