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Can you provide me with university and course options in New Zealand for artificial intelligence and data science that fit my budget of 25 to 30 lakh rupees for a Master's?

04 Sept 2026 · Answered by Arati Rai · 2 min read
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Yes, University of Canterbury and Massey University fit a 25 to 30 lakh rupee budget, with total tuition around 25.5 to 27.2 lakhs and 19.8 to 22.7 lakhs per year respectively. University of Auckland runs over budget at roughly 30.6 to 31.2 lakhs per year unless you secure a scholarship.

Arati Rai
Arati Rai Verified
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Your 25 to 30 lakh rupee budget does fit a Master's in AI or data science in New Zealand, but only at specific universities, since tuition alone at top tier schools like Auckland can eat your entire budget. Christchurch and Palmerston North also cost less to live in than Auckland or Wellington, which stretches your rupee further. Target the universities below and factor living costs in separately.

University Fit Against Your Budget

UniversityCourseApprox Tuition (NZD)Approx INRBudget Fit
University of CanterburyMaster of AI/Data Science (180 points)45,000 to 48,00025.5 to 27.2 lakhsGood fit
Massey UniversityMaster of Analytics35,000 to 40,000 per year19.8 to 22.7 lakhs per yearGood fit
Victoria University of WellingtonMaster of Data Science/AI42,000 to 46,000 per year23.8 to 26.1 lakhsModerate fit
University of AucklandMaster of Data Science/AI54,000 to 55,000 per year30.6 to 31.2 lakhs per yearOver budget

How To Stretch Your Budget Further

  • Look for 180 point professional Master's formats, like Canterbury's, which can finish in 1.5 years and save you a full semester of costs.
  • Apply for university specific grants such as the Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship or the VUW International Excellence Award, worth 5,000 to 10,000 NZD.
  • Also apply for the fully funded Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, which cover tuition, living costs, and travel if you qualify.
  • Budget an additional 15,000 to 20,000 NZD a year for living costs on top of tuition.

My Advice

Apply to Canterbury and Massey first since their fee structures sit closest to your target, and submit for the February or July intake early enough to also compete for a university specific scholarship, since even a partial award could open up Auckland or Wellington as options too.

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