The cost of a Master’s qualification in New Zealand can vary greatly depending on the provider and their educational institution. It will depend on the content of the course, amount of credit and program length. International students can expect to spend around NZD 20,000 to NZD 60,000 or more per year for tuition fees, depending on provider type and course.
Besides tuition costs, however, students will also need to budget for:
- Proof of funds for living costs
- Travel budgeting/planning
- Insurance and visa-related costs
- Additional funds for initial living expenses
That is why students wishing to study a Master’s in New Zealand should always consider the entire cost of the program, before applying. When applying for a visa as a tertiary student, students will need to have NZD 20,000 for every year of study for the duration of the program. Outward travel funds, either in the form of a paid ticket or additional funds, must also be shown by the applicant.
The cost of tuition, on the other hand, will depend on the provider – a Master’s at a university will typically cost more than an ITP program, but a PTE course might have lower fees.
How Much Does It Cost To Study A Master’s In New Zealand?
The full cost of a Master’s degree qualification in New Zealand will depend on the course and the provider, but students should generally budget for tuition costs as well as at least NZD 20,000 per year for living costs and additional funds for travel/other expenses.
A rough guide is given below:
| Cost | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition at some PTEs | NZD 20,000 to NZD 35,000+ per year |
| Tuition at some ITPs | NZD 25,000 to NZD 40,000+ per year |
| Tuition at universities | NZD 38,000 to NZD 60,000+ per year |
| Living costs required by INZ | NZD 20,000 per year |
| Travel planning amount | Around NZD 2,000 |
| Insurance, visa and other expenses | Additional |
Please note that these figures are only estimates and the fees will vary depending on the course and provider.
Students should always confirm the required tuition amount with the provider before applying, as the cost can vary greatly for similar courses.
For example, the cost of a 120-credit Master’s qualification can cost different to the cost of a 180-credit Master’s qualification and the subject matter can also affect tuition fees for a Master’s.
Why do Master’s fees differ at universities, ITPs and PTEs?
The main reason why Master’s fees differ at different providers is that there are multiple types of educational institutions in New Zealand and each institution determines their own fees depending on the courses that they offer. There are universities, institutes of technology and polytechnics, and private training establishments. NZQA recommends checking that the provider is registered or established, that the program is approved by the education sector, that the provider is accredited to deliver the course, and that they have signed the Code of Practice for international students.
For international students, the general tuition cost order can be seen as:
University > ITP/Polytechnic > PTE
However, this is a general rule of thumb and does not take into account the full cost of the program, so students should always compare tuition fees and the full budget for each course before applying.
How Much Does A Master’s At A New Zealand University Cost?
University-based Master’s programs tend to be on the higher end of the tuition cost scale.
For most international students, a university Master’s qualification can cost around NZD 38,000 to NZD 60,000 or more, depending on the university, subject area and credit value.
Some specialized programs can be even more expensive.
While universities can provide a more academic and research-focused environment, students must always take into account the increased tuition fees when budgeting for their studies.
Students should also consider the following questions when considering an offer from a university:
- How many credits does the program have?
- How long will the program take to complete?
- Is the tuition fee quoted for the full program or per year of study?
- Are there additional student service fees?
- Do books, software and other program-related resources incur additional costs?
- Does the qualification align with my career goals?
How Much Does A Master’s At An ITP Cost?
Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics can offer courses that are more focused on practitioners and offer lower tuition fees than their university counterparts.
A general cost range for some international postgraduate courses can range around the cost of NZD 25,000 to NZD 40,000 or more depending on the ITP and course.
ITPs can also be a great option for students looking to study in a specific area of New Zealand, but students should also ensure the qualification, program approval, duration and future immigration possibilities still meet their own requirements prior to applying.
How Much Does A Master’s At A PTE Cost?
Private Training Establishments otherwise known as PTEs represent another option for international students.
Some PTEs also offer reduced tuition compared to universities, with a general range of around NZD 20,000 to NZD 35,000 or more depending on the program.
Students should also confirm course requirements including the provider’s standing, program approval, qualification value, duration and if the course will suit their requirements prior to applying for a Master’s at a PTE.
What Is The Difference Between University, ITP and PTE Tuition Fees?
To summarize the difference between the three main types of education institutions, the tuition fee comparison can be seen as follows:
| Education provider | General tuition position | Approximate planning range |
|---|---|---|
| University | Usually higher | NZD 38,000 to NZD 60,000+ |
| ITP / Polytechnic | Often lower than universities | NZD 25,000 to NZD 40,000+ |
| PTE | Can be lower, depending on course | NZD 20,000 to NZD 35,000+ |
As a general rule of thumb, these ranges can help students compare offers, but it would be better if they compare the actual course tuition fee rather than generalizing based on the institution category.
How Much Money Does Immigration New Zealand Require For Living Costs?
Immigration New Zealand requires NZD 20,000 for every year of tertiary study for students studying for a year or more, and NZD 1,667 for every month of study for students enrolling for less than a year.
This living-cost amount is a guide for students to budget for their day-to-day expenses while in New Zealand.
Living expenses can include:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transport
- Electricity
- Internet
- Personal expenses
- Daily necessities
- Other regular living costs
Do Students Need NZD 2,000 for Travel?
Students need to show that they will be able to leave New Zealand at the end of their program, but the NZD 2,000 travel amount is not a set requirement from Immigration New Zealand. INZ confirms that students can show proof of a fully paid outward ticket, or they can use additional funds to pay for an outward ticket (separate to the living-cost funds).
For personal budgeting, students can use around NZD 2,000 for travel planning, but the ticket price can greatly vary depending on:
- The student’s home country
- The destination country
- The airline
- The time of year
- When the ticket is purchased
- Whether the ticket is one-way or return
As such, the blog should not make it sound as if every student needs to show exactly NZD 2,000 to Immigration New Zealand for travel costs.
What is the total first-year cost of a Master’s in New Zealand?
The first-year budget will primarily be dependent on the tuition fees, so a student who has chosen a lower-cost course could budget something like the following:
| Expense | Lower-cost example |
|---|---|
| Tuition fee | NZD 25,000 |
| Living funds | NZD 20,000 |
| Travel planning | NZD 2,000 |
| Other costs | Additional |
| Total core budget | Around NZD 47,000+ |
On the other hand, a student who has selected a higher-cost university program could have a much larger first-year budget:
| Expense | Higher-cost example |
|---|---|
| Tuition fee | NZD 55,000 |
| Living funds | NZD 20,000 |
| Travel planning | NZD 2,000 |
| Other costs | Additional |
| Total core budget | Around NZD 77,000+ |
These are just example figures to give students an idea of how the budget calculation works – every course has different requirements and students should always use the tuition fee given by the university, ITP or PTE that they choose.
Does the length of the Master’s change the total cost?
Yes. The length of the program can have an impact on the total cost.
A 1-year Master’s and an extended Master’s should not be compared on the basis of their annual tuition.
Students should see the entire number of credits and total length.
For example:
| Programme | Possible impact on cost |
|---|---|
| 1-year Master’s | Lower total living cost because the stay is shorter |
| 1.5-year Master’s | More tuition and living expenses |
| 2-year Master’s | Higher overall budget |
| 180-credit Master’s | May cost more than a 120-credit programme |
The tuition fee can be based on different calculations depending on the provider. That is why students should request the total estimated tuition fee, not just the fee for a single academic year, from an education provider.
Can students work while studying a Master’s in New Zealand?
In general, eligible international students can work while studying, subject to the conditions on their student visa. Current student visa conditions allow eligible students to work up to 25 hours a week during study, and full-time work is possible during scheduled breaks/holidays, depending on their visa conditions. However, part-time work should not be the central pillar of the overall funding plan for the student’s duration of study.
A student applying for a New Zealand student visa will still need to demonstrate that they have sufficient money to support themselves. In addition to this, Immigration New Zealand reviews the student’s financial evidence and whether the money is genuine, large deposits or unusual transactions may need to be justified with supporting documents.
Students who plan to study for more than one year should also have a credible funding plan for future tuition and living costs. INZ states that a credible funding plan for subsequent years can demonstrate that the student has genuine study intentions.
Can students stay in New Zealand after a Master’s?
Yes, eligible graduates may apply for a Post Study Work Visa after completing their qualification.
In the case of a Master’s or doctoral qualification, Immigration New Zealand states that students who study in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks can be granted a Post-Study Work Visa for up to three years, subject to the applicable requirements.
This is an important consideration for students who intend to study in New Zealand since the total cost of a Master’s is often considered in combination with post-graduation work opportunities. However, students should not base the choice of a course solely on the availability of post-study work options.
The choice of the course should make sense in terms of:
- Previous education
- Work experience
- Career plans
- Content of the course
- Job opportunities
- Long-term prospects
Can a Master’s student take their spouse to New Zealand?
Yes, a student completing an eligible Level 9 Master’s qualification may be able to sponsor their partner for a Partner of a Student Work Visa.
This is one of the popular aspects of New Zealand’s immigration system for international students with families. Immigration New Zealand states that a student completing a Level 9 or Level 10 qualification (includes Master’s and doctoral degrees) may be able to sponsor a work visa for an eligible partner.
The partner needs to satisfy the conditions of the Partner of a Student Work Visa.
For example, the partner should generally be living in a genuine and stable relationship with the student and have at least NZD 4,200 for living costs according to the requirements of the Partner of a Student Work Visa as it applies currently.
Partner of a Student Work Visa allows the partner to work in New Zealand and study for up to three months, subject to their visa conditions.
What if the spouse does not need work rights?
A spouse who does not require work rights may be able to apply for a Partner of a Student Visitor Visa if they are eligible. Partner of a Student Visitor Visa does not have the same work rights as Partner of a Student Work Visa. This is why students should clarify their needs before shortlisting their visa options.
If the spouse needs work rights in New Zealand, the Partner of a Student Work Visa is the appropriate option for the student and partner to meet the requirements. If the spouse only needs to accompany the student without working, the visitor option may be explored.
Can dependent children go to New Zealand with a Master’s student?
Yes, family members may be able to accompany a student to New Zealand, however, the rules for children differ compared to a spouse. A student visa holder may be able to sponsor their partner and children for visitor visas. The capacity to sponsor a Dependent Child Student Visa depends on the student’s qualification and circumstances.
For example, Immigration New Zealand states that a student completing a Level 9 or 10 qualification can sponsor a work visa for their partner, but a student visa holder does not automatically have the same dependent child student visa option simply for studying a Master’s. In some circumstances, the partner, who sponsors a Partner of a Student Work Visa, may have the option to sponsor student visas for their children.
Hence, families should review their visa options before making any education/travel arrangements. A Dependent Child Student Visa allows an eligible dependent child, aged 19 or younger, to study at primary or secondary school in New Zealand.
What should the students keep in mind about the cost of a Master’s in New Zealand?
The cost of a Master’s in New Zealand varies for each student since the tuition depends on the provider, program, credits, duration, etc. The key points to consider are the following:
- University Master’s programs tend to have higher tuition fees.
- ITPs offer more affordable options for certain programs.
- Certain PTEs could have lower tuition fee than ITPs and Universities.
- The exact tuition should always be viewed for the specific program.
- International tertiary students who plan to study for one year or more need to show NZD 20,000 per year for living costs.
- Outward travel should be planned, however, NZD 2,000 should not be considered a mandatory requirement as per Immigration New Zealand.
- Insurance, visa costs, deposits for accommodation, books and other first-year expenses should be included in the budget.
- Eligible students may work while studying depending on their student visa conditions.
- Eligible graduates of a Master’s may qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa for up to three years when they meet the requirements.
- An eligible student studying a Level 9 Master’s may be able to sponsor their spouse for a Dependent Spouse Work Visa (officially known as Partner of a Student Work Visa).
- A spouse may also have a visitor visa option if they are not looking to work in New Zealand.
- Children have different visa options and should be assessed based on individual circumstances.
In the end, a cheaper Master’s is not always a better Master’s, so students should consider the course, provider, tuition fee, location, career options, post-study work visa and family requirements. A credible study plan is one where the student is aware of the total cost, funding and future intentions after completing the qualification.
For students planning a New Zealand student visa or a New Zealand study visa, it is also important to remember that Immigration New Zealand reviews the student’s study intentions, financial proof and genuine study intentions.
Students who are unsure about their visa options can take advice from a Licensed Immigration Adviser. At West Highlander Immigration, immigration-related information is reviewed by Ms Parwinder Kaur, Licensed Immigration Adviser, New Zealand IAA licence 201002008. The West Highlander team can also help students compare their study options and understand the associated costs before they apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does a Master’s in New Zealand cost?
The cost of a Master’s in New Zealand depends on the provider and the program. In general terms, some PTE programs can range around NZD 20,000 to NZD 35,000+, ITP programs around NZD 25,000 to NZD 40,000+ and University programs around NZD 38,000 to NZD 60,000+.
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How much money is required for living costs in New Zealand?
Immigration New Zealand currently requires tertiary students to show NZD 20,000 per year for living costs if they plan to study for one year or more. For study of less than one year the requirement is NZD 1,667 per month.
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Is NZD 20,000 enough for one year in New Zealand?
NZD 20,000 is the current Immigration New Zealand financial requirement for a tertiary student studying for one year or more. The actual living costs can vary depending on the lifestyle, accommodation, food, transport, etc.
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Is NZD 2,000 compulsory for travel?
No, Immigration New Zealand requires evidence of a paid outward ticket or sufficient funds to cover the travel costs. NZD 2,000 can be kept aside as a travel budget, however, it is not a mandatory requirement as per Immigration New Zealand.
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Can I work while studying a Master’s in New Zealand?
Eligible students can work on the basis of the conditions noted on their student visa. Current student visa conditions allow eligible students to work up to 25 hours a week during study.
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Can I get a Post-Study Work Visa after a Master’s?
Yes, eligible graduates of a Master’s can qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa. Immigration New Zealand currently states that eligible graduates of a Master’s who study in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks can qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa for up to three years.
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Can my spouse work in New Zealand while I study a Master’s?
An eligible student studying a Level 9 Master’s may be able to sponsor their partner for a Partner of a Student Work Visa. The partner will need to satisfy the visa requirements.
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Can I take my dependent children to New Zealand?
The visa options for family members depend on the student’s qualification and their situation. A student studying a Master’s should not assume that their children automatically qualify for a Dependent Child Student Visa, the options should be explored.
