After School
The Real Cost of a Gap Year vs a Degree (NZ Numbers)
In short
A year of university typically costs a New Zealand school leaver 10-15k in fees and living costs added to student debt. A year working superyacht crew typically nets 25-40k tax-free in savings, with food, travel and accommodation covered. The numbers aren't close.
"Is uni worth it?" gets asked a lot and answered with vibes. Here are the actual numbers, side by side, for a typical New Zealand school leaver's first year out.
Year one: university
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | ~$7,000-$9,000 |
| Halls / rent | ~$12,000-$16,000 |
| Food, books, general living | ~$4,000-$6,000 |
| Net position after year one | -$20,000 to -$28,000 in debt |
Based on typical NZ domestic tuition and living-cost figures; individual circumstances vary.
Year one: superyacht crew
| Item | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Entry-level crew salary (tax-free) | ~$35,000-$50,000 |
| Food, accommodation, travel | Covered by the yacht |
| STCW + ENG1 course cost (one-off) | ~$2,500-$3,500 |
| Net position after year one | +$25,000 to +$40,000 in savings |
The swing is roughly $50,000-$65,000
That's the gap between a typical first year of university and a typical first year of superyacht crew - not because university has no value, but because the immediate financial position is night and day. One path starts you in debt; the other starts you saving, tax-free, while covering your living costs entirely.
This isn't an argument against university
Some careers need a degree, full stop, and no amount of yacht savings changes that. But for a school leaver who isn't sure yet, or whose intended career doesn't require one, a year or two crewing can fund a degree outright later - or fund something else entirely, debt-free.
Want the numbers for your situation?
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Nick went from zero experience to working in the superyacht industry, and now coaches young Kiwis through the same journey - honest, one-on-one and industry-backed.