From Sri Lanka to New Zealand.
Course advice, admissions help and real support when you land, from a New Zealand team founded by Sri Lankans.
We’ve made the same move. Now we help students and families choose a course, apply, get ready to leave, and settle in properly once they land.
Visa questions go to the Licensed Immigration Advisers we partner with, so you always get the right expert.
Who we are
Kandy, Sri Lanka
Before you leave
Not sure where to start?
Answer three quick questions. We’ll show your next three steps, and our team can pick it up from there.
Where will you live?
North Island
Auckland
New Zealand’s largest city, spread around two harbours. Most job opportunities and the widest range of services, with longer commutes.
Living in Auckland
North Island
Wellington
The capital: compact, walkable and home to government and many professional employers.
Living in Wellington
South Island
Christchurch
The South Island’s largest city: flat, green and easy to cycle, with a rebuilt city centre.
Living in Christchurch
South Island
Dunedin
A student city with heritage architecture, wildlife on the doorstep and a strong campus culture.
Living in Dunedin
South Island
Queenstown
Mountains, lakes and a tourism economy, a few hours from Dunedin.
Living in Queenstown
What will it cost to live there?
Pick a city and drag the sliders. The numbers update as you go.
Estimated living costs
$595
a week
- A month
- $2,578
- A year
- $30,940
Starting figures are illustrative, not quotes. Tuition is extra.
A free portal for the whole move.
- Your journey
- A checklist from applying to your first 90 days, with dates set from your arrival.
- Places near you
- Sri Lankan groceries, temples, doctors and community groups.
- Budgets
- Weekly costs and the money to have ready, with the working shown.
- Events
- Cultural, career and newcomer events, straight to your calendar.
- Ask Future Lane
- Answers from our checked guides, with sources you can open.
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
For the family back home.
We explain costs, accommodation, safety and support in plain language, and we’re in New Zealand if your son or daughter needs help.
- What will it really cost?
- Tuition is published by each provider. We help you budget everything else.
- Where will they live?
- Homestay, halls or a shared flat. We explain the trade-offs.
- What if they get sick?
- 111 for emergencies, free Healthline advice, and insurance that has to be in place.
- Who can they call?
- Our team, here in New Zealand.
Know the rules before you go.
All guidesEvery rule-related guide links to its official source and shows when we last checked it.
- Emergencies and safetyEmergencies: 111, earthquakes and tsunamiNew Zealand has earthquakes and coastal tsunami risk. The official actions to remember, and how to prepare your household.Read · 3 min
- Banking, tax and budgetingGetting your IRD number as a new arrivalYour IRD number is your tax number for life. Why you need it before you start work, and the new-arrival process with Inland Revenue.Read · 4 min
- Healthcare and insuranceHealthcare basics: who to call, what’s covered and insuranceEmergency and health advice numbers, why most temporary visa holders pay for care, and what international student insurance is for.Read · 5 min
Questions we hear a lot.
Something else? Ask us directly.
Do you give visa advice?
No. Future Lane isn’t licensed to give immigration advice. When you need it, we introduce you to a partnered New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser. We focus on courses, applications to education providers, departure and settling in.
Where are you based?
In New Zealand. Our founders are Sri Lankans who made the same move, which is why we can help before you leave and after you land.
What does it cost?
Tell us what you need and we’ll explain the options and any fees before you commit to anything. The portal, guides, planners and directory are free.
Can my parents talk to you?
Yes. We often speak with parents and family members about costs, accommodation, safety and support.
Do you push certain universities?
No. We compare options across providers using their published information. If a provider ever pays to be featured, it is labelled clearly.