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Countries · Student guide

New Zealand: guide to moving and studying

In-depth guide for international students

Updated on 14 Aug 2026

Cost of living
High

Typical spending band for a student

Language
English / Māori

Main language to handle day to day

Currency
NZD

Local currency for banking and payments

Entry
Visa for all

Required with an EU passport too; check exemptions for short courses

The 6 guides

Everything about New Zealand, in 6 guides

One guide for each concrete need, from visas to housing: start with the one you need now.

Start here

What to do first for New Zealand

Resolve the decisions that can block your move before comparing cities or reading every detail.

Check entry, visa, and document rules Start with eligibility, deadlines, and official procedures for your situation. Check the lease and upfront housing costs Understand deposits, guarantees, contracts, and student housing before paying. Arrange healthcare before arrival Confirm insurance, enrollment rules, and where to get help once you arrive.

Your checklist

Before departure and after arrival in New Zealand

Use this as an order of work, then open the linked guide before acting on a legal or financial requirement.

  1. Confirm entry rights, deadlines, and required documents.
  2. Verify housing, contract terms, deposit, and first payment.
  3. Build a monthly budget including one-off arrival costs.
  4. Arrange valid health coverage from your first day.
  5. Plan phone, banking, transport, and the first local registrations.

Plan your money

New Zealand: cost of living, rent, and monthly budget

Start with housing, food, transport, healthcare, and setup costs. Treat estimates as planning ranges and verify local prices before committing.

Open the cost and money guide Use the free cost-of-living calculator

Cities and neighborhoods

Where to live in New Zealand: student cities and costs

Neighborhoods, rent, universities, transport and safety: everything you need to choose where to move.

Auckland
  • from 280 EURroom/month
  • 1universities

Auckland is a major student and professional destination in New Zealand. The city is geographically spread out, so rent, bus time and rail access make the campus location decisive.

Open city guideWellington
  • from 260 EURroom/month
  • 1universities

Wellington is a major student and professional destination in New Zealand. Wind, the thermal quality of buildings and steep topography have a major effect on the real quality of housing.

Open city guideChristchurch
  • from 240 EURroom/month
  • 1universities

Christchurch is a major student and professional destination in New Zealand. Seismic quality, heating and the connection to campus are essential checks in this relatively dispersed city.

Open city guide

Local context

New Zealand: what really changes

Use the destination-specific notes to understand trade-offs, common mistakes, and local differences.

Verification

Official sources and last update

Legal and administrative details are kept in the relevant guide so they are not copied out of context.

Where to verify the information

Each topic guide links to the competent official authorities. Always check the rule that applies to your citizenship, residence, purpose, and length of stay.

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