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Studying in New Zealand vs United Kingdom

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.

New Zealand
New Zealand
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Tuition (per year)
NZ$22,000–40,000 / year
£11,000–30,000 / year
Living costs
NZ$20,000 / year (visa requirement)
£12,000–18,000 / year (London higher)
Student visa
Fee Paying Student visa
Student route
Work while studying
Up to 20 hours per week during term
Up to 20 hours per week during term
Post-study work
Post-study work visa — up to 3 years by level and region
Graduate Route — 2 years (3 for PhD)
Proof of funds
Tuition + NZ$20,000/yr living + airfare
Tuition + maintenance held 28 days (£1,171–1,529/mo)
Path to residency
Skilled Migrant Category (points) and Green List occupations
Skilled Worker route to settlement after 5 years (no points-based PR like AU/CA)
Health cover
Approved medical + travel insurance mandatory
IHS £776/yr grants NHS access
Main intakes
February (main) and July
September (main) and January

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 Zealand →Migration experts →

United Kingdom — often chosen for

  • ✓One-year master’s degrees
  • ✓Globally ranked universities
  • ✓Graduate Route work visa
Study in United Kingdom →Migration 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.

New Zealand vs United Kingdom — common questions

Is it cheaper to study in New Zealand or United Kingdom?+

Tuition in New Zealand is typically NZ$22,000–40,000 / year and living costs NZ$20,000 / year (visa requirement), while United Kingdom is around £11,000–30,000 / year for tuition and £12,000–18,000 / year (London higher) 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, New Zealand or United Kingdom?+

New Zealand offers Post-study work visa — up to 3 years by level and region. United Kingdom offers Graduate Route — 2 years (3 for PhD). 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, New Zealand or United Kingdom?+

New Zealand: Skilled Migrant Category (points) and Green List occupations. United Kingdom: Skilled Worker route to settlement after 5 years (no points-based PR like AU/CA). Immigration rules change often, so confirm current pathways with a licensed migration adviser before choosing a country for PR reasons.

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