Cost of Living
New Zealand is a value-for-money study destination. Learn more about living costs, and read our money-saving tips.
World-famous for its friendly people, spectacular landscape and relaxed lifestyle, New Zealand is an unbeatable place to live and study.
New Zealand’s relaxed pace of life gives you the time to enjoy everything our vibrant modern cities have to offer. Enjoy live music, theatre, film, dance, free festivals or international sports fixtures, or hang out with your new friends at a cafe, restaurant or bar.
Most of our cities and towns are relatively small and uncrowded, making your daily commute easier and faster than back home. Wherever you live, you won’t be far from beaches, parks, walking trails and cycle tracks.
Some things you should know about New Zealand from students living there
Britomart Precinct Auckland New Zealand
The size of the UK or Japan but with a population of only 5 million people, New Zealand gives you room to breathe and the space to be be yourself.
New Zealand consistently leads world quality of life studies, and we have a great work-life balance. Kiwis believe in balancing a good day’s work or study with time after work and on the weekends to catch up with family and friends, enjoy hobbies and explore nature.
Each day is a new adventure in New Zealand. Explore native forests, snow-capped mountains, white sandy beaches, picture-perfect lakes and stunning fjords - all without the crowds and queues you’ll find in most parts of the world.
There’s something for everyone in New Zealand, whether you enjoy high-adrenalin sports like bungy jumping, skydiving or jet boating, or prefer to get closer to nature by hiking or cycling. You’ll be able to experience our unique Māori culture and see the landscapes made famous by the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film trilogies.
Some travel tips to help you explore New Zealand
Biking through the forest
New Zealand is one of the safest and friendliest places you can choose for your studies. In 2019, we were named the world’s second most peaceful country by the Global Peace Index, and the world’s least corrupt country by Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index.
Your education provider will have signed a code of pastoral care aimed at ensuring you have the care and support you need to have a successful study experience in New Zealand.
We don’t have any. We’re known as the seabird capital of the world, and have many marine animals - you may see penguins, albatross, dolphins, seals and whales while you’re studying here.
We have high levels of ultraviolet radiation (UV), so wear a sunhat and sunglasses in summer.
The New Zealand summer runs from December to February; winter is from June to August.
So there are lots of stunning sandy beaches to enjoy. Many beaches are patrolled by surf lifeguards; stay safe by swimming between the yellow and red flags.
So pack jeans, tee-shirts, jerseys (sweaters), sweatshirts and a warm waterproof jacket.
So many students are able to walk or cycle to their educational institution.
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