New Zealand offers international students an array of benefits that make it an appealing place to study abroad. From scholarships and allowances to work rights and travel discounts, there are many perks available to students that can offset the costs of studying while also enriching the overall experience.
Scholarships Help Fund Your Education
New Zealand has over 1,000 different scholarships specifically for international students that help cover tuition fees and living expenses. Many of these are sponsored by the New Zealand government, individual educational institutions, or private organizations. Scholarships may cover 100% of your costs or supplement what you pay out-of-pocket. Even small scholarships that fund just a portion of expenses are helpful for lessening the financial burden on students and families. The key is researching what scholarships you qualify for and apply well in advance of application deadlines.
Receive Weekly Funds with the Student Allowance
In addition to scholarships, New Zealand offers needs-based financial assistance to degree-seeking students in the form of the Student Allowance. This is a weekly payment made to eligible students to aid with living costs like rent, transportation, internet, food, and other necessities. For example, single students under the age of 24 who live away from home can receive around $227 per week while studying full-time. Older students or those still living at home may receive less, but the allowance does offer a supplemental source of funds so students can focus on their academics rather than just trying to make ends meet.
Earn Part-Time While Focusing on Your Studies
International students on a valid visa are permitted to work part-time during their studies, up to 20 hours a week during the academic year. This limit allows students to earn extra income without being overburdened. During semester breaks when classes are not in session, students can work up to 40 hours weekly. The average hourly wage for part-time work in New Zealand is around NZ$18.90 per hour, more than double the U.S. federal minimum wage. Popular part-time jobs for students include retail, hospitality, tour guiding, childcare, tutoring, and more. Working even just 8 to 10 hours a week provides a nice supplement to pay for personal expenses.
Gain Work Experience That Can Lead to Residency
In addition to short-term part-time work, international students who complete certain educational credentials in New Zealand may apply for a post-study work visa. This work permit allows degree holders to remain in the country for 12-36 months after finishing their studies to gain practical work experience. Eligible degrees include a minimum two-year program of study resulting in a diploma or bachelor’s degree. During this post-study work period, students can work full-time to put their newfound skills to use while also having time to travel within New Zealand.
An added benefit of the post-study work visa is that one year of full-time work allows graduates to apply for permanent residency through the Skilled Migrant Category. Students who want to immigrate to New Zealand can essentially use their degree as a pathway to residency once securing a long-term job related to their studies.
Save Money Around Town with Student Discounts
New Zealand maintains a very student-friendly culture, with many retailers and service providers offering savings for students. Simply show your student ID to access discounts on shopping, eating out, entertainment, travel, and other activities. Expect 10-15% off or even more at places like clothing stores, pharmacies, electronics shops, restaurants, movie theaters, beauty salons, and adventure tourism operators.
Major companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Adobe also extend student discounts on devices and software in New Zealand to lessen school costs. Your college or university likely vets additional local businesses offering students specials. So always ask “Do you offer student discounts?” when shopping or booking services in person. Taking advantage of these cumulative savings really helps stretch your money further as a student.
Compare Housing Options to Control Costs
Housing comprises a major portion of living expenses for international students studying abroad. New Zealand presents three typical housing arrangements to best fit different budgets and preferences:
Independent Housing – Students can opt to live solo in an apartment, with roommates in a flat, or with a host family in a portion of their home. Costs vary greatly based on location, size, etc but this option allows the most freedom and privacy.
Homestays – Arranged by third parties, homestays place students with local families offering spare rooms in exchange for rent and sometimes meals. Families are screened and provide built-in cultural exchange.
Residence Halls – Many universities provide dormitories, townhouses, and apartment buildings contracted to the school to house their students affordably and conveniently on or near campus.
When researching schools, carefully compare all housing options and expected costs to find the best living situation based on your budget and personal requirements.
Affordable Tuition and Living Costs
Compared to alternatives like the United States, Australia, or England, New Zealand offers post-secondary education at very reasonable costs for international learners. Private universities charge higher fees but remain economical compared to other countries. Public institutions like Auckland University of Technology or Victoria University of Wellington levy much lower tuition rates plus domestic student fees for international students in many programs.
Outside of housing, daily costs for food, transportation, entertainment, and other living expenses are also quite affordable in New Zealand compared to other Western English-speaking nations. Prudent budgeting allows students to fully pay their way through school while still enjoying everything this culturally-dynamic country has to offer.
World-Class Education and Instruction
A foremost reason international students flock to New Zealand is the outstanding education system providing rigorous curriculum and research led by eminent faculty. Universities like University of Otago and University of Auckland consistently rank among the best schools globally, leading many academic subject categories. Campus resources like libraries, labs, technology access, and learning facilities give students exceptional environments supporting success through graduation.
Small class sizes also allow for direct interaction with esteemed professors and lecturers conveying knowledge from their own pioneering projects and real-world experience. Plus instructors make themselves readily available outside class for personalized tutelage and mentorship. Graduating from a New Zealand institute unequivocally bolsters career prospects back home or in pursuing post-study work.
Diversified Culture for Personal Growth
As an increasingly multicultural country, New Zealand presents opportunities for mutual learning between international students and welcoming Kiwi locals. The indigenous Māori people welcome visitors to experience their history through tours of historical sites, cultural performances, or staying in traditional settlements. Fusing cuisine, traditions, languages, arts, values, and other societal elements from Polynesian roots with colonial European influences creates a truly diverse backdrop.
Interacting daily with classmates and new friends from an array of ethnic backgrounds also imparts great cultural fluency and self-growth. You will undoubtedly finish your studies in New Zealand with an expanded worldview from such exposure to different ways of living and thinking to take back to your homeland as a more well-rounded, culturally aware global citizen.
Bask in Natural Scenic Wonder across the Islands
When you need a break from the books, New Zealand’s legendary diverse landscapes offer endless scope for adventure, relaxation, and restoration. Lush green rainforests, snow-capped mountains, steaming volcanoes, fantastic fjords, and world-renowned wineries all make both the North and South Islands bucket-list worthy destinations. Many international visitors rate New Zealand as the most beautiful country they have ever seen thanks to this geographic diversity.
As a student, you will have months or years to road trip across this compact country discovering one postcard-perfect vista after another while enjoying discounts and backpacker deals. Outdoor recreation like skiing, surfing, hiking, caving, ziplining, and more also abounds for active students seeking thrills when not hitting the books. Such easy access to unspoiled nature right outside campus rejuvenates mind, body, and spirit when the studies get stressful.