EASYUNI Ultimate University Guide 2013 Issue 2 | Page 52

S T U DY I NG A B ROA D
• Very eventful
There’s always a lot going on in New Zealand. Big name
artists visit regularly, there are professional theatre, opera
and ballet companies and orchestras. Going to the movies
is very popular, along with shopping in big malls and small
boutiques. There are many styles of food for all tastes.
• Weather check
New Zealand has what’s called a ‘temperate’ climate. That
means we have four distinct seasons, with summers that are
generally warm and dry and winters that are relatively mild
and wet. While it can get sub-tropically hot at times in the
far north, and crisp and cold in the deep South, there are no
weeks of baking heat and humidity when moving around is
hard, or months of being snowbound.

Frequently asked questions
What types of institutions are
available in New Zealand?
Higher education in New Zealand is not limited to
universities; there are also polytechnics, institutes of
technology, private training establishments and industry
training organisations. Universities are the most
academically focused and prepare students towards
a research-led degree and postgraduate education.
Polytechnics and institutes of technology provide students
with vocational education and training that equip

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easyuni Guide 2013

Issue 2

students with the skills needed for employment. Private
training establishments gear students up for employment
or higher education through specialized qualifications and
training while industry training organisations are meant
for working New Zealanders to complete nationally
recognised qualifications.

How much does it cost to study in
New Zealand?
Pursuing a degree in New Zealand can cost between
NZ$18,000 to NZ$25,000 a year, depending on your
course and the institution. Postgraduate courses cost more
up to NZ$40,000 a year. Your fees will cover registration
and enrolment fees, student health and counselling,
language support, use of most campus facilities and Goods
and Services Tax (GST).

How much is the cost of living in
New Zealand?
The national median rent for a three bedroom house was
NZ$340 a week in March 2013, which averages out to
NZ$110 a room per week. Student flats cost less from
NZ$70/80 a room per week. An idea of how much a meal
costs is indicated by the price of a Big Mac at NZ$5.00, a
cup of coffee (flat white) at NZ$4.00 and a 2-litre carton
of milk at NZ$3.99. A movie ticket and a pair of jeans are
NZ$12-20 to NZ$60–200 respectively.