Costs - schools

New Zealand education is very cost competitive compared to other countries.


Living and study costs will vary according to a student’s age, level of education and the type of accommodation they choose. Each school sets their own study fees. As a guide, secondary school fees are on average around NZ$11,000 per year.


The 2009 Deloitte’s Comparative Costs for International Students report (commissioned for ENZ) shows that secondary school fees for international students in New Zealand are lower than Australia, Canada, and particularly the United States and the United Kingdom.

 

Cost Comparisons for International Students - Secondary School Fees only
(in US$)
  New Zealand
Australia Canada UK* USA*
Median Fees (per year) $6,637 $8,027 $9,457 $17,670 $21,800
 
*private/independent school fees (these countries have limitations around state schools)

The overall costs of living and studying at secondary school in New Zealand are also considerably lower.

All state schools are given a decile rating which gives a 1 – 10 rating depending on the socio-economic (household income, parents’ occupation and educational qualifications etc); 10 is the highest; 1 is the lowest.  The decile rating does not impact on international student fees. 



Additional expenses

There may be some education expenses additional to fees.  Use the following estimates (in NZ dollars) as a guideline (secondary school).  The school will explain if these are additional or included.

•    Stationery             $150 a year

•    School trips             $50 - $300

•    Special courses such as IELTS     $300

•    Examination fees:  

            o    NCEA – all NQF standards      $375 for all NZF standards
            o    NCEA – scholarship per subject     $100

•    Materials for special subjects such as art and photography         $50 to $300.

•    Uniform                 $300 to $500 (or up to $1,000 at some private schools)

•    Bus fares             $30 a week

•    Incidental expenses         $30 a week