Can’t decide between choosing to study in New Zealand vs Australia? New Zealand provides an excellent work-life balance, while Australia’s educational system further enhances its well-known academic standing. Each nation is distinct in its own way.
However, overseas students need to take several things into account to make an informed academic commitment. If you’re debating between studying abroad in Australia or New Zealand, this guide has all the information you need to make an informed choice.
| Aspect | New Zealand | Australia |
| Top Universities | – The University of Auckland – University of Otago – Victoria University of Wellington – University of Canterbury-Massey University | – Australian National University – The University of Melbourne – The University of Sydney – The University of New South Wales – The University of Queensland |
| Popular Courses | Healthcare, Business IT/Computing, Hotel Management | Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, Education, Business Administration (MBA), Healthcare, Information Technology, Hotel Management |
| Average Tuition Fees (per year) | NZ$24,000 – NZ$75,000 | AU$22,000 – AU$86,000 |
| Cost of Living (per month) | Off-campus: NZ$1,992, On-campus: NZ$2,760 | Off-campus: AU$1,981, On-campus: AU$1,957 |
| Popular Scholarships | University of Waikato Tuition Scholarship, University of Auckland Summer Research Scholarships, Wellington Doctoral Submission Scholarship | Clemenger BBDO Scholarship, Dean’s International Management Scholarship, Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship |
| Climate | Temperate maritime climate, mild temperatures | Predominantly hot and dry, diverse weather conditions |
Education System In Australia & New Zealand
New Zealand’s education system comprises various levels, ranging from certificates (level 1) to doctoral degrees (level 10). These levels are inclusive of certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and PhDs.
- Indian students seeking admission to top-ranked universities in New Zealand are required to meet the specific eligibility criteria set by each university. Additionally, they are required to demonstrate proficiency in English through mandatory language requirements.
- While a diploma programme is generally compulsory for admission to a bachelor’s degree programme, the exact criteria may be different from university to university.
- Regarding the Australian education system, Indian students planning to seek admission in undergraduate courses at various universities normally need to have completed 12 years of pre-university education, such as SPTM, A-levels, Australia Accredited Foundation Programme, or UEC.
- Furthermore, to secure admission to postgraduate courses in Australia, students must have completed an undergraduate degree.
Best Universities In Australia And New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand are some of the most sought-after countries, especially among international students, due to the presence of esteemed institutions offering academic excellence and thriving career opportunities. Here are some of the best universities in Australia and New Zealand:
| Best Universities in New Zealand | Best Universities in Australia |
| The University of Auckland | Australian National University |
| University of Otago | The University of Melbourne |
| Victoria University of Wellington | The University of Sydney |
| University of Canterbury | The University of New South Wales |
| Massey University | The University of Queensland |
Top Courses In Australia And New Zealand
Australia is an advantageous destination for pursuing undergraduate studies in fields such as Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, Education, Business Administration (MBA), Healthcare, Information Technology, and Hotel Management.
On the other hand, if you are interested in programmes related to Healthcare, Business IT/Computing, or Hotel Management, New Zealand presents itself as a more suitable option to consider for your educational pursuits.
Cost Of Studying – Average Tuition Fees In Australia And New Zealand
The tuition fees will mainly be determined by your choice of university and programme that you enrol in. Let us understand the best courses offered by the top universities in Australia and New Zealand along with their average tuition fees. It is imperative to note that these fees present a range of average tuition costs which can vary depending on the programme that you choose to go for.
| Top Universities in Australia | Popular Courses | Average Fees Per Year (AU$) |
| Australian National University | MBA/PGDM, MS, B.E/B.Tech, MA, BSc | 40K- 51K |
| The University of Melbourne | MBA/PGDM, MS, B.E/B.Tech, MA, BSc, MIM | 22K – 77K |
| The University of Sydney | MBA/PGDM, MS, B.E/B.Tech, MA, BSc, MIM | 33K – 76K |
| The University of New South Wales | MBA/PGDM, MS, B.E/B.Tech, MA, BSc, MIM | 24K – 71K |
| The University of Queensland | MBA/PGDM, MS, B.E/B.Tech, MA, BSc, MIM | 28K – 86K |
| Top Universities in New Zealand | Popular Courses | Average Fees Per Year (NZ$) |
| The University of Auckland | MBA/PGDM, MS, B.E/B.Tech, MA, BSc | 37K- 63K |
| University of Otago | MBA/PGDM, MS, B.E/B.Tech, MA, BSc | 27K – 64K |
| Victoria University of Wellington | MBA/PGDM, MS, B.E/B.Tech, MA, BSc, MIM, M.Arch | 30K – 65K |
| University of Canterbury | MBA/PGDM, MS, B.E/B.Tech, MEng | 24K – 75K |
| Massey University | MBA/PGDM, B.E/B.Tech, MA, BSc, BBA | 28K – 55K |
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in each of these countries is certainly determined by the tuition costs and expenses for food, travel, accommodation and many other crucial factors. Let us understand the varied aspects that contribute towards the total costs in Australia and New Zealand:
| Expense | Monthly Cost Australia (AU$) | Monthly Cost New Zealand (NZ$) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | 1,177 | 1,120 |
| On Campus Accommodation | 1,153 | 1,888 |
| Transportation | 60 | 150 |
| Food | 540 | 400 |
| Entertainment | 52 | 72 |
| Groceries | 28 | 64 |
| Clothes | 124 | 186 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation (Per month) | 1,981 | 1,992 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per month) | 1,957 | 2,760 |
Scholarships For International Students In New Zealand And Australia
With the cost of living on the rise, availing of scholarships to fund your studies, especially as an international student, becomes crucial. Here are some popular scholarships for international students to study in New Zealand and Australia:
| Scholarships In New Zealand | Scholarships In Australia |
| University Of Waikato Tuition Scholarship | Clemenger BBDO Scholarship |
| University Of Auckland – Summer Research Scholarships | Dean’s International Management Scholarship |
| AIWA Lucy Kasparian Aharonian Scholarship | Diversity Excellence Scholarship |
| Keith And Dorothy Mackay Postgraduate Travel Scholarships | Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship |
| Wellington Doctoral Submission Scholarship | Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships Scheme, The University of Sydney |
| Lincoln University Doctoral Scholarships in New Zealand | UQ Global Connect Scholarship, The University of Queensland |
| The University of Otago – Noni Wright Scholarships in New Zealand | Sir John Monash Scholarship, Monash University |
| Sir Ratanji Dalal Research Scholarship | |
| SCAR Fellowships in Antarctic Research |
International Culture In New Zealand Vs Australia
Australia’s culture features a blend of Western Anglo influences and the rich heritage of its Aboriginal peoples. Australia is known for its effortless and welcoming community, which makes it a great place to socialise, especially for students. The presence of popular attractions and a lively city environment make it truly worthwhile here.
In New Zealand, students are stunned by the country’s natural landscapes and breathtaking scenery. It offers abundant opportunities for adventure seekers. Various cultural festivals and events happen throughout the year which promote the country’s heritage.
Climate & Weather In New Zealand Vs Australia
While both New Zealand and Australia are located in the Southern Hemisphere, their climates are quite different from each other. New Zealand features a temperate maritime climate, with mild temperatures throughout the year.
- The North Island in summer (December-February) features average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Winter temperatures range from 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F).
- The South Island in summer features average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 21°C (63°F to 70°F). Winter (June-August)temperatures range from 5°C to 11°C (41°F to 52°F).
Australia’s climate is predominantly hot and dry, with diverse weather conditions ranging from the tropical regions in the north to the temperate zones in the south. It features high temperatures and low rainfall. Coastal areas experience more moderate and comfortable weather.
- Northern Australia (Northern Territory, Queensland) in summer (December-February) features average temperatures ranging from 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F). Winter (June-August) temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
- Southern Australia (New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia) features summer (December-February) temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Winter (June-August) average temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F).
Post-Study Work Opportunities
The remuneration being offered is greatly influenced by the university, field of work, and your overall experience. Here are some popular job opportunities in New Zealand and Australia along with their average salaries:
Australia
| Job Profiles | Average Annual Salary (AU$) |
| Communications Manager | 88, 369 |
| HR Manager | 1,30,000 |
| IT Engineer | 1,20,000 |
| Sales Manager | 1,16,000 |
| Life Coach | 85,000 |
New Zealand
| Job Profiles | Average Annual Salary (NZ$) |
| Auditor | 53,816 |
| Art Director | 72,860 |
| Building Manager | 60,518 |
| Corporate Trainer | 69,617 |
| Law Admin | 45,305 |
Thus, choosing to study in New Zealand vs Australia will now get easier since you have all the information you need to shortlist your ideal destination. Whether you’re heading to New Zealand or Australia, your journey to pursue education in either of these countries is sure to be enriching due to the academic excellence they offer along with a high quality of life.
FAQs
What are the top universities in New Zealand?
The University of Auckland, University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, and Massey University.
What are the popular courses to study in Australia?
Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, Education, MBA, Healthcare, Information Technology, and Hotel Management.
What are the average tuition fees for international students in New Zealand?
Average tuition fees range from NZ$24,000 to NZ$75,000 per year, depending on the university and programme.
Are scholarships available for international students in Australia and New Zealand?
Yes, both countries offer various scholarships for international students to support their education costs.
What is the climate like in Australia compared to New Zealand?
Australia has a predominantly hot and dry climate, while New Zealand has a temperate maritime climate with milder temperatures.
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