Ngā utu Fees

All students pay tuition fees and compulsory levies. Calculate how much your courses will cost and learn about other compulsory fees at the University.

When to pay your fees

Your enrolment is confirmed—and you are liable for (required to pay) your fees—once you’ve signed and returned one of:

  • an Enrolment Agreement
  • a Change of Course form
  • a document formally agreeing that you accepted an offer of a place on a course.

Refunds

If you withdraw from your course(s) before the applicable course change deadline, you will be eligible to apply for a refund.

Find out more about refunds on the course additions and withdrawals page.

An administration charge may apply.

Domestic fees

Find out how much you’ll pay in tuition fees if you’re a domestic student (New Zealand citizens and permanent residents).

Domestic student fees

International fees

Find out how much you’ll pay in tuition fees if you’re an international student.

International student fees

Fees Free tertiary study

If you are a domestic student and new to tertiary study, you may be able to get Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification.

If you are eligible for final-year Fees Free, you still need to pay your fees when you enrol. To help cover this cost, you may wish to apply for a student loan.

Visit our Fees Free information page to find out more.

Other costs and fees

Student Services Fee

This compulsory fee funds services for students that are not covered by tuition fees. The services it funds include counselling, health services, financial advice, career guidance, student advocacy, student publications, and student representation.

Find out more about the Student Services Fee.

Student Hardship Fee

In 2025, the Student Hardship Fee is $32 (GST included) for all students. This fee is used to assist students suffering exceptional financial hardship.

Additional costs

Some courses have additional costs for items such as study materials, equipment, or field trips. These additional costs are typically described on the course outline webpage—use the course finder to look up individual courses.

Administrative charges

The University may charge you a fee to cover the cost of administrative tasks such as replacing your student ID card or processing a late payment.

The most common charges are listed in the table below. You can find a full list of administrative costs in Appendix D of the University’s Fees Policy.

Administration fees Cost (including GST)
Replacement Student ID card $21.00
Refund Charge (for monies totalling between $1,000–$5,000 during an academic year) per refund—not applicable for refunds to StudyLink $60.00
Refund Charge (for monies totalling over $5,000 during an academic year) per refund—not applicable for refunds to StudyLink $100.00
English for Academic Purposes withdrawal administration fee $200.00
International student refund of pre-paid tuition fees admin charge $1,000.00
International Transferring Student fee $512.00
Late Payment Penalty $154.00
Late Application Fee $123.00
Administration fee for special examination arrangements, for examinations sat at Victoria University of Wellington at other than the scheduled time, or sat at a location away from Victoria University of Wellington (per Course). Students will also be liable for courier costs and all costs that may be charged by the institution where the examination is held. $123.00

Get help

Talk to the Student Finance team

Phone: 0800 04 04 04
Email: student-finance@vuw.ac.nz