Returning international students face increased fees at the border

Returning international students will face a 78% price increase for their stay in managed isolation.  

As temporary visa holders, the cost of a one-person stay will increase from $3100 to $5520 on 25 March. The policy will impact the 1,000 new international students arriving in April. This comes on top of $20,000 in living costs that international students are required to bring across the border, alongside course fees totalling around $30,000 per year. 

One student representative from Massey commented that the decision was “just absurd. It's totally unfair for international students.”  

The New Zealand International Student’s Association (NZISA) says the decision is counterintuitive to the Government’s decision to recover the international education sector. “Decisions like these alienate the international communities of New Zealand and send the message that temporary visa holders can be and should be treated differently.” 

They go on to say, “The impact of this increase is further compounded by expensive flights, rising tuition fees, and the recent hike in the proof of funds required for a student visa. It poses a huge deterrent for those who are considering returning to New Zealand; an opinion shared by NZISA, institutions and education agencies. This increase is yet another barrier placed by the government between international students and the education they are paying tens of thousands for.”