Tuition: NZD 20,000–40,000/yr (₹11–22 L)
Living Expenses: NZD 20,000/yr (₹11 L)
Post-Study Work: Up to 3 years PSWV + new 6-month Short-Term Graduate Visa (from 16 Nov 2026)
PR Ease: Centrally defined Green List: Tier 1 straight-to-residence; Tier 2 after 24 months
Tuition: AUD 25,000–45,000/yr (₹17–30 L)
Living Expenses: AUD 29,710/yr (₹20 L)
Post-Study Work: Post-study work rights; higher costs in Sydney/Melbourne
PR Ease: Points-based skilled migration; larger job market, less defined fast-tracks
Tuition: CAD ~24,000–42,000/yr (₹16–29 L)
Living Expenses: CAD 22,895/yr (₹16 L)
Post-Study Work: PGWP; wider institution quality range
PR Ease: Provincial/federal programmes; colder winters
The NZD 20,000 Living Expense Rule
Immigration New Zealand requires proof of NZD 20,000 per year (or NZD 1,667/month for courses under a year) in living funds — separate from tuition. Show via personal savings, family sponsorship, education loans, or the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS), with both primary evidence of funds and secondary evidence of their source.
| Field | Bachelor's (NZD/yr) | Master's (NZD/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Arts, Humanities, Business | 20,000 – 32,000 | 26,000 – 40,000 |
| Engineering & IT | 28,000 – 35,000 | 40,000 – 65,000 |
| Health Sciences / Medicine | 35,000 – 70,000+ | 35,000 – 70,000+ |
| MBBS/MD (University of Otago only) | 70,000 – 80,000 | — |
| PhD (all fields) | NZD 6,500 – 9,000/yr (domestic-equivalent rate) | — |
Realistic monthly spending: NZD 1,500–3,000 — Auckland most expensive; Dunedin, Hamilton and Christchurch notably cheaper. INR figures indicative at 1 NZD ≈ ₹56 (Aug 2026 mid-market).
Need the full verified financial picture — tuition tables, FTS mechanics, hidden costs and sample budgets? Read the complete NZ Cost of Study & Living Breakdown (2026) →
All 8 public universities sit in the QS World Top 500 (top ~33% of 1,500+ ranked institutions). QS 2027 (released 18 Jun 2026) moves Auckland to #67.
Secure an offer/enrolment confirmation from an approved provider.
Pay the required first-course/first-year fee and obtain confirmation.
NZD 20,000/year (or NZD 1,667/month for shorter courses) via savings, FTS, loan, or sponsor income.
Genuine Student documentation, medical certificate, police clearance where required.
Lodge via Immigration New Zealand’s online portal with visa fee and levy.
Processing times vary by season — check the live INZ processing-time page before applying.
Residency funnel: Study → Post-Study/Short-Term Graduate Work Visa → Skilled job under AEWV → Green List (Tier 1/2) or Skilled Migrant residence → Permanent settlement. Tier 1 roles can move to residence almost immediately with a qualifying job; Tier 2 typically requires ~24 months of qualifying employment.
Civil, mechanical, electrical, industrial engineers; construction project managers — many roles in Tier 1 "Straight to Residence".
ICT and communications engineering professionals mapped across Green List tiers.
Multiple caring and health professions with fast-tracked residence pathways.
Dairy farming, agricultural science, agribusiness management — Lincoln & Massey strongholds.
Metal fabricator, fitter, welder, panel beater — residence after 24 months of qualifying work.
Strong regional employment relevance; Ara Institute and university tourism majors.
Exact current salary bands by role are revised periodically — verified live from Immigration New Zealand’s Green List page at counselling time. ZAFCO’s global placement network maps your course to Tier 1/Tier 2 outcomes before you apply.
Want the full Tier 1 vs Tier 2 breakdown, occupation lists and residence timelines? Read the complete New Zealand Green List PR Guide 2026 →
NZD 260,000 total pool • 29 scholarships • NZD 5,000–20,000 each — exclusively for Indian citizens with an unconditional offer, jointly funded by Education New Zealand and all 8 universities.
Govt. of India MEA licence (B-1873/GUJ/COM/100/5/10332/2023) — regulated, accountable guidance for university shortlisting, NZD fund verification and visa lodging.
In-person counselling in New Delhi, Delhi NCR — document checks, Genuine Student statement reviews and pre-departure briefings.
University shortlisting + intake planning at zero cost. Call +91-9990533327 or start below.
⚡ Takes 60 seconds • 100% Free • No Spam GuaranteeAs per Immigration New Zealand (INZ) rules for 2026, tertiary students must show at least NZD 20,000 per year for living expenses, in addition to first-year tuition fees, accessible via approved liquid funds or the Fund Transfer Scheme (FTS).
Yes, eligible full-time tertiary students can work part-time up to 25 hours per week during term time and full-time during official scheduled university breaks.
The Green List contains specified high-demand skilled roles in NZ (Engineering, IT, Healthcare, Construction). Graduating into a Green List role provides direct or fast-tracked pathways to New Zealand Permanent Residency (PR).
While IELTS is widely accepted, students can also fulfill English language requirements using PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT, depending on university admission criteria.
Depending on your level of qualification (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) and course duration, a Post-Study Work Visa is granted for up to 3 years.
ZAFCO combines MEA-approved global mobility expertise with dedicated education counselling, providing end-to-end support for university shortlisting, NZD fund verification, visa lodging, and post-graduation career placement.
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