Studying in New Zealand vs. South Africa
New Zealand and South Africa are both popular study destinations — but the price tag, visa rules, and currency differ. We pulled the numbers from our cost calculator: monthly living averages €852 in New Zealand and €588 in South Africa.
Side-by-side comparison
Verdict
Cheaper tuition
South Africa
Cheaper monthly living
South Africa
Lower visa proof of funds
South Africa
Side-by-side comparison
New Zealand
South Africa
Currency
NZD (NZ$)
ZAR (R)
Public tuition (annual)
NZ$28,000
≈ €15,680 / yr
R50,000
≈ €2,500 / yr
Private tuition (annual)
NZ$35,000
≈ €19,600 / yr
R100,000
≈ €5,000 / yr
Monthly living (city avg)
NZ$1,521 / mo
≈ €852 / mo
R11,750 / mo
≈ €588 / mo
Visa proof of funds
NZ$20,000
Living costs proof (annual)
R120,000
Proof of funds for the Section 11(1)(b) study visa (varies by case)
Cities tracked
Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban
Figures are 2026 reference estimates from our cost calculator. Actual costs vary by city, program, and lifestyle.