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New Zealand is a picturesque nation known for its pristine and peaceful environment. Truly out of the movie scene (specifically, the Lord of the Rings series), the country will surely take your breath away.
Although most expect this beauty to come with expensive educational fees, it’s actually not the case. In New Zealand, you can get a quality education for cheap – as long as you set your sights on any of these affordable universities in New Zealand for international students.
cheapest universities in new zealand for international students 2020
New Zealand is home to the finest universities in the world, which offer an impressive array of courses for both undergraduates and graduates. Here is a list of low tuition universities in New Zealand.
Quick links
University of Canterbury
Being the second oldest university in New Zealand, it is located in Christchurch. The University offers 147 courses belonging to various fields like Arts, Business and Law, Education, Health and Human Development, Engineering, and Science. The fee structure for the academic years depends on the type of course chosen. It is also different for Domestic Undergraduate, Domestic Postgraduate, International Undergraduate, and International Post Graduate students. The living cost may vary depending on the region where the student lives and the lifestyle.
University of Canterbury – Fee Structure
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | 16 Months | INR 26L |
| MEng | 1 – 1.3 Years | INR 20.4L |
| MS | 12 – 24 Months | INR 17.8L – 20.4L |
| BE/BTech | 3 Years | INR 14.2L – 17L |
| BSc | 3 Years | INR 16.3L |
Massey University
Massey University is a public university and is the largest university in New Zealand. This university offers a plethora of courses in Bachelor Degrees, Undergraduate Bachelor Degrees with Honours, Postgraduate Bachelor Degrees with Honours, Masters, Doctorates, Certificates, Diplomas, Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Postgraduate Certificates, and Postgraduate Diplomas, from fields like Engineering, Medical, Social Sciences, and Business. The university offers scholarship programs for international stud
Massey University – Fee Structure
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | 12 Months | INR 25.3L |
| MIM | 1 – 1.5 Years | INR 14.2L |
| MS | 12 – 24 Months | INR 16.3L – 18.6L |
| BBA | 3 Years | INR 13.6L |
| MEng | 1 Year | INR 15.6L – 17.5L |
| BE/BTech | 3 – 4 Years | INR 13.6L – 16.6L |
| BSc | 3 Years | INR 14.8L |
Lincoln University
The university is situated in Lincoln, Canterbury. The university offers courses in Pre-degree, Certificate and Diploma, Undergraduate Degrees including Honours, Graduate Certificates and Diplomas, Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas, Masters, and Ph.D. belonging to fields like Engineering, Medical, Natural Sciences, Business, and Social Sciences. It is one of the cheapest universities in New Zealand for international students. The fee structure highly differs depending on the course you choose. It also has a refund policy for international students.
Lincoln University – Fee Structure
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | 12 Months | Global Management & Marketing: INR 22.9L Accounting & Finance: INR 20.9L |
| MS | 24 Months | INR 13.2L – 15.5L |
| MIM | 1 Year | INR 18.5L |
| BSc | 3 Years | INR 14L – 14.4L |
| BHM | 3 Years | INR 13.2L |
| MArch | 1 Year | INR 18.5L |
University of Auckland
It is the biggest university in the country, situated in the biggest city in New Zealand, i.e. Auckland. It offers a wide array of courses in fields like, Business And Commerce; Education and Teaching; Engineering and Construction; Fine Arts, Design and Architecture; Health, Medicine and Biomedical science; History, Literature, and Philosophy; Languages, Culture and Globalisation; Law and Justice; Maori, Pacific and Indigenous worlds; Media, Music and Performing Arts; Science and Mathematics; Society, Politics and People and Technology and Innovation. The annual tuition fee in this university varies for different courses.
University of Auckland – Fee Structure
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MEM | 1 Year | INR 21.6L |
| MS | 1 – 12 Months | INR 17.9L – 20.5L |
| MEng | 1.5 Years | INR 19.8L |
| MIM | 1 – 18 Years | INR 17.1L – 25.5L |
| MBBS | 6 Years | INR 35.8L |
| BE/BTech | 3 – 4 Years | INR 18.8L – 20.7L |
| BSc | 3 Years | INR 35.2L |
University of Otago
The University of Otago is situated in Dunedin, Otago. Under bachelors, it offers BA, BAppSc, BASc, BCom, BHealSc, Mus.B., BPA, BSc, BPTheol, etc. It offers courses related to, Arts and Music; Commerce; Dentistry; Education; Health Sciences; Law; Medicine; Pharmacy; Physical Education; Physiotherapy; Science; Surveying; Tertiary Teaching, and Theology.
University of Otago – Fee Structure
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS | 6 Years | INR 16.8L |
| MBA | 15 – 24 Months | INR 31.3L |
| MS | 12 – 24 Months | INR 15.3L – 19.2L |
| BE/BTech | 3 Years | INR 15L |
| MIM | 1 Year | INR 21L |
| BSc | 3 Years | INR 12.2L – 15L |
University of Waikato
The University of Waikato is situated in Hamilton. It homes both faculties and research homes. It has two campuses, in Hamilton and Tauranga. Courses offered by the University are BA (five subjects), BBus (four subjects), BE (Hons), LLB, BSc, BSocSc (seven subjects), BSW, BTchg, Cert (Bus), Dip (Bus), Dip (Law), Dip (Mgt), Ph.D., GradDipT, MBA, Med, MEd Leadership, MHSHP, MSc, MInfoTech, MSc (Research), and PGDipMgtSt. The fee structure highly varies for the courses. One can check it out on their website.
University of Waikato – Fee Structure
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | 18 Months | INR 19.1L |
| BE/BTech | 4 Years | INR 14.2L – 17L |
| MS | 12 – 24 Months | INR 14.4L – 16.2L |
| MIM | 1 Year | INR 13.9L – 21.3L |
| BBA | 3 – 4 Years | INR 13.6L – 14.2L |
| BSc | 3 Years | INR 13.6L – 14.2L |
| MEng | 1 Year | INR 17.6L |
Victoria University of Wellington
Established in 1897, the Victoria University of Wellington was named after Queen Victoria to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation in 1897. The university offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It has a faculty of around 1000 members who are dedicated to providing comprehensive and quality education. Victoria University has around 40 research institutes and centres giving students the best possible resources to have practical knowledge. The university provides students with the best facilities on a picturesque campus. It has three campuses, and the main campus is located in Kelburn, New Zealand which houses the Faculties of Humanities and Social Science, Engineering, Health, Social Science, and Education. Read: Victoria University of Wellington – Courses and Fees
Victoria University of Wellington – Fee Structure
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Executive MBA | 18 Months | INR 21L |
| MIM | 1 – 2 Years | INR 13.3L – 19.9L |
| MS | 12 – 24 Months | INR 11.8L – 26.6L |
| BE/BTech | 3 – 4 Years | INR 13.7L – 15.3L |
| BSc | 3 Years | INR 13.7L |
| MEng | 1 Year | INR 16.6L |
| MArch | 2 Years | INR 16.6L |
Auckland University of Technology
Established in 2000, Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is a publically-owned institution for higher education and research. The academic structure of the Auckland University of Technology has five faculties, which further subdivide into 17 schools. The university offers over 250 programs in varied disciplines of art, design, economics, science, business, education, engineering, mathematics, computer science, clinical studies, creative technologies, communication studies, languages, psychology, nursing, tourism and hospitality, law, public health, social science, and sports. Read: Auckland University of Technology – Courses and Fees
Auckland University of Technology – Fee Structure
| Courses | Duration | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | 1 – 1.5 Years | INR 28.2L |
| BBA | 3 Years | INR 14.8L |
| MIM | 1 – 1.5 Years | INR 15.3L – 23.2L |
| BE/BTech | 3 Years | INR 15.7L – 19.1L |
| MArch | 2 Years | INR 17.1L |
| MS | 12 – 24 Months | INR 17.1L – 18.7L |
| BSc | 3 Years | INR 14.8L – 15.9L |
| MEng | 1 – 1.5 Years | INR 18.4L |
The above tabular data has been sourced from Shiksha Study Abroad from an earlier date. The numbers could vary subject to the current economy.
These are a few of the best affordable universities in New Zealand.
What are the requirements of studying in New Zealand?
To study in New Zealand, applicants need to satisfy all NCEA Level 3 qualifications. The basic requirement is a high school/bachelor’s diploma equivalent to the country’s standards. Examples of these include the UK GCSE A, Hong Kong A levels, or the Malaysian Australian Matriculation Year 12 certificate.
Proof of English proficiency is required as well.
Can you study in New Zealand Universities in English?
Yes. All universities in New Zealand teach in English, which is one of the country’s official languages. At the University of Auckland, undergraduate applicants can study in English provided they have met the proficiency requirements. The same goes for the University of Otago, which accepts the IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo as proof of proficiency.
Cheapest Public Universities In New Zealand
1. University of Waikato
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from NZD 25,915 (~$18,725) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from NZD 31,615 (~$22,840) per year
The University of Waikato is a comprehensive educational institution in Hamilton, New Zealand. Founded in 1967, the university was established to fulfill the academic needs of citizens in the Southern Auckland region. With the tuition fee starting from $18,725 a year, the University of Waikato is the cheapest university in New Zealand for international students.
Waikato offers various undergraduate and graduate programs, including that of Arts, Law, Psychology, Health, Engineering, Computing Science, Education, Indigenous Studies, and Management.
29% of Waikato’s 10,250+ students represent various nations from all around the world.
2. Victoria University of Wellington
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from NZD 26,150 (~$18,895) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from NZD 29,050 (~$20,990) per year
Known in Maori as the Te Herenga Waka, the Victoria University of Wellington is an affordable public university in New Zealand founded in the year 1897. Formerly a constituent college of the University of New Zealand, it was established following the passing of the Act of Parliament.
The university’s three campuses are located in Kelburn, Pipitea, and Te Aro. Here, students can dabble in the studies of Education, Engineering, Science, Social Science, Humanities, Health, Management, Law, Government, Finance, Economics, Information Management, Architecture, and Design.
Reflective of the country’s diverse population, the Victoria University of Wellington has 22% foreign students out of its 17,700+ entrants.
3. University of Canterbury
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from NZD 27,000 (~$19,510) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from NZD 30,250 (~$21,855) per year
The University of Canterbury – or Cantuar for short – was founded in 1873 at Christchurch, New Zealand. As the first constituent college of the University of New Zealand, it is etched in history as the second-oldest educational institution in the country.
Here, foreign students can major in either the arts, business, law, education, health, human development, engineering, and science, to name a few.
More than just having a 1:1 ratio of female and male students, Cantuar is also known for its diverse student population. To date, 29% of the university’s 14,000+ students are of foreign nationalities.
4. University of Otago
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from NZD 27,156 (~$19,620) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from NZD 22,712 (~$16,410) per year
Next on our list of cheapest universities in New Zealand is the University of Otago, a public educational institution located in Dunedin, Otago. However, it also has satellite campuses in Christchurch, Wellington, Invercargill, and Auckland.
Founded in 1869 by Thomas Burns, the university is heralded as the oldest in the entire country. With its long history of education, it offers various undergraduate and graduate programs through the Schools of Business, Science, Humanities, and Health Science.
21% of the university’s 18,500+ students come from outside the country.
5. Massey University
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from NZD 27,770 (~$20,065) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from NZD 31,010 (~$22,405) per year
Massey University is a public institution based in Palmerston North – with branches in Wellington and Albany. Founded in 1927, it is the only university in the country to offer programs in veterinary medicine, aviation, dispute resolution, and nanoscience.
Apart from these unique degrees, this cheap university in New Zealand also offers degrees in the fields of Business, Health, Creative Arts, Humanities, Health, Science, and Maori Knowledge.
Approximately 3,000 Massey students come from 100 countries across the globe.
6. Lincoln University
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from NZD 29,100 (~$21,025) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from NZD 29,100 (~$21,025) per year
Lincoln University or Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki was founded in 1990 following its separation from the University of Canterbury. Based in Lincoln, Canterbury, it is recognized as one of the country’s 8 public educational institutions.
The university offers various programs in the fields of Agribusiness & Commerce, Agriculture & Life Sciences, and Environment, Society, & Design.
Despite being one of the smallest universities in terms of enrollment, it does come with a big foreign student population. As of date, 42% of its 2,500+ students hail from various nations all across the globe.
7. Auckland University of Technology
- Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs: from NZD 30,092 (~$21,740) per year
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: from NZD 32,095 (~$23,190) per year
The Auckland University of Technology, another affordable university in New Zealand, is a former technology school founded in the year 1895. After more than a century’s worth of operation, it was finally granted university status in the year 2000.
To date, it has 3 campuses in the North, South, and City of Auckland.
Although AUT is known for its technological courses, it also offers degrees in the fields of art & design, business, clinical science, communications, education, hospitality, law, and public health.
Of AUT’s 29,000+ strong student population, more than 4,000 come from 94 countries all around the world.
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