Ara Institute Of Canterbury Tuition Fee

The amounts shown for domestic student fees in the programme and course listings are meant as a guide only.



  • For programmes longer than 12 months
    The fee shown is for the first year of study only (unless otherwise stated)
  • Where students have a choice of papers
    For some major programmes the fee may represent an average cost for the programme of study. This is because different courses within a programme can have different fees, so your final cost is influenced by your choice of courses.
  • Other costs
    May include costs for text books, materials, uniforms and some exams which are not included in the general tuition.
  • Compulsory Student Services Fee
    The Compulsory Student Services Fee is charged on a capped per EFT (Equivalent Full Time) basis and is mandatory. Ara offers a range of student services and facilities designed to support students through their study. The Student Services levy makes a small contribution to the costs of the support services. These include; Health services and counselling, advocacy and legal advice, financial support and advice including hardship, careers information, advice and guidance, employment information, childcare and sports, recreation and cultural activities. Summer school, weekend college, fully on-line courses and courses which we have a commercial agreement or contract (eg STAR, ITO, L1&2) have exemption. For more information on how this fee was distributed across these services in 2018, please view the Compulsory Student Services Fee breakdown (PDF: 0.1MB)

International Student fees

  • The amounts shown for international students in the course listings are NZ$.
  • The fees quoted include GST, language support, airport pickup, free use of campus facilities, registration/enrolment fees, exam costs, and New Zealand Export Levy fees.
  • To obtain a student visa the study fees must be paid by the due date shown on your invoice. You will then be sent an official receipt that is required by Immigration New Zealand before you can obtain your visa.

Below are the lists of all the fees expected to be paid by students who have gained admission into the school.



Ara Institute Of Canterbury Tuition Fees

COURSESDURATIONTUITION FEES
Engineering (2 Courses)2 Year – 3 YearNZD 20860 – NZD 21280
Science (1 Courses)1 yearNZD 21280
Arts (1 Courses)3 yearNZD 21280
Hospitality & Tourism (3 Courses)1 Year – 2 YearNZD 19150 – NZD 19500
Information Technology (IT) (1 Courses)1 yearNZD 19630
Banking & Finance (1 Courses)1 yearNZD 19500
Management (6 Courses)1 yearNZD 18400 – NZD 20090


In addition to your tuition and insurance fees, you will need between $20,000 and $25,000 per year ($380–480 per week) for accommodation/rent, food expenses, transportation costs, phone bills, internet usage and entertainment. No matter what your tuition or course fee is, the average living expense will be same for everyone. Please note that these amounts are just recommendations, Immigration New Zealand requirement is $15,000 per year plus return airfare or additional $2,000.

General expensesCost
(in NZ dollars)
Rent (per month)$800–$950
Groceries (per week)$100–$150
Gym membership (per year)$300
Entertainment (per week)$50
Milk (per litre)$3
Coca Cola (per can)$2
Cup of Coffee$3–$5
Lunch from University food hall or campus café$7–$12
Local calls made from a cell-phone$0.50–$1.50
Taxi – 5 km ride$10–$12
Movie ticket$10–$14
Visit to doctor$45–$85