A complete 2026 guide to help Bangladeshi students compare tuition, living expenses, and real cost differences before choosing New Zealand or the UK.
For many Bangladeshi students, studying abroad is a big dream. There are many options, so choosing wisely is crucial. The UK has always been the top destination for Bangladeshi students looking to study abroad, but recently, New Zealand (NZ) has also become an attractive destination and for valid reasons. So where should you go? First of all, you have to understand the cost. We will break down everything here. It’s a complete cost guide for students confused between the UK and NZ. So don’t skip!
As a Bangladeshi student, calculating the cost of studying in New Zealand vs the UK isn’t just about tuition; it’s about rent, groceries, visas, and that sneaky exchange rate. Let’s break down the numbers for 2026, convert those dollars and pounds to Taka, and help you decide where your investment brings the best return.
(Note: Exchange rates used: 1 NZD = 70.46 BDT | 1 GBP = 163.22 BDT. Rates are subject to market fluctuation.)
1. Tuition Fees
When we look at NZ vs UK tuition, the difference often comes down to the prestige of the university and the location. While the UK is home to centuries-old institutions, New Zealand offers world-class education that is often friendlier on the wallet – especially for PhD candidates.
New Zealand Tuition Fees
New Zealand universities are consistent. You won’t see the massive price jumps between universities that you sometimes see in the UK.
- Undergraduate: NZD $22,000 – $45,000 or BDT 15.8 Lakh – 31.7 Lakh per year.
- Postgraduate: NZD $25,000 – $45,000 or BDT 17.6 Lakh – 31.7 Lakh per year
- PhD: NZD $6,500 – $9,000 or BDT 4.5 Lakh – 6.3 Lakh per year (Same as domestic students!)
Pro Tip: If you are a PhD aspirant, New Zealand is a financial jackpot. You pay the same as a local Kiwi student, which is a fraction of the international fees elsewhere.
UK Tuition Fees
The UK has a wider range. A degree in central London will cost significantly more than one in Wales or Northern England. Let’s look at an average.
Undergraduate: £11,750 – £25,000+ or BDT 19.2 Lakh – 40.8 Lakh per year
Postgraduate: £15,000 – £25,000+ or BDT 24.5 Lakh – 40.8 Lakh per year
Clinical/Medical: Can go up to £45,000+ or BDT 73 Lakh+ per year
Winner: For NZ vs UK tuition, New Zealand wins on consistency and PhD affordability. The UK offers variety but generally demands a higher budget for top-tier cities.
2. Accommodation & Daily Expenses
To accurately compare living costs between the two nations, we have to look at the “London Factor”. Living in London is a different financial ballgame compared to the rest of the UK. Let’s look at New Zealand first and then get back to the UK.
Living Costs in New Zealand
Immigration New Zealand requires you to show NZD $20,000 (approx. 14.1 Lakh BDT) per year for living expenses. In reality, most Bangladeshi students spend slightly more depending on their lifestyle.
- Rent (Shared Flat): NZD $150 – $250 or BDT 10k – 17k per week
- Groceries: NZD $80 – $120 per week
- Transport: NZD $30 – $50 per week
- Total Monthly Estimate: NZD $1,600 – $2,100 (1.1 Lakh – 1.5 Lakh BDT)
Living Costs in the UK
The UK government has strict visa requirements for funds. You must show £1,529/month if studying in London, and £1,1713/month outside London.
- Rent (Outside London): £450 – £600 or BDT 73k – 98k BDT per month
- Rent (London): £750 – £1,000+ or BDT 1.2 Lakh – 1.7 Lakh per month
- Groceries: £150 – £200 per month
- Total Monthly Estimate (Outside London): £1,000 – £1,200 or BDT 1.6 Lakh – 1.95 Lakh
- Total Monthly Estimate (London): £1,400+ or BDT 2.3 Lakh+
Winner: When you compare living costs, New Zealand is clearly cheaper than London and comparable to (or slightly cheaper than) UK cities outside London.
3. Visa Fees & Initial “Hidden” Costs
Before you even step on a plane, you need to pay for the privilege of entering. This is a crucial part of the study in New Zealand vs UK cost calculation that many students overlook.
New Zealand Visa Costs
- Visa Application Fee: NZD $750 or BDT 52,800 (Online)
- Insurance: Mandatory. Approx NZD $600/year or BDT 42,000
- Health Surcharge: None (You pay for insurance instead).
UK Visa Costs
- Visa Application Fee: £524 or BDT 85,527
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year or BDT 1.26 Lakh
Note: You must pay the IHS upfront for the entire duration of your course. For a 3-year degree, that is over 3.7 Lakh BDT just for healthcare access.
Winner: New Zealand, obviously with no doubt.
Total First-Year Cost Snapshot
| Category | New Zealand Average Yearly (Approx) | UK Average Yearly (Outside London) | UK Average Yearly (London) |
| Tuition | NZD 28,000 (BDT 19.7 Lakhs) | £13,000 (BDT 21.2 Lakhs) | £16,000 (BDT 26.1 Lakhs) |
| Living | NZD 23,000 (BDT 16.2 Lakhs) | £12,000 (BDT 19.5 Lakhs) | £18,000 (BDT 26.1 Lakhs) |
| Other | NZD 2,000 (BDT 1.4 Lakhs) | £2,000 (BDT 3.2 Lakhs) | £2,000 (BDT 3.2 Lakhs) |
| Total | NZD 53,000 (BDT 37.4 Lakhs) | £27,000 (BDT 44 Lakhs) | £36,000 (BDT 58.7 Lakhs) |
From this, we can see New Zealand costs less overall than the UK, especially in major cities.
Scholarship & Work Opportunities
Both NZ and the UK offer various scholarships to international students, including government-funded, university bursaries and merit awards. All these can significantly lower costs.
- In New Zealand, scholarships like Manaaki New Zealand and New Zealand Excellence Awards support international students.
- UK universities and external funds (Commonwealth Scholarships, Chevening, university-specific bursaries) are available but competitive.
These scholarships can sometimes cover 50-100% of the tuition fee. Want to learn more? Contact AGP.
Work Opportunities
Can you earn while you learn in New Zealand and the UK? Absolutely. This is how smart Bangladeshi students manage living costs favorably.
- New Zealand: International students can work up to 25 hours/week during term
- UK: Students can work up to 20 hours/week, helping offset living costs.
| Feature | New Zealand | United Kingdom |
| Part-Time Work | 25 hours/week (during term) | 20 hours/week (during term) |
| Holiday Work | Full-time | Full-time |
| Minimum Wage | NZD $23.50/hour (BDT 1,663) | £12.21/hour (BDT 1,992) |
| Total Earnings Per Week | NZD 587.5 or BDT 41,575 | £244.2 or BDT 39,840 |
| Post-Study Work | Up to 3 years | At Least 18 Months |
While the UK minimum wage is slightly higher, the cost of living in major UK cities often eats up that difference. Also, the weekly part-time work duration and post-study work time are better in New Zealand, which will lead to better earnings yearly.
The Verdict: Where Should You Go?
Deciding on whether to go to New Zealand or the UK is a personal choice based on your budget and career goals. If cost is the main focus, studying in New Zealand is the better option, with lower overall living costs and more affordable tuition for many programs. The UK, however, excels with higher global university rankings and larger urban experiences, but at a higher total cost.
Choose New Zealand if: You want lower upfront costs, affordable PhD options, a relaxed lifestyle, better PSW and PR opportunities and lower visa fees. It is excellent for those who want value for money.
Choose the UK if: You are targeting specific, high-ranking Russell Group universities, want a shorter 1-year Master’s degree (saving a year of living costs), and prefer the hustle of European city life.
Ultimately, the study in New Zealand vs the UK cost analysis shows that New Zealand is generally 20-35% cheaper annually for a typical student, but the UK offers shorter Master’s degrees, which can balance the total cost.
Choosing the right study destination isn’t just about money. It’s where you’ll grow, live, work and build your future. Both New Zealand and the UK offer world-class education and career opportunities, but understanding the NZ vs UK tuition and living cost comparison helps you plan your dream without financial stress.
Ready to plan your study abroad journey? AGP is here to help you compare costs, scholarships, and admissions – bringing your dream within reach. Contact For Free Counselling & Guidance.
Apply With AGP Today. Let’s Build Your Career Abroad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is New Zealand cheaper to study than the UK?
Yes, in most cases, New Zealand’s combined tuition and living expenses are lower than the UK for international students.
- How much is NZ vs UK tuition for a master’s degree?
New Zealand master’s programmes typically cost NZD 25,000–37,000 per year, while the UK ranges from £12,000–£30,000+ per year.
- What are the living cost differences?
New Zealand living costs average NZD 20,000-25,000/year (BDT 14–17.5 lakh), while the UK can cost £10,000-£21,000/year (BDT 16–34 lakh) depending on the city.
- Can students work part-time in NZ and the UK?
Yes – NZ allows 25 hrs/week, and the UK allows 20 hrs/week during study.
- Do both countries offer scholarships?
Yes, both New Zealand and the UK provide scholarships for international students based on merit and need.