To move to New Zealand from the Philippines on the study-to-residence pathway, you'll need around NZ$20,000 in maintenance funds for a student visa, plus NZ$30,000-$45,000 for tuition, plus NZ$4,200 if you're bringing a partner, plus additional living expenses if you're bringing children. The exact total depends on the school you choose and your family size — and a Licensed Immigration Adviser can map your specific numbers.
Maintenance funds: about NZ$20,000 for a student visa
If you're applying for a New Zealand student visa, you need to show maintenance funds of about NZ$20,000. This is the money Immigration New Zealand expects you to have available to support yourself during your study.
Tuition: NZ$30,000-$45,000 on average
Tuition at New Zealand schools typically falls between NZ$30,000 and NZ$45,000 per year. The exact number depends on the school and the course you pick. Horizons has working relationships with schools that offer more affordable programs for Filipino students, so the right pick can keep this number below the top of the range.
Bringing your partner: add NZ$4,200
If you're bringing your spouse or partner with you, Immigration New Zealand requires an additional NZ$4,200 on top of your own maintenance funds.
Bringing children: add living expenses
If you're bringing children with you, you'll need to show additional funds to cover their living expenses. The amount depends on how many children and their ages.
Why a personal breakdown matters
These figures are the minimums. Your real budget depends on the school, the city, your family size, and which visa pathway you're targeting. A short conversation with us is enough to lay out the real numbers piece by piece — tuition, living costs, visa fees, and anything else specific to your situation.
If you'd like a Licensed Immigration Adviser to break down your specific budget — what your family will actually need to move to New Zealand — you can book a consultation here.