collageIf you want to study at one of the universities in New Zealand, you don’t have to pay to apply. The universities and polytechnics in New Zealand are public institutions and they are free for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents. Once you’re admitted, as long as you meet the criteria and maintain good academic progress, you’ll be able to continue with your studies without paying tuition fees.
Are you interested in studying in New Zealand but concerned about application fees? Fortunately, some universities in New Zealand, such as the University of Waikato, University of Otago, and Massey University, occasionally waive application fees for international students. This can be a great opportunity for those looking to pursue higher education in this beautiful and diverse country without the added financial burden of application fees.
To be eligible for a waived application fee at these universities, international students typically need to meet certain admissions requirements. These may include having a certain level of English language proficiency, providing academic transcripts and letters of recommendation, and possibly submitting standardized test scores like the TOEFL or IELTS. Each university may have slightly different requirements, so it is important to review their specific guidelines before applying.
The admission process for these universities generally involves submitting an online application form, providing all required supporting documents, and possibly participating in an interview or assessment. Once all materials have been received, the university’s admissions committee will review the application and make a decision on acceptance. If the application fee has been waived, this can be a great opportunity for international students to explore their academic options in New Zealand without the added financial barrier.
Universities in New Zealand with No Application Fee for International Students
Some universities in New Zealand, such as the Victoria University of Wellington, the University of Waikato, University of Otago, and Massey University, occasionally waive application fees for international students. This means that international students can apply to study at these universities at any time without having to pay an application fee.
1. Victoria University of Wellington
2. University of Waikato
3. University of Otago
4. Massey University
Before applying, it is important for international students to check the entry requirements specific to each university and find out how to apply and submit the required documents.
what is the cheapest university in new zealand
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.
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.
Which University Does Not Require Application Fee
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.
universities with no application fee for international students
We’ve said it before and there’s no doubt we’ll say it again: it can be expensive to study abroad.
But with free (or pretty cheap) tuition in some countries, scholarships and student discounts in the mix, your international education pursuit doesn’t have to break the bank.
And in case you weren’t already aware: some universities don’t even charge for application, so that’s one cost-saving hack for those heading abroad.
Some universities, however, charge huge application fees, upwards of US$100 in many cases. This can place a huge financial strain on international students, particularly those who wish – as many do – to apply to multiple institutions.
I want to keep my money, thank you. Source: GIPHY.
Below is a list compiled by Naij of many universities in the top countries for higher education in the world where your application will cost you zilch.
Universities in the US
If you want to apply to a university in the US, home to one of the world’s most prestigious education systems, but are looking to avoid the extra costs, then look no further.
The good news is there are quite a few institutions in the US which don’t charge any application fees at all.
Want to study in the US? We got you. Source: GIPHY.
The University of Vermont accepts applications for free and even offers partial scholarships of 20 percent for its undergraduate programs. However, bear in mind tuition costs are approximately US$43,650 for a three-year program.
Alcorn State, Loyola University Chicago, Ohio Valley and Jackson State also offer free application fees, so have a look and see what you can find.
Universities in Canada
Fancy the US’ friendly neighbour Canada for your education but want to skip the pricey application fee?
The bad news is, there are very few institutions here that offer no application costs. The good news, on the other hand, is that many are willing to grant a waiver if you have financial difficulties.
However, bear in mind that getting a waiver is no easy feat. You will have to search through the application fee policies of the individual universities and then send out emails or make phone calls to them directly and they will inform you what you need to do to obtain the fee waiver.
Canada more your style? Source: GIPHY.
Determined to obtain a foreign degree but willing to try distance learning?
You could try applying to an institution which is a member of the Canadian Virtual University. Many Canadian institutions allow you to gain an international qualification from the comfort of your own home. With relatively low fees and often free application fees, going virtual could be your answer.
Other than that, you’re out of luck in Canada with the majority of institutions charging application fees, so either you’ll have to pay up or look elsewhere.
Universities in the UK
While it isn’t free to apply to any universities in the UK, it comes at a fraction of the cost of applications in the majority of other popular study abroad countries.
Not quite free – but close enough. Source: GIPHY.
In the UK, you don’t apply directly to the university but, instead, everything goes through an online portal called UCAS.
You pay a single application fee of £13 (US$18) if you are applying to one course at one university and £30 (US$41) if you are applying to two to five (the maximum in one application cycle) universities or courses.
Universities in Australia
Got your heart set on Australia? Good news – there are a few universities in the country which offer no fees at all for applications, usually, if you apply online.
If you apply to Charles Darwin University online, you will pay no fees. The application process is relatively simple and can be done easily online for courses in many subjects.
Oz welcomes you! Source: GIPHY.
Not convinced by Charles Darwin?
The University of South Australia also offers free application fees and a wide range of subjects. You will need to apply online through the international student portal.
Your final option for free applications in Australia is Bond University, again offering no application fee online. You can also choose to defer your entry instead of accepting your offer immediately.
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