

All international PhD students who are supervised by leading researchers in New Zealand universities pay the same fees as New Zealand domestic students. This policy change came into effect on 1 January 2006.
The dependent children of all international PhD students are classified as domestic students in New Zealand state schools. This policy change came into effect on 1 January 2006.
The partners of international postgraduate students are able to apply for an open work permit valid for the duration of the student’s course of student. This policy change came into effect on 4 July 2005.
The University of Auckland offers a wide range of student benefits as well as an extremely affordable tuition fee for its international PhD students. Since 2006, new international PhD students pay the same annual tuition fee as a New Zealand PhD student due to the New Zealand Government scheme. The 2010 fee is NZ$5100 per annum or US$3774* per annum.
*Exchange rate as at November 2009: $1.00NZD = $0.74USD
A new international PhD student is defined as a foreign student enrolled for the first time after 19 April 2005 in a Doctor of Philosophy programme. To be eligible, students must reside in New Zealand for the duration of their doctoral programme. However, students may undertake research activities overseas during their doctoral programme for a cumulative total of no more than 12 months.
Other benefits related to the local fees policy for international PhD students are:
1. Dependent children of international PhD students receive the same schooling benefits (or educational benefits) as New Zealand permanent residents until their final year of high school. They pay no tuition fees except for a small yearly donation
2. Upon graduation, international students are eligible for a twelve-month open work permit
3. The spouse/partner of an international PhD student is eligible for an open work permit valid for the duration of the spouse's/partner's course of study