Wondering why I said that? I will tell you! New Zealand is known as one of the top countries in the world that is safe for all category of people including students. The country has amazing and unique features that makes it conducive for both its citizens and visitors. Due to the country’s multicultural focus and world-class academic institutions, it houses over 130,000 international students who travel to the country for their studies every year. In fact, the country provides the best education quality anyone can ever imagine of. Although the country doesn’t have many universities like other developed countries, universities in the country are ranked among the best in the world. Interestingly, despite the quality of education they provide, their tuition fees are much more affordable when compared to other destinations like the UK and the United States. In this article, I’ll be listing the 11 most affordable universities in New Zealand that offers exceptional academic services for both national and international students. Before I proceed, let me share little light with you about New Zealand education.
About New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the Pacific Ocean. The country mainly comprises two islands. These are the North Island and South Island, although there are many smaller islands. The closest countries to New Zealand are Australia and the Pacific island nations: Fiji, New Caledonia, and Tonga. Made internationally famous through the Lord of the Rings film series, the beautiful scenery of New Zealand is varied thanks to ancient volcanic eruptions. New Zealand offers a rich mix of various cultures, including Maori, Pakeha (people of European descent), Asian and Pacific populations. It is a developed country and does well in national performance rankings. These rankings consider all aspects, including quality of life, health, education, and economic freedom. The most dominant sector of the national economy is the service sector, followed by the industrial sector.
Why study in New Zealand
New Zealand has several types of higher education institutions: universities, colleges, private institutions, and polytechnics. There are 12 universities in New Zealand, which all offer high-quality education. They rank all 12 of these universities within the QS World University Ranking top 500. The highest-ranked is the University of Auckland, which is in 82nd place, followed by the University of Otago in 151st place. One great advantage to studying in New Zealand is the unique approach to education. They encourage students to think as an individual and find their own solutions, which is how many develop unique strengths and ideas whilst studying in the country. You are able to study in New Zealand at all the traditional levels; undergraduate (bachelor’s), postgraduate (master’s), and doctoral (Ph.D.). There are options to gain specific qualifications, such as Graduate Diplomas and Honours. These types of studies generally last one year.
How much will it cost to study in New Zealand?
The cost of studying in New Zealand differs by institution. Every institution in the country has its own studying cost for both its nationals and international students. For instance, as an international student, expect to pay about $22,000-$32,000 for a bachelor’s degree and $26000 to $37,000 for a postgraduate program. To go for Ph.D. will cost you about $6,500 to $9,000 a year. However, you will pay higher if you want to study courses like veterinary science, engineering, medicine or engineering. In New Zealand, institutions and governments provides international students at both bachelors, postgraduate and Phd Levels with scholarships opportunities. With these opportunities, the study without having much. For cost of living, it depends on the part of New Zealand you want to stay. In most countries, it will cost you more to live in a bigger city than smaller town. However, to live in New Zealand, you might spend an average of $15,000-$27,000 a year. Now, if you’re going to study in New Zealand for more than a year, you’re going to have to show that you have at least $15,000 to support yourself in the first year. On a general note, you may need to get health care to study in New Zealand. This is going to depend on where you’re from. If you hold a student visa, you are not eligible for public health services. The exception to this law is students from Australia and the United Kingdom or PhD students. These students only may access government provided health insurance for medication that is urgently required.
What are the Studying in New Zealand Requirements?
New Zealand universities like the University of Auckland, University of Otago, University of Canterbury, Victoria University of Wellington, Massey University have their different admission requirement any applicant desiring to get admitted must meet. Though these requirements differs, there are still some compulsory in all the institutions. Language tests and requirements are mandatory for all courses and universities in New Zealand. IELTS (minimum of 5.5), TOEFL and PTE are the most popular English language proficiency tests used in the country. For undergraduate, applicants must have NCEA level 3 or New Zealand year 13 for any undergraduate course. On the flip side, graduate applicants must have an excellent academic results and enough money to handle all their education expenses. It is also important to produce all the required documents and a valid visa for New Zealand Education. Note, for courses like MBA, applicants will be expected to get GME or GMAT results.
What are the affordable Universities in New Zealand?
There are 11 universities in New Zealand that are affordable. That means, they have low tuition fees that 85% of international students who want to study there can afford comfortably. They include:
#1. The University of Waikato
The University of Waikato is an institution located in Hamilton, New Zealand. Founded in 1967 with the core aim of bringing to fulfillment the academic needs of citizens in the Southern Auckland region, the university has work effectively towards making that a reality. With the tuition fee of NZD 25,915 ($18,725) a year for undergraduate programs and NZD 31,615 (~$22,840) per year for graduate programs, the University of Waikato is renowned as one of the cheapest universities in New Zealand for international students. Currently, it is placed 292 in the world by the QS World University Rankings. Below are the available programs at the university: Visit the university’s official website to learn more.
#2. Victory University of Wellington
Victoria University of Wellington is one of the affordable public universities in New Zealand established in 1897. The university is being ranked as No. 229 in the world’s Top 500 universities by the QS World Rankings with more than 22,000 students in their three campuses (Kelburn, Pipitea, and Te Aro). Out of the 22,000 students, 3700 are international students. However, undergraduate students’ tuition fee is about NZD 26,150 (~$18,895) per year will that of graduate students is about NZD 29,050 (~$20,990) per year. Below are the available Degree Programs Visit the university’s official website to learn more.
#3. University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury is one of the best and affordable universities in New Zealand. The university since 1873 it was founded, accepts both national and international students. Currently, the university has over 15,000 students who are studying different degree programs and it’s ranked this 2022 #270 by QS World University Rankings. The institution is renowned for its wide range of programs and scholarships it offers at different levels. At Canterbury, tuition is very cheap. Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs is about NZD 27,000 (~$19,510) a year while tuition Fee for Graduate Programs is NZD 30,250 (~$21,855) per year. Below are the available programs the institution offers: Visit the university’s website to learn more.
#4. University of Otago
University of Otago established in 1869, is the first university in New Zealand. It is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world because of the academic excellence and outstanding student experience they provides. Currently, the universities with over 21,000 students houses four different academic divisions made up of schools, departments, faculties and colleges. And considering the aspect of its tuition fee which is affordable, it is ranked as one of the affordable universities in New Zealand. The Tuition Fee For Undergraduate Programs is from NZD 27,156 (~$19,620) per year while that for Graduate Programs is from NZD 22,712 (~$16,410) per year. Available Degree Programs Visit the university’s official website to learn more.
#5. Massey University
Address: Tennent Drive, Palmerston North, 4474, New Zealand Massey University is among the cheapest universities in New Zealand. The university is distinctive amongst best universities in New Zealand owning to the fact that it offers research-led teaching and training on three different campuses: Auckland, Palmerston North and Wellington. Currently, the institution has approximately 30,200 students with 5,300 foreign students from different countries. Massey University is the only university in New Zealand offering degrees in aviation, dispute resolution, veterinary medicine, and nanoscience. And according to the University ranking system, it ranks 287th position. Considering this university’s tuition fee which are NZD 27,770 (~$20,065) and NZD 31,010 (~$22,405) for undergraduate and graduate programs respectively, the university maintains one of the affordable universities in New Zealand for both national and international students. Below are the available Degree Programs at the university for both national and international students Visit the university’s website to learn more
#6. Lincoln University
Address: 85084 Ellesmere Junction Road, Lincoln 7647, New Zealand Lincoln University is a New Zealand university established in 1990 when Lincoln College, Canterbury was made independent of the University of Canterbury. However, the university is the smallest university in New Zealand with approximately 2700 students which 1200 are international students. One unique feature about this school is its focus on sustainable practices to ensure that productivity doesn’t come at the expense of the environment. And considering the fact that the school is one of the affordable New Zealand Universities because of its low tuition, most international student make it their study destination. Tuition fee for undergraduate programs is from NZD 29,100 (~$21,025) per year while that for graduate programs is from NZD 29,100 (~$21,025) per year. Below are the available Courses offered in the university:
EngineeringMedical Natural sciencesBusiness Social science
Visit the university’s website to learn more
#7. Auckland University of Technology
Auckland University of Technology is the second largest, fastest growing, and one of the cheapest universities in New Zealand. It was established in 1895. The university has three campuses located in Northcote, Manukau, and Auckland with a total of 30,000 students including 4,300 foreign students from other 107 countries. The yearly fee for undergraduate programs is from NZD 30,092 (~$21,740) per year, while that of graduate Programs is from NZD 32,095 (~$23,190) per year. Visit the university’s website to learn more.
#8. Whitireia New Zealand
Address: C-204, Pioneer Urban Square, Sector 62, Gurgaon, Haryana. Whitireia is one of the affordable universities in New Zealand established in 1986. The university houses over 7500 students, who attend its campuses in Auckland, Wellington, Kāpiti, and Porirua. At Whitireia, the tuition fee per year for undergraduate programs ranges from NZ$21,390 while that for postgraduate ranges from NZ$23,650. Furthermore, the university has six schools which includes:
Creativity and HospitalityBusiness and Information TechnologyHealth and Social ServicesLearner JourneyTe Wānanga MaoriConstruction and engineering
To learn more about this cheap university in New Zealand, click the link below:
#9. Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC)
Address: Tristram Street, Hamilton, Whitiora,3200,New Zealand WINTEC is one of New Zealand’s leading institute of technology situated in Hamilton. The institution houses approximately 20,000 students from 52 countries every year. Currently, Wintec offers over 130 degrees, diplomas and certificates with speciality in applied tertiary training for nurses, social workers, midwives, graphic designers, performing artists, engineers, trades people, early childhood teachers, horticulturists, arborists and sport scientists. The school is ranked among the cheapest universities in New Zealand because of affordable high-quality programs they provide. Undergraduate programs tuition fee is about NZ$ 21,000 while graduate programs tuition fee is about NZ$20,000. To learn more about WINTEC, click the link below:
#10. The University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is a public research university New Zealand founded in 1883. It is the highest ranked New Zealand university in the QS World University Rankings and Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities. Currently, the institution is New Zealand’s largest university by enrolment, housing over 40,000 students on five Auckland campuses. Note, there are eight faculties, including a law school, as well as three research institutes associated with the university. The following courses are available in this University:
MedicineEngineeringBusiness AdministrationManagement sciencesLawHuman services
To learn more about this university, visit the official website.
#11. Laidlaw College
Laidlaw College is one of the cheapest universities in New Zealand for international students. The College was established in 1922 as a public college. This university is famous for its biblical, pastoral and different historical courses. Laidlaw College is located in Henderson, New Zealand. The College is offering affordable courses for international students coming here from all over the world. Currently, the university has around 1,000 students and offers programs at Certificate, Diploma, Bachelors and Masters levels, as well as doctoral supervision. Available courses
Bible studiesHistoryManagementTheological studiesPastoral studies
To learn more about this university, visit the official website.
Bottom Line
For any international student who wishes to study in New Zealand but needs to do that without having to spend much, any of these universities listed above can help make that dream a reality. These universities offers a wide range of degree programs in different courses and fields.
Reference
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