You need a New Zealand Student Visa if you are an international student who plans to:

• Study in New Zealand for more than 3 months in a full-time programme.
• Enrol in a course offered by an approved education provider registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

To study in New Zealand for more than three months, international students must meet the eligibility requirements set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). These requirements ensure that students are genuine, financially capable, and enrolled in recognised study programmes.

Key Eligibility Requirements

1. Offer of Place

• You must have a confirmed offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
• The offer must clearly state your course name, duration, tuition fees, and that it meets student visa conditions.

2. Proof of Sufficient Funds

You must show evidence of enough money to cover your tuition fees and living costs during your stay. Currently, students must demonstrate at least:

• NZD $20,000 per year for living expenses (or NZD $1,667 per month).
• Proof of payment or arrangement to pay tuition fees.
• Acceptable evidence includes bank statements, fixed deposits, loan sanction letters, or sponsorship documents.

3. Proof of Return Travel

• You must show proof that you can either pay for your return ticket home or already have one booked.

4. Good Health & Character

• You may need to undergo a medical examination and chest X-ray if studying for more than 12 months.
• A police clearance certificate may be required to show you are of good character.

5. Valid Passport

• Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in New Zealand.

6. Genuine Intentions

• You must genuinely intend to study and comply with all visa conditions. This includes attending classes, making satisfactory academic progress, and respecting visa work limits.

7. English Language Requirements (if applicable)

• For certain programmes, proof of English proficiency may be required (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic).

Additional Notes

• Dependent children or spouse may be eligible for visas based on your student visa type and course level.
• Students enrolled in programmes at Level 7 and above (on the NZQF) may be eligible for Post-Study Work Visas after graduation.

Applying for a New Zealand Student Visa involves preparing the right documents and submitting an application to Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:

Step 1: Get an Offer of Place

• Apply to a New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) approved education provider (university, polytechnic, institute, or school).
• Once accepted, you’ll receive an Offer of Place, which is required for your visa application.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

You’ll need to collect and prepare the following:

• Valid passport (must be valid at least 3 months beyond your intended stay).
• Offer of Place from a New Zealand institution.
• Proof of tuition fee payment or arrangement.
• Proof of sufficient funds (at least NZD $20,000 per year for living costs).
• Proof of return travel arrangements (ticket or sufficient funds).
• Health insurance (compulsory for international students).
• Medical certificates and/or chest X-ray (if required).
• Police clearance certificate (if studying for 24 months or more).
• Passport-size photographs (digital or physical as per application).

Step 3: Choose How to Apply

• Online Application: The fastest and most common method through the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website.
• Paper Application: Available in some countries, but slower than online applications.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee

• Fees vary depending on your nationality and where you apply from.
• Payment is usually made online during the application process.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

• Upload all required documents if applying online.
• Submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) if requested.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

• Processing times vary but generally take 4–8 weeks.
• INZ may request additional documents during assessment and phone the applicant for an interview.

Step 7: Receive Your Visa Decision

• If approved, an AIP Letter will be issued to you with instructions by Immigration New Zealand
• Follow the instructions carefully and submit requested documents.
• You will receive a final decision and if documents are accepted then you will receive an eVisa linked to your passport.
• Check your visa conditions carefully (study rights, work rights, duration).

Important Notes

• Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time in scheduled holidays (if allowed by visa conditions).  From 3 November 2025, all new student visas will include permission to work up to 25 hours per week during university or school terms - replacing the current 20-hour cap. 
• If you change your course or education provider, you must update your visa.
• Completing certain qualifications may make you eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa.

Commonly required documents include:

• A valid passport.

• An offer letter from a New Zealand educational institution.

• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements or scholarship letters).

• Evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).

• Medical and police clearance certificates (if applicable).

The application fee for a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa is NZD 850, but this may vary based on your application type and additional services you may choose.

To qualify for a Student Visa, you must prove that you have enough money to pay for your tuition, living costs, and travel while studying in New Zealand.

1. Tuition Fees

You must show proof that you can pay your full tuition fees (or have already paid them).
Evidence can include:

• A receipt from your education provider
• A fee protection plan
• A scholarship letter (if funded by NZ or a foreign government or institution).

2. Living Expenses

You must demonstrate access to at least:

• NZD $20,000 per year (or NZD $1,667 per month) for living costs.
• NZD $17,000 per year if you are a school student under 18.
• Acceptable evidence includes:
• Bank statements (savings or fixed deposits) - 6 months old with source recommended
• Loan sanction letters from approved banks - 6 months old with source recommended
• Sponsorship affidavits (if parents/guardians are supporting you)
• Scholarship award letters

3. Travel / Return Ticket

You must show that you can pay for a return ticket to your home country after your studies.

• Either provide a booked return ticket OR
• Show additional funds to cover the cost of a ticket.

4. Insurance Requirement

All international students must have comprehensive medical and travel insurance for the duration of their stay.

Usually arranged through your education provider.
Example – Minimum Funds Needed (1 Year Master’s)

Tuition Fee (example): NZD $40,000
Living Expenses: NZD $20,000
Return Ticket: NZD $2,000 (approx.)

Total: NZD $62,000 to demonstrate financial ability.

Important Notes

Funds must be genuine and readily available (not borrowed casually or unsupported promises).

• Immigration New Zealand may request evidence of fund transfer (from India to NZ, for example, through an FTS – Fund Transfer Scheme).
• Financial sponsors must provide proof of income (like tax returns, salary slips, business documents).

Yes, you can work while studying in New Zealand. If your course is full-time and lasts for more than 12 months, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. If your course is less than 12 months, you may not be eligible to work.

From 3 November 2025, all new student visas will include permission to work up to 25 hours per week during university or school terms — replacing the current 20-hour cap

The processing time for a New Zealand Student Visa can vary, but generally takes about 4-6 weeks. It may take longer during peak application periods.

Yes, you can bring your spouse and dependent children if:

• You are enrolled in a full-time course that lasts for at least 12 months.

• You can demonstrate sufficient funds to support your dependents.

If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. You can choose to appeal the decision or submit a new application addressing the issues raised.

A New Zealand Student Visa is typically granted for the duration of your course plus a short period after completion (usually up to three months), allowing you to prepare for your departure.

If you plan to take a pathway program to improve your English or meet academic requirements before your main course, you can apply for a Student Visa for the pathway program. This can be included in your main application or applied for separately.

Yes, it is highly recommended that international students have health insurance while studying in New Zealand. Some institutions may require you to have insurance as a condition of your enrollment.

Upon arrival, ensure you:

• Have all relevant documents on hand (visa, passport, offer letter).

• Go through immigration control.

• Register with your educational institution and attend orientation sessions.

Yes, you can apply to extend your Student Visa if you wish to continue your studies in New Zealand. You must apply before your current visa expires and meet all necessary requirements.

The Graduate Work Visa allows international students who have completed a qualification in New Zealand to work in the country for up to three years, depending on the level of their qualification.

Common reasons for refusal include:

• Insufficient funds.

• Incomplete application or missing documents.

• Failure to meet health or character requirements.

• Lack of a valid offer from a recognized institution.

Yes, you can reapply for a Student Visa after a refusal. It’s important to address the reasons for the previous refusal and ensure your new application is complete and accurate.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a New Zealand Student Visa

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) checks if students are genuine, financially stable, and academically suited. To improve your chances of approval, keep these points in mind:

1. Choose the right course and institution

• Pick a course that matches your past studies and career plans.
• Apply to an NZQA-approved education provider.
• Be prepared to explain why you want to study in New Zealand and not in your home country.

2. Show genuine intentions

• Write a clear Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your reasons for choosing New Zealand, how the course fits your goals, and your intention to return home.
• Keep your SOP original and personal, not copied.

3. Provide strong financial evidence

• Show proof of tuition fee payment or arrangements.
• Demonstrate at least NZD 20,000 per year for living expenses.
• Submit valid financial documents such as bank statements, loan sanction letters, fixed deposits, and sponsor income proofs.

4. Maintain academic consistency

• Provide transcripts, certificates, and English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE).
• If you have study gaps, explain them with valid reasons such as work or family responsibilities.

5. Prove health and good character

• Complete medical and chest X-ray requirements if studying for more than 12 months.
• Provide a police clearance certificate if required.

6. Be honest and transparent

• Submit only genuine documents.
• Declare previous visa refusals, if any.
• Clearly explain all sources of funds.

7. Show post-study planning

• Explain how your qualification will benefit your career in your home country.
• Mention awareness of post-study options, but avoid giving the impression that migration is your only goal.

Quick Tips:

• Apply early, as processing may take several weeks.
• Keep all documents well-organised.
• Consider professional guidance from a licensed immigration advisor or experienced education consultant.