All students pay tuition fees and compulsory levies. Calculate how much your courses will cost to study at Victoria University of Wellington.
Domestic and international student fees
Your enrolment is confirmed once you’ve signed and returned an Offer of Study, Change of Course form or any document formally agreeing your acceptance into a course. You are then liable for the fees unless you formally withdraw before the appropriate dates.
Domestic students are charged tuition fees at a different rate to international students.
How to pay
You can pay your fees with a StudyLink student loan, or through internet banking, with a credit card online, or in person at the Enrolments office. Find out more about how to pay your fees.
Fees-free tertiary study
First-time tertiary domestic learners may be eligible for fees-free study. Find out more about fees-free study at Victoria University of Wellington.
Other compulsory fees
All students enrolled at Victoria University of Wellington are required to pay the following fees.
Student Services Levy
The levy is a contribution towards student support services delivered by and through Victoria University of Wellington to support and facilitate the best academic outcomes for all students. Refer to Appendix A in the Student Services Levy Policy for a full list of services.
Additional payment may be required to access some goods, services or amenities.
- Internal students: $822.00 (2020).
- Distance students: $411.00 (2020).
For details regarding students who qualify for reduced Student Services Levy rates, refer to the Student Service Levy Policy or the Student Services Levy FAQs for a full list of services.
Student Assistance Levy
This levy is used to assist students suffering exceptional financial hardship.
- 2020: $27.60 for all students
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 Appendix D of the Fees Statute.
Your fees and costs
Plan ahead for your costs for studying in Wellington. These will include study, living, and other expenses such as insurance and a student visa.
Study costs
Your study costs will include tuition fees, student levies, and may include additional costs for course materials such as textbooks, reading materials, lab equipment, and field trips.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees vary between faculties and are calculated on the courses you take. For a list of all estimated programme fees, see the Programme Information brochurePDF1.8MB.
Your final tuition fees will be calculated when you complete enrolment.
Compulsory student levies
All students enrolled at Victoria University of Wellington are required to pay the Student Services Levy, which includes a Student Assistance Levy, for each year of study.
Some students may qualify for reduced Student Services Levy rates. Refer to the Student Service Levy Policy to find out more.
Annual fee increases
The University’s fees and levies are reviewed annually. The estimated tuition fees are based on the year in which you first enrol. You may need to pay an extra amount to cover an annual fee increase for any subsequent years of study.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Living costs
Use our cost calculator to see your likely study and living costs while you are in Wellington.
Accommodation
The cost of accommodation depends on where you live—you can choose to stay in a University hall of residence, a homestay, or in private accommodation.
You can use our cost calculator to find out what the different types of accommodation might cost and check our other accommodation fees and charges.
Other living costs
Wellington is an affordable city to live in compared to many international cities, however, some things may be more expensive than in your home country.
For advice on the cost of living in New Zealand for international students, go to the NauMai NZ website.
You will need to plan for additional living costs if you are bringing your family.
What does it cost?
Coffee
NZ$4.50
Café meal
NZ$9–$20
Mobile phone
plans from NZ$20 per month
Other expenses
Insurance costs
You must be covered by an approved insurance policy as part of your student visa conditions. The 2019 cost of insurance under the University’s recommended Studentsafe Inbound University policy is:
- English Proficiency Programme (EPP) student: NZ$207 (four months)
- Study Abroad or exchange student: NZ$310 (one trimester)
- All other students: NZ$620 (one year)
- Family of two/couple: NZ$1,240 (one year)
- Family of three or more: NZ$1,550 (one year)
Students who want to add family insurance after individual insurance has started will be charged an extra $52 (one family member) or $78 (two or more family members) per month.
Visa fees
The cost of applying for a student visa depends on your nationality, where you apply from, and how you apply. For the most up-to-date application fees, go to Immigration New Zealand.
If you are a returning international student, you may be able to renew your visa through Wellington University International. The current visa renewal fee is NZ$265 (NZ$170 for INZ fees plus NZ$95 for University administration). There may be additional costs for medical checks.
Funding your study
You may be able to meet the costs of your study through a scholarship, student loan, or by working in New Zealand while you are here.
If you have received a New Zealand Scholarship through the New Zealand Aid programme, find out what your scholarship covers.
Financial advice
If you want further advice about planning for your study costs, see the International Students’ Financial Survival GuidePDF1.2MB.
For help with developing a budget for your time as a student at the University, contact the Student Finance Advisers.