University Cost Calculator
What will university actually cost your family? Pick a uni, a programme, and where you'll live.
Your plan
Annual breakdown
- Tuition$7,300
- Hall fees (approx 38 weeks)$17,100
- Food, transport, books$7,600
Total programme cost (3 years)
$96,000
Estimate only — fees change each year, and many families cover this with a mix of Fees Free, Student Loan, Student Allowance, scholarships, part-time work, and family support.
Funding options
Fees Free
Fees Free is a Government scheme that may cover your first or final year of tertiary study. As of 2025 the policy changed to cover your final year instead of your first year — check the official site before making plans. feesfree.govt.nz
Student Loan (estimate: $60,924)
Your loan is interest-free while you live in NZ. Repayments start automatically once you earn above the threshold. Only some of the total above would be financed — most families use a mix of loan + allowance + savings + part-time work.
Student Allowance
Student Allowance is parental-income-tested if you're under 24. Approximate thresholds: full allowance under combined parental income ~$60k, reducing to nil around $100k-110k depending on family size. Exact figures at studylink.govt.nz. studylink.govt.nz
All figures are 2026 estimates. Always verify exact costs on the university's official fees page before making plans.