Fees for international students
Find out how much you’ll pay in tuition fees if you’re an international student.
Important fee information
Tuition fees are calculated on a per point basis. Each course has a number of points associated with it, so the amount charged will vary depending on your choice of courses.
Paying your fees
If you are facing difficulties paying your tuition fees on time, contact the Student Fees Advisors via student-finance@vuw.ac.nz. However, to be eligible for the Fee Paying Student Visa, Immigration New Zealand requires:
- proof that you have paid your tuition fees, or proof that you have a scholarship or loan that is paying on your behalf
- proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while you are studying in New Zealand
- proof of how you will return home when your studies are complete (such as copies of airline tickets or proof of funds to buy them).
Student who are approved a payment plan with Student Finance have the option to pay their tuition fees in full for one trimester. The visa granted will be for this duration and will require you to renew your visa.
It is not possible to apply for a student visa if you have not paid in full for at least your next trimester of study and without evidence you have sufficient funds to support yourself and proof of how you will return home when your studies are complete.
If you are concerned about meeting the requirements for your visa, contact our International Student Success Adviser—Visa at Wellington University International, student-visa@vuw.ac.nz as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Find more information on renewing your visa as an enrolled student.
Additional costs
Some courses have additional costs for items such as study materials, equipment, or field trips. Some administrative costs are also applicable. A full list of these administrative costs can be viewed in the Fees Policy.
Renew or extend your insurance
You must have approved medical and travel insurance for the length of your student visa. If you’re studying in New Zealand for more than a year, you need to renew your insurance.
International tuition fees for 2023 (incl gst)
International tuition fee bands for subject categories
| Undergraduate | Per point ($) | Average full time (120 points) ($) |
|---|---|---|
Humanities and Social Sciences | 254.58 | 30,549.60 |
Education | 254.58 | 30,549.60 |
Music | 304.81 | 36,577.20 |
Health and Midwifery | 269.03 | 32,283.60 |
Commerce | 270.30 | 32,436.00 |
Law | 306.25 | 36,750.00 |
Science | 291.32 | 34,958.40 |
Design | 307.42 | 36,890.40 |
Architecture | 320.16 | 38,419.20 |
Engineering | 331.23 | 39,747.60 |
| Postgraduate taught* | Per point ($) | Average full time (120 points) ($) |
|---|---|---|
Humanities and Social Sciences | 278.41 | 33,409.20 |
Education | 278.41 | 33,409.20 |
Music | 328.51 | 39,421.20 |
Commerce | 284.71 | 34,165.20 |
Law | 323.71 | 38,845.20 |
Science | 336.71 | 40,405.20 |
Design | 344.53 | 41,343.60 |
Architecture | 358.64 | 43,036.80 |
Engineering | 355.94 | 42,712.80 |
Health, Nursing and Midwifery | 272.53 | 32,703.60 |
Postgraduate taught courses listed above includes Honours and Postgraduate Thesis.
Calculate your fees
You can get an idea of what your fees for the year will be by using the Fees estimator.
The Fees estimator is indicative only. Your final fees account will be calculated and invoiced by the University upon acceptance of your enrolment application.
Other compulsory fees
Along with course fees, all students enrolled at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington are required to pay a Student Services Levy and Student Assistance Levy.
Student Services Levy
The levy is a contribution towards student support services delivered by and through the University to support and facilitate the best academic outcomes for all students. Refer to Appendix 1 in the Student Services Levy Procedure for a full list of services. You may need to pay extra to access some goods, services, or amenities.
Levy for 2023
For 2023 enrolments, the Student Service Levy will be calculated on the number of points in an academic year a student is enrolled in:
- Students primarily studying from within the Wellington region, either on-campus or online: $8.60 per point (GST included)
- Students primarily studying from elsewhere within New Zealand or outside of New Zealand: $4.30 per point (GST included)
This is capped at a maximum of 150 points per academic year.
Student Assistance Levy
This levy is used to assist students suffering exceptional financial hardship.
- 2023: $28 for all students.