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Can you explain which country is better for studying abroad between Spain and New Zealand considering funding issues?

25 Aug 2026 · Answered by Premlata Shandilya · 2 min read
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Spain is better if your funding issue is a low upfront budget, since public tuition runs Rs. 7 to 32 lakh yearly with cheap living. New Zealand is better if you plan to self-fund through part-time work, since its wage is higher and its visa needs no job offer.

Premlata Shandilya
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Your better choice between Spain and New Zealand depends on what kind of funding issue you actually have. Spain suits you if your challenge is a low upfront budget, since tuition and living costs are dramatically cheaper there, while New Zealand suits you better if you are relying on high-wage part-time work to fund your stay as you go.

Cost Breakdown Comparison

CategorySpainNew Zealand
Public tuitionRs. 7 to 32 lakh (800 to 3,500 euro) per yearRs. 12.7 to 22.8 lakh (NZD 25,000 to 45,000) per year
Monthly living costRs. 6.3 to 9.9 lakh, actually Rs. 63,000 to 99,000 (700 to 1,100 euro) per monthRs. 1.02 to 1.27 lakh (NZD 2,000 to 2,500) per month
Minimum wageRs. 800 (8.87 euro) per hourRs. 1,180 (NZD 23.15) per hour
Post study work visa1 to 2 years, needs a job offer or business plan1 to 3 years, open work visa, no job offer needed

Why Each Country Fits a Different Budget Style

  • Spain requires proof of only about Rs. 54,000 (600 euro) per month for your visa, one of the lowest financial thresholds in Europe, and cities like Valencia, Seville, and Granada keep daily costs low.
  • New Zealand's high minimum wage lets you cover real day-to-day expenses through 20 hours of weekly part-time work during semesters, in a straightforward English-speaking job market.
  • Spain's government scholarships like MAEC-AECID are competitive and often need Spanish proficiency, while New Zealand's Manaaki Scholarships can cover full tuition, living costs, and flights for eligible regions.

My Advice

If you have very little upfront capital and need to keep total costs down from day one, Spain is your safer bet and its visa financial proof is far easier to meet. If you can cover your first semester but need ongoing income to sustain yourself, New Zealand's stronger wages and flexible work visa will serve you better over the full length of your course.

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