Studying in New Zealand as an international student is an investment — and like any investment, managing the financial side well matters. This guide covers everything from setting up a bank account and IRD number to managing your weekly budget, understanding your work rights, and knowing what financial support is available.
International students in NZ on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during study, and full-time during scheduled breaks. You'll need an IRD number to work legally and pay tax correctly. NZ student loans are only available to NZ citizens and permanent residents — international students must fund their study through fees, scholarships, or family support.
Student Visa — Financial Requirements
To be granted a student visa for NZ, Immigration NZ requires evidence that you can fund your study:
| Expense category | Amount required (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Full amount for first year |
| Living costs | NZD $15,000/year (Immigration NZ minimum) |
| Travel to and from NZ | Evidence of return flight or funds |
| Health insurance | Compulsory for all student visa holders |
Compulsory health insurance: All international student visa holders must have appropriate health insurance. Most NZ institutions have a compulsory scheme or a list of approved providers — check with your university or polytechnic.
Cost of Studying in NZ — 2026
Tuition fees
| Institution type | Annual tuition range (NZD) |
|---|---|
| University undergraduate | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| University postgraduate (taught) | $30,000 – $55,000 |
| Polytechnic / institute of technology | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| English language school | $250 – $400/week |
Living costs by city
| City | Monthly living costs (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Auckland | $2,000 – $2,800 |
| Wellington | $1,900 – $2,600 |
| Christchurch | $1,600 – $2,200 |
| Dunedin | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| Hamilton | $1,500 – $2,000 |
These estimates include accommodation, food, transport, phone, and modest entertainment. Auckland is consistently the most expensive city.
Accommodation costs
| Type | Weekly cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| University hall of residence | $280 – $450 (full board) |
| Shared flat (flat share) | $180 – $300 |
| Homestay | $280 – $380 (includes meals) |
| Studio apartment (own) | $350 – $550 |
Halls of residence are the easiest option for your first year — accommodation and meals are arranged, and it’s easier to make friends. After year one, most students move into shared flats.
Setting Up Your Finances on Arrival
1. Open a NZ bank account
Open a bank account as quickly as possible — you’ll need it to receive wages, pay rent, and apply for your IRD number.
Best options for students:
| Bank | Student account? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ASB | ✅ Student account | No monthly fee for students; open via app from overseas |
| ANZ | ✅ Go account | No monthly fee for students |
| Westpac | ✅ Student options | |
| BNZ | ✅ Student options | |
| Kiwibank | ✅ | Open in-branch |
Most banks waive or reduce monthly fees for tertiary students. Bring your student ID, passport, visa, and proof of address (university acceptance letter usually works).
Many NZ universities also have a bank branch or ATM on campus.
2. Get an IRD number
Even if you’re not working immediately, get your IRD number early — applications are free and you’ll need it before you start any job.
Apply online via the IRD website (ird.govt.nz) once you have a NZ bank account. Takes 1–3 working days.
3. Set up your phone
Pre-pay SIM cards are available at supermarkets, service stations, and phone stores. Main providers:
| Provider | Plans from | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Spark | $19/month | Best nationwide coverage |
| Vodafone NZ | $19/month | Good urban coverage |
| 2degrees | $14/month | Good in cities; weaker rural |
| Skinny (Spark MVNO) | $10/month | Good value, app-only top-up |
Skinny and 2degrees are popular with students for budget plans. Most students use a prepay or monthly SIM rather than a contract.
Work Rights for International Students
During study
| Visa type | Work rights |
|---|---|
| Student visa — full-time tertiary study (15+ hours/week) | Up to 20 hours/week during study |
| Student visa — postgraduate research (full-time) | Up to 20 hours/week |
| Student visa — other (language schools, part-time study) | No work rights (unless endorsed) |
20 hours per week is a hard limit during the semester. Working more than 20 hours violates your visa conditions and can result in cancellation of your student visa.
During scheduled breaks
You can work full-time (unlimited hours) during official scheduled semester breaks — summer holiday, mid-year break, etc.
Minimum wage
NZ’s minimum wage as of April 2026: $23.15/hour. This applies to all workers regardless of visa status. Employers cannot legally pay less.
Common student jobs
- Hospitality (cafes, restaurants, bars — note: bars require an LCQ certificate to work as a manager)
- Retail
- Data entry and admin
- Tutoring
- Delivery driving (Uber Eats, DoorDash)
- Seasonal/agricultural work during breaks
Tax for Student Workers
When you start work, your employer will ask for your tax code. Most students use:
| Situation | Tax code |
|---|---|
| One job, main income | M |
| Second or additional job | S |
Tax on 20 hours/week at minimum wage ($23.15/hr):
- Gross weekly: ~$463
- Annual equivalent: ~$24,076 (within the 17.5% bracket)
- Weekly take-home (approximately): ~$395 after PAYE and ACC levy
At year end, if you worked fewer than 12 months, you may be owed a tax refund. File an IR3 return via the IRD website.
KiwiSaver for students
If you’re working and over 18, your employer may auto-enrol you in KiwiSaver. For most international students on a temporary visa, opting out makes sense — you cannot access the funds until age 65, and employer contributions are not refunded when you leave NZ. Opt out within 56 days of enrolment using the KS10 form.
NZ Student Loans — Not Available to International Students
NZ student loans are only available to New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, and some eligible visa holders (e.g., specific partnership visas). International students cannot access them.
For international students, funding options are:
- Personal savings or family support — the most common
- Scholarships — NZ institutions and the NZ government offer a range of scholarships for international students
- New Zealand Scholarship (NZS) — for students from developing countries, funded by MFAT
- University-specific scholarships — check your institution’s scholarships page
- Home country student loans — some countries allow loans for overseas study
Scholarships for International Students in NZ
| Scholarship | Who it’s for | Value |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Scholarship (NZS) | Developing country students | Tuition + living allowance + airfares |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | Commonwealth country citizens | Varies |
| University of Auckland International Excellence Award | High-achieving undergrads | Up to $10,000/year |
| Victoria University Wellington International Excellence Scholarship | High-achieving students | Up to $10,000/year |
| Individual department scholarships | Varies by institution | Varies |
Search your institution’s website for international scholarships and apply well in advance — most close 6–12 months before the study year starts.
Budgeting as a Student in NZ
Sample monthly budget — Christchurch student
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flat share (room in shared house) | $700 |
| Groceries | $300 |
| Transport (bus pass) | $75 |
| Phone (Skinny prepay) | $25 |
| Utilities (share of electricity/internet) | $80 |
| Entertainment and social | $150 |
| Clothing and personal | $75 |
| Total | $1,405 |
Working 20 hours/week at minimum wage nets ~$1,700/month — leaving $300/month in savings in a lower-cost city like Christchurch.
Budget tips for students in NZ
- Supermarkets: Countdown, New World, and PAK’nSAVE are the main chains. PAK’nSAVE is consistently cheapest — worth shopping there for staples
- Cook at home: Eating out in NZ is expensive ($15–$25 for a basic lunch). Cooking in a shared flat saves $500–$800/month vs eating out regularly
- Free student events: Most NZ universities have active student associations (AUSA, VUWSA, etc.) with free or cheap events, gym discounts, and food banks
- Student discounts: Carry your student ID — many cafes, cinemas, public transport, and software subscriptions offer student discounts
- Food banks: NZ universities have food banks and welfare support for students in hardship — no shame in using them if needed
- Studylink: Even if you’re not eligible for a student loan, StudyLink.govt.nz has useful resources and some students may qualify for other support
Healthcare for International Students
Your student visa requires health insurance. In addition:
- ACC covers all injuries — regardless of visa status, if you’re injured in NZ, ACC pays treatment and 80% of income if you’re employed
- Public health system: International students can access public emergency care; routine GP visits typically cost $20–$60 out of pocket (or through your insurance)
- Student health centres: Most NZ universities have on-campus student health clinics with subsidised or free appointments for enrolled students
- Mental health: Student services at most NZ institutions offer free counselling sessions — a highly underused resource