Is Australia or New Zealand Better for Pakistani Students? (2026)
Table of contents
Cost: tuition and living
New Zealand is the cheaper country overall, and the gap matters when you convert to rupees. Here is the 2026 comparison:
- Undergraduate tuition: Australia AUD 25,000 to 45,000 a year; New Zealand NZD 20,000 to 35,000.
- Postgraduate tuition: Australia can pass AUD 60,000; New Zealand NZD 26,000 to 45,000.
- Living costs: Australia around AUD 24,000 to 29,000 a year; New Zealand NZD 15,000 to 25,000.
- Student visa fee: Australia AUD 2,000; New Zealand around NZD 750.
Once the two currencies are converted, a year in New Zealand usually costs a Pakistani family noticeably less than the same year in Australia, especially at undergraduate level. You can see the full New Zealand breakdown in our guide to the cost to study in New Zealand from Pakistan, and browse both countries on our destinations hub.
Universities and rankings
Australia is the heavyweight here. It has more universities, a longer list of globally ranked names, and a wider spread of courses, from mining engineering to marine biology. Group of Eight universities appear high in world tables and carry weight with employers back home.
New Zealand has only eight universities, but all eight rank inside the world’s top 500, which is a strong hit rate for such a small country. If your field is niche or you want a specific specialisation, Australia’s range gives you more to choose from. If you want a solid, well ranked general degree, New Zealand delivers without the crowds.
Part time work and earnings
Both countries let international students work during their studies, but the rules differ. Australia allows up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, with full hours in breaks. New Zealand allows up to 20 hours per week during term, and often 40 in scheduled holidays.
Australian minimum wages are higher, so students there tend to earn more per hour. That extra income helps offset the higher living costs. For the full detail, read our guide on whether Pakistani students can work part time in Australia. Just remember that part time work should support your budget, not fund your whole degree, and visa officers expect you to prove real savings, as we explain in how much bank statement is needed for an Australia student visa.
Post study work visa
This is often the deciding factor. Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa gives most graduates two to three years of work rights, and longer in some regional or high demand cases. New Zealand offers a post study work visa of up to three years for degree level graduates.
The headline numbers are close, but Australia’s larger job market means more openings, particularly in engineering, IT, health and trades. New Zealand’s market is smaller, so graduates who match its skills shortage list find work faster, while others may face more competition. To see how both rank against other destinations, read which countries offer the best post study work visa.
Path to permanent residence
Both countries run points based skilled migration systems, and both welcome graduates who fill labour gaps. New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category is often described as simpler and faster, especially for jobs on its Green List. Australia offers more visa categories and more regional incentives, which suits students willing to live outside the biggest cities.
Neither route is automatic. Residence depends on your occupation, your skills, and demand at the time you apply. Treat any promise of guaranteed PR with caution, from anyone.
The verdict: which suits you?
Choose Australia if you want the widest choice of ranked universities, higher earnings while you study, a bigger graduate job market, and you can carry the higher cost. Choose New Zealand if you want a lower total budget, a quieter and safer lifestyle, strong universities on a smaller scale, and a residence system that is often simpler to read. Many families who like Australia’s scale but want lower fees also compare it with Canada, which we cover in Canada or Australia for Pakistani students. You can read each country in full on our Australia study guide and New Zealand study guide.
Key takeaways
Australia offers more universities, higher part time earnings and a bigger graduate job market, but costs more, with tuition up to AUD 45,000 and a AUD 2,000 visa fee. New Zealand is cheaper, calmer and often simpler for residence, with tuition from NZD 20,000 and a smaller but well ranked university set. Both allow part time work and offer post study work visas of roughly two to three years. Pick Australia for scale and earnings, New Zealand for value and lifestyle, and always build a full rupee budget before you commit.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Australia or New Zealand cheaper for Pakistani students?
New Zealand is usually cheaper overall, with lower tuition, lower living costs and a much smaller visa fee than Australia, especially at undergraduate level.
Which country has better universities, Australia or New Zealand?
Australia has more top ranked universities and a wider course range. New Zealand has only eight universities, but all rank inside the world’s top 500.
Can Pakistani students work more in Australia or New Zealand?
Australia allows up to 48 hours per fortnight and New Zealand up to 20 hours per week during term. Australia also tends to pay higher hourly wages.
Which gives a longer post study work visa?
Both offer roughly two to three years. Australia can extend longer in some regional and high demand cases, and has a larger job market to use it in.
Is it easier to get PR in New Zealand or Australia?
New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category is often simpler and faster, especially for Green List jobs. Australia has more categories and regional pathways. Neither is guaranteed.
Do I need IELTS for both countries?
Yes, both usually require IELTS or an accepted equivalent. Australia’s student visa floor is 6.0 overall, and New Zealand asks 6.0 for a bachelor’s and 6.5 for a master’s.
Which is safer for international students?
Both are considered safe and welcoming. New Zealand is often described as quieter and more relaxed, while Australia offers bigger, busier cities with larger student communities.
Decide with Border and Bridges
Border and Bridges is a Johar Town, Lahore consultancy verified by SECP, FBR, ICEF and the British Council. We compare universities, costs and visa odds for both countries against your profile, then guide your chosen application to submission. Start with a free consultation on our contact page.
