Cost of Studying in New Zealand for Pakistani Students

New Zealand offers world-class education, but before planning your study abroad journey, it’s important to understand the costs involved. From tuition fees to accommodation and daily living, managing your budget is a key part of student life. This guide provides a complete breakdown of the study and living expenses for Pakistani students in New Zealand.

1. Tuition Fees in New Zealand

The largest expense for Pakistani students is tuition fees. The amount depends on the level of study, university, and course.

Level of Study	Average Annual Fees (NZD)	Approx. in PKR (1 NZD ˜ 185 PKR)
Undergraduate Degree	22,000 – 32,000	4.0 – 5.9 million PKR
Postgraduate Degree	26,000 – 37,000	4.8 – 6.8 million PKR
PhD (International)	7,000 – 12,000	1.3 – 2.2 million PKR
English Language Courses	350 – 500 per week	65,000 – 92,000 PKR

Tip for Pakistani Students: PhD programs in New Zealand are highly affordable compared to other countries, as international students often pay the same fees as domestic students.

2. Accommodation Costs

Housing is another major expense, and costs vary depending on city and living preferences.

Type of Accommodation	Monthly Cost (NZD)	Approx. in PKR
On-Campus Hostel	700 – 1,200	130,000 – 220,000
Shared Apartment	600 – 1,000	111,000 – 185,000
Homestay with Local Family	900 – 1,300	166,000 – 240,000
Private Apartment	1,200 – 1,800	220,000 – 333,000

Students often choose shared housing to reduce costs.

3. Food and Daily Living Expenses

Grocery shopping and dining out in New Zealand are relatively affordable if you manage your budget wisely.

Groceries: NZD 80 – 150 per week (˜ 15,000 – 28,000 PKR)
Eating out (casual meal): NZD 12 – 20 (˜ 2,200 – 3,700 PKR)
Monthly food expenses: NZD 400 – 600 (˜ 74,000 – 111,000 PKR)

Cooking at home helps Pakistani students save a significant amount compared to frequent dining out.

4. Transportation Costs

Most students use public transportation or bicycles for daily travel.

Mode of Transport	Monthly Cost (NZD)	Approx. in PKR
Public Bus/Train	120 – 180	22,000 – 33,000
Bicycle (one-time cost)	150 – 300	28,000 – 55,000
Car (purchase & fuel)	4,000+ (one-time)	740,000+ PKR

Many cities also offer student discounts on bus/train passes.

5. Health Insurance Costs

All international students in New Zealand must have health and travel insurance.
Average annual insurance: NZD 500 – 700 (˜ 92,000 – 129,000 PKR)

6. Miscellaneous & Leisure Expenses

Students also need to budget for personal needs, entertainment, and other costs.

Internet & Mobile: NZD 60 – 100/month (˜ 11,000 – 18,500 PKR)
Books & Stationery: NZD 500 – 1,000/year (˜ 92,000 – 185,000 PKR)
Gym/Leisure activities: NZD 40 – 70/month (˜ 7,400 – 13,000 PKR)

7. Total Estimated Annual Expenses

Here’s a rough estimate of the overall yearly cost for a Pakistani student in New Zealand:

Expense Category	Annual Cost (NZD)	Approx. in PKR
Tuition Fees	22,000 – 37,000	4.0 – 6.8 million
Accommodation	8,000 – 15,000	1.4 – 2.7 million
Food & Living	5,000 – 7,000	0.9 – 1.3 million
Transportation	1,500 – 2,000	280,000 – 370,000
Health Insurance	500 – 700	92,000 – 129,000
Miscellaneous	1,000 – 2,000	185,000 – 370,000
Total	38,000 – 63,000	7.0 – 11.7 million PKR

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The good news is that New Zealand universities offer scholarships for Pakistani students to help manage expenses. These include:

New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarships
New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)
University-specific merit scholarships

Scholarships can cover part or full tuition, and sometimes living expenses.

Conclusion

Studying in New Zealand can be a life-changing experience, but careful financial planning is essential for Pakistani students. On average, you will need between NZD 38,000 to 63,000 (PKR 7–11 million) annually, depending on your lifestyle and university choice. Exploring scholarships, part-time work, and shared housing can significantly reduce costs and make your education more affordable.