Will my children, aged 16 and 12, attend New Zealand schools for free if I'm pursuing a Master's by Research?
No, generally not. New Zealand currently reserves free domestic school tuition for the dependent children of PhD students, not for an ordinary Master's by Research; your 16 and 12 year olds would likely be classed as international fee paying students unless another visa route applies.
No, holding a Master's by Research visa does not automatically make your children eligible for free domestic school tuition in New Zealand. The special domestic student entitlement is currently reserved for the dependent children of PhD students, not master's students, regardless of whether the master's is research based.
Who Qualifies For Free Domestic Schooling
| Parent's Study Level | Child's School Fee Status |
|---|---|
| PhD student | Dependent children can be treated as domestic students, no international tuition |
| Master's by Research or Thesis | Generally not covered, international fees can apply |
| Master's by Coursework | Generally not covered, international fees can apply |
What This Means For Your Family
- Dependent Child Student Visa: your 16 and 12 year olds could still qualify for this visa if you meet the requirements, but the visa itself does not guarantee free tuition.
- International school fees: if classed as international students, expect fees in the range of roughly NZD 12,000 to 18,000 a year per child.
- State school extras: even domestic students can be charged for stationery, trips and uniforms, separate from tuition itself.
My Advice
Budget on the assumption that your children's school fees will be international rates unless your university or visa category specifically confirms domestic status for your situation. Share your exact university and program name with an adviser so the current New Zealand rules can be checked against your specific master's program before you finalise your family's moving budget.
Can your spouse come with you to NZ?
Which NZ courses still allow dependents, and what you will need to show.
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