New Zealand is a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean consisting of 2 main islands, both marked by volcanoes and glaciations. New Zealand’s capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometers east of Australia and roughly 1,000 kilometers south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga.
The 2017 Global Peace Index, which compares 162 countries for the risk of personal violence, rates New Zealand as the world’s second safest country just after Iceland. Transparency International’s 2017 Corruption Perception Index ranks us the least corrupt country in the world, equal with Denmark.
Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. Kiwis are some of the most amazing, loving, and welcoming people that you will ever meet. If you are a stranger, a native New Zealander is going to treat you like you are a friend. This is the number one reason to go anywhere for school, but New Zealand is amazing for their educational system. First, the tuition is some of the lowest in the world. You get a British-based education (due to their British influences) for a percentage of the cost. The degrees are recognized around the world as being up-to-date and practical. You will get high quality, hands-on education that you deserve.
Accommodation for International Students
Whilst studying in New Zealand you will need somewhere to live. Many students live on campus in Halls of Residence, while others opt for a homestay with a local family, or live with friends (or strangers) in a rented ‘flat’ (apartment/house). Here is some information on options for student accommodation in New Zealand. There are several options for student accommodation in New Zealand. Your place of study may be able to assist you in finding accommodation when you apply to study.
Halls of Residence –Most tertiary institutions, and some private secondary schools, in New Zealand have Halls of Residence. Halls of Residence have generally located a short walk from campus. Rooms are single or twin-share, with communal laundry, lounge room, and dining hall. Meals are usually provided, and all dietary needs can be catered for. A warden lives on site, and organized sporting and recreational activities are common. Halls of Residence are great for students who wish to meet new people and live in a secure, safe environment.
Average cost: Around NZ$200 – $300 per week.
Homestay/Private Board – Homestay means you live with a New Zealand family in their home – usually with a room of your own. Your Homestay family provides your meals and helps you with day-to-day life in New Zealand. Homestay accommodation is an excellent way to meet New Zealanders, and interact with people in English. As a guest in your host family’s home, you are expected to contribute to normal family life, a great way to experience Kiwi culture.
Average cost: Around NZ$180 per week.
Flatting/Independent Accommodation –“Going Flatting” is the New Zealand term for renting an apartment or house (flat). Flatting gives you the flexibility to live with as many people as you like – males or females. Flats range from one bedroom apartments to 4 or 5 bedroom homes. Rental accommodation is generally clustered around colleges or universities, but flats can be found in most city suburbs. Many rental properties in New Zealand come with a garden and have car-parking.
An oven is provided and sometimes other larger appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. Most New Zealand houses are stand-alone and do not have central heating. Your landlord does not have to supply heat, so you pay for gas/electricity between you and your flatmates. Usually, a “bond” (2 – 4 weeks rent) is paid to your landlord. This is returned to you when you move out – providing the house has not been damaged in any way.
For advice on rental properties in New Zealand contact the Department of Business, Innovation & Employment.
Average Cost: $70– $150 rent per week, plus expenses (food, electricity, phone, water etc)
Halls of Residence – Most tertiary institutions, and some private secondary schools, in New Zealand have Halls of Residence. Halls of Residence have generally located a short walk from campus. Rooms are single or twin-share, with communal laundry, lounge room, and dining hall. Meals are usually provided, and all dietary needs can be catered for. A warden lives on site, and organized sporting and recreational activities are common. Halls of Residence are great for students who wish to meet new people and live in a secure, safe environment.
Average cost: Around NZ$200 – $300 per week.
Homestay/Private Board – Homestay means you live with a New Zealand family in their home – usually with a room of your own. Your Homestay family provides your meals and helps you with day-to-day life in New Zealand. Homestay accommodation is an excellent way to meet New Zealanders, and interact with people in English. As a guest in your host family’s home, you are expected to contribute to normal family life, a great way to experience Kiwi culture.
Average cost: Around NZ$180 per week.
Flatting/Independent Accommodation –“Going Flatting” is the New Zealand term for renting an apartment or house (flat). Flatting gives you the flexibility to live with as many people as you like – males or females. Flats range from one bedroom apartments to 4 or 5 bedroom homes. Rental accommodation is generally clustered around colleges or universities, but flats can be found in most city suburbs. Many rental properties in New Zealand come with a garden and have car-parking.
An oven is provided and sometimes other larger appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. Most New Zealand houses are stand-alone and do not have central heating. Your landlord does not have to supply heat, so you pay for gas/electricity between you and your flatmates. Usually, a “bond” (2 – 4 weeks rent) is paid to your landlord. This is returned to you when you move out – providing the house has not been damaged in any way.
For advice on rental properties in New Zealand contact the Department of Business, Innovation & Employment.
Average Cost: $70– $150 rent per week, plus expenses (food, electricity, phone, water etc)