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New Zealand vs Spain: 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 Spain, line by line
| Metric | New Zealand | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Living cost | ≈ $14,500 | ≈ $11,500 |
| Tuition from | ≈ $4,600 | ≈ $450 |
| Average tuition | ≈ $22,600 | ≈ $7,000 |
| Total per year | ≈ $37,100 | ≈ $18,500 |
| Post-study work | 3 years | 1 years |
| Work while studying | 20 h/week | 30 h/week |
| PR pathway | strong | moderate |
| Institutions | 8 | 12 |
| Courses listed | 24 | 32 |
| World rank | #65 | #164 |
| 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 Spain if…
- ✓you want lower living costs (about $3,000 a year less)
- ✓you want cheaper tuition (from $450 a year)
- ✓you want more institutions to choose from (12 here)
The short version
Spain 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.
Spain
Student visa (Type D). Students may work up to 30h/week, and graduates can take a 12-month job-search stay.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in New Zealand or Spain?
On total annual cost — tuition plus living — Spain works out cheaper. Tuition in New Zealand starts around $4,600 a year against $450 in Spain, and living costs run $$14,500 versus $$11,500 a year.
Which gives better post-study work rights, New Zealand or Spain?
New Zealand allows 3 year(s) of post-study work and Spain allows 1. During term, students can work up to 20 hours a week in New Zealand and 30 hours in Spain.
Which is easier to get into, New Zealand or Spain?
Across the courses we list, the typical competitive grade is about 72% in New Zealand and 72% in Spain, 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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