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Studying in France vs New Zealand

How the two compare on the things that matter most to international students — cost, student visas, work rights and the path to staying on after you graduate.

France
France
New Zealand
New Zealand
Tuition (per year)
Public: low differential rate (~€2,770–3,770/yr); private higher
NZ$22,000–40,000 / year
Living costs
~€10,500 / year (€878/mo from Aug 2026)
NZ$20,000 / year (visa requirement)
Student visa
VLS-TS student visa
Fee Paying Student visa
Work while studying
Up to 964 hours per year (~20 hrs/week)
Up to 20 hours per week during term
Post-study work
APS permit — up to 12 months for master’s graduates to find work or start a business
Post-study work visa — up to 3 years by level and region
Proof of funds
Show ~€615/mo (rising to €878/mo from Aug 2026)
Tuition + NZ$20,000/yr living + airfare
Path to residency
Multi-year residence permit, then long-term residence
Skilled Migrant Category (points) and Green List occupations
Health cover
French student health insurance (low cost)
Approved medical + travel insurance mandatory
Main intakes
September (main) and January
February (main) and July

France — often chosen for

  • Low public-university tuition
  • Business & engineering grandes écoles
  • APS stay-back for master’s+
Study in France

New Zealand — often chosen for

  • Post-study work up to 3 years
  • Safety and quality of life
  • Green List fast-track roles
Study in New ZealandMigration experts →

Figures are typical estimates; visa fees and minimum-funds thresholds change regularly. Always confirm current requirements with the official immigration authority before deciding. Use the study cost calculator to estimate your own budget.

France vs New Zealand — common questions

Is it cheaper to study in France or New Zealand?+

Tuition in France is typically Public: low differential rate (~€2,770–3,770/yr); private higher and living costs ~€10,500 / year (€878/mo from Aug 2026), while New Zealand is around NZ$22,000–40,000 / year for tuition and NZ$20,000 / year (visa requirement) for living. The cheaper option depends on your course, city and lifestyle — use the study cost calculator to compare your own situation, and remember each country sets a minimum you must prove for the visa.

Which is better for working after graduation, France or New Zealand?+

France offers APS permit — up to 12 months for master’s graduates to find work or start a business. New Zealand offers Post-study work visa — up to 3 years by level and region. If staying on to work is a priority, weigh the length of the post-study visa against how it leads into longer-term residency in each country.

Which has an easier path to permanent residency, France or New Zealand?+

France: Multi-year residence permit, then long-term residence. New Zealand: Skilled Migrant Category (points) and Green List occupations. Immigration rules change often, so confirm current pathways with a licensed migration adviser before choosing a country for PR reasons.

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