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Australia vs New Zealand for Indian Students: Fees, Living Funds, Work Hours and Post-Study Visas

New Zealand is the cheaper neighbour: a smaller visa fee, a lower funds figure and lower tuition at most institutions. Australia is the bigger market, with higher wages, more universities and, for Indian citizens, a 485 that the trade agreement fixes at three years after a master's.

Leonid Kurza, co-founder of EdumappleBy Leonid Kurza · co-founder of Edumapple · checked

  • NZ$850New Zealand student visa
  • NZ$20,000NZ living funds a year
  • 25 h / weekNZ term-time work
  • 3 yearsboth, after a master's

Head to head

AustraliaNew Zealand
Student visaA$2,500From NZ$850
Living fundsA$29,710 for 12 monthsNZ$20,000 a year
Term-time work48 hours a fortnightUp to 25 hours a week
After a master's3 years (Indians)Up to 3 years
Post-study feeA$5,750From NZ$1,670

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  • Courses your marks and degree qualify for
  • Tuition and the visa living funds, counted in rupees
  • GS answers, visa timing and your 485 plan
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The Australian side in rupees

Australia's visa is ₹1.7 lakh (A$2,500) against New Zealand's NZ$850, and its funds figure ₹20 lakh (A$29,710) against NZ$20,000. The difference in the first year, before tuition, is roughly ₹8–9 lakh.

Choosing between them

New Zealand rewards a tight budget and a subject on its skills lists; its smaller job market makes the course choice decisive. Australia rewards students who can carry the higher entry cost and want a large labour market, regional options and the treaty-fixed 485. Both give PhD students unlimited work hours. Compare Australian fees on fees in rupees.

Questions from Indian students: Australia vs New Zealand

Is New Zealand cheaper than Australia for Indian students?
Yes, on most counts: the student visa is from NZ$850 against A$2,500, the living-funds figure is NZ$20,000 against A$29,710, and tuition at New Zealand's polytechnics and most universities is lower.
Which pays more for part-time work?
Australia: the national minimum wage is A$26.44 an hour from 1 July 2026, and students can work 48 hours a fortnight. New Zealand allows up to 25 hours a week.
How long is post-study work in each?
Both give up to three years after a master's. New Zealand's Post Study Work Visa costs from NZ$1,670; Australia's 485 costs A$5,750. Australia gives Indian PhD graduates four years.
Are there special rules for Indian applicants?
New Zealand: Indian citizens applying from India can use only immediate family as sponsors or a financial undertaking, and may use the Funds Transfer Scheme. Australia applies the same funds rules to all nationalities, with the evidence asked depending on the Document Checklist Tool.
Which has more universities?
Australia, with about forty. New Zealand has eight universities plus its polytechnics.

Sources we checked