Fees and Loans

Understanding study fees at UCOL

If you're a domestic student enrolling in a programme that’s longer than 12 months (one year), the fee shown on the qualification page covers only your first year of study, unless we’ve clearly stated otherwise.

Fees for your second year and beyond depend on the courses you choose, and they may be slightly higher. 

Akonga with unpaid fees who are preparing to graduate must note that while your award will be confirmed, your graduation certificate and academic record will be withheld until outstanding fees have been paid.

Got questions about UCOL’s tuition fees? We’re here to help — just get in touch!

Additional costs for your study at UCOL

Some programmes may have extra costs — like textbooks, stationery, or uniforms — that aren’t included in your general tuition fees.

Where possible, these costs are listed in the Advice and Guidance section on each programme page.

If you’re unsure about how much these costs are or when they’ll come up, our friendly Info Centre team is here to help. Just give us a call on 0800 GO UCOL.

International student fees

The amounts shown for international students in the programme listings are in New Zealand dollars and are indicative only. The international tuition fee listed on programme pages include GST and the SSL.

Learn more about becoming an international student at UCOL.

For more information about the different costs to study in New Zealand, please visit Immigration NZ.

Student Services Levy (SSL)

The SSL is the fee paid by all enrolled students to fund non-academic student support services provided by the UCOL. In 2026, the levy is $650 per student studying on-campus full time for a whole year.

There are specific categories of services that the SSL can be used to fund (as defined by the Education Amendment Act (2011), these are:

Advocacy and legal advice

Advocating on behalf of individual students and groups of students and providing independent support to resolve problems. This includes advocacy and legal advice relating to accommodation.

Careers information, advice, and guidance

Supporting students’ transition into post-study employment.

Counselling services and pastoral care

Providing non-academic counselling and pastoral care, such as chaplains.

Employment information

Providing information about employment opportunities for students while they are studying.

Finance support and advice

Providing hardship assistance and advice to students with financial issues.

Media

Supporting the production and dissemination of information by students to students, including newspapers, radio, television and internet-based media.

Sport, recreation and cultural activities

Providing sports, recreation and cultural activities for students.

It’s important to note that the categories are broad and sometimes cover a wide range of activities.

The SSL subsidises 63% of the costs at UCOL, for the student services it funds. Some of these services have other revenue sources, and these are taken into account.

Every year we consult with ākonga and seek views on the types of services we should fund through the levy and how to achieve the best balance between levy funding and user-charges. We do this through a survey open to all ākonga.

Student loans

Many ākonga are eligible for a student loan and/or living allowances from StudyLink. This funding can cover compulsory tuition fees, course-related costs, and living expenses.

Student budgets

We understand that money can be extra tight while you’re studying. The sorted.org.nz website is a fantastic tool for planning your money while you study. There are helpful tips for money management, a budgeting tool for calculating living costs, and graduating with a manageable student loan.