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New Zealand vs Italy: which should you study in?
Both are strong destinations, and the honest answer depends on your budget, your grades and whether you want to stay on after graduating. Here is the side-by-side.
New Zealand vs Italy, line by line
| Metric | New Zealand | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Living cost | ≈ $14,500 | ≈ $11,500 |
| Tuition from | ≈ $4,600 | ≈ $250 |
| Average tuition | ≈ $22,600 | ≈ $4,800 |
| Total per year | ≈ $37,100 | ≈ $16,300 |
| Post-study work | 3 years | 1 years |
| Work while studying | 20 h/week | 20 h/week |
| PR pathway | strong | moderate |
| Institutions | 8 | 12 |
| Courses listed | 24 | 41 |
| World rank | #65 | #111 |
| Typical entry grade | 72% | 72% |
| English requirement | IELTS 6.3 | IELTS 6.3 |
Which one fits you?
Choose New Zealand if…
- ✓you want longer post-study work rights (3 years)
- ✓settling permanently matters to you
- ✓you are targeting a higher-ranked university
Choose Italy if…
- ✓you want lower living costs (about $3,000 a year less)
- ✓you want cheaper tuition (from $250 a year)
- ✓you want more institutions to choose from (12 here)
The short version
Italy is the cheaper route on total annual cost, while New Zealand gives you longer to work after you graduate. If you are optimising for permanent residency, New Zealand has the stronger pathway.
New Zealand
Fee-paying student visa (show NZD 20,000/yr of living funds). The Post-Study Work Visa runs up to 3 years and skilled roles feed a points-based residence system.
Italy
Type D study visa. Tuition is income-scaled and often very low; graduates can convert to a 12-month job-search permit.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in New Zealand or Italy?
On total annual cost — tuition plus living — Italy works out cheaper. Tuition in New Zealand starts around $4,600 a year against $250 in Italy, and living costs run $$14,500 versus $$11,500 a year.
Which gives better post-study work rights, New Zealand or Italy?
New Zealand allows 3 year(s) of post-study work and Italy allows 1. During term, students can work up to 20 hours a week in New Zealand and 20 hours in Italy.
Which is easier to get into, New Zealand or Italy?
Across the courses we list, the typical competitive grade is about 72% in New Zealand and 72% in Italy, with English requirements of IELTS 6.3 and 6.3 respectively. Entry difficulty varies far more by institution than by country.
Other comparisons
Estimated figures. Tuition, living costs and entry benchmarks on this page are estimates for guidance and comparison. Always confirm exact figures with the institution before you apply.
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