If you plan to study full-time in New Zealand for more than 3 months, you’ll usually need a New Zealand Student Visa. Many international students apply for the Fee Paying Student Visa, which allows full-time study at an approved education provider and may allow you to work part-time during your studies and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on your visa conditions.
To apply, you’ll need an Offer of Place, proof of funds, valid health insurance, and evidence that you meet Immigration New Zealand’s health and character requirements. This guide explains the eligibility criteria, required documents, application process, visa costs, work rights, common refusal reasons, and post-study opportunities.
New Zealand Visa Options
*Visa fees and work rights may change. Check the latest fees on the Immigration New Zealand website before applying.
Do You Need a Student Visa?
You’ll usually need a New Zealand Student Visa if you’re studying full-time for more than 3 months.
You may not need one if you:
- Study for less than 3 months on another visa that allows study
- Are a New Zealand or Australian citizen, New Zealand resident, or an eligible Australian permanent resident
- Hold a Working Holiday Visa that includes study rights
Which New Zealand Student Visa Is Right for You?
Choose your student visa based on how you’re funding your studies, your course pathway, and the purpose of your study in New Zealand.
1. Fee Paying Student Visa
Choose this if you’re:
- Paying international tuition fees yourself, through family support, an education loan, or a partial scholarship
- Studying one approved course at a New Zealand education provider
2. Pathway Student Visa
Choose this if you’re:
- Progressing through up to three approved programmes with a Pathway Education Provider
- Following a planned study pathway (for example, English → Foundation → Degree)
3. Exchange Student Visa
Choose this if you’re:
- Studying in New Zealand through a formal exchange or Study Abroad programme arranged by your home institution
4. NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa
Choose this if you’re:
- Receiving a scholarship administered by Education New Zealand (ENZ) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)
5. Foreign Government Supported Student Visa
Choose this if you’re:
- Studying in New Zealand under a scholarship or sponsorship from your home government
6. Dependent Child Student Visa
Choose this if you’re:
- An eligible dependent child attending school in New Zealand while your parent holds an eligible New Zealand visa
Other Student Visa Options
Immigration New Zealand also provides specialist visas, such as the English Language Student Visa, Vocational Trainee Student Visa, and Trafficking Child Victim Student Visa, for students with specific study or eligibility requirements.
New Zealand Student Visa Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a New Zealand Student Visa, you’ll generally need to meet the following eligibility requirements:
| Requirement |
What You’ll Need |
| Offer of Place |
An offer from an approved New Zealand education provider |
| Financial evidence |
Proof you can pay your tuition fees and living expenses |
| Health requirements |
Medical certificates or chest X-rays, if requested |
| Character requirements |
Police certificates, where required |
| Medical and travel insurance |
Insurance that meets Immigration New Zealand requirements |
| Genuine study intentions |
Evidence that your primary purpose is to study in New Zealand |
| Valid passport |
A passport that’s valid for your intended stay and departure |
| Age-specific requirements |
Additional conditions for students under 18, including guardianship where applicable |
StudyIn Tip
Meeting each requirement individually doesn’t guarantee visa approval. Immigration New Zealand assesses your application as a whole, so make sure your documents are accurate, consistent and support your study plans.
Documents Required for a New Zealand Student Visa
| Document |
Requirement |
| Valid passport |
Required |
| Offer of Place from an approved education provider |
Required |
| Proof of tuition fee payment (or ability to pay) |
Required |
| Proof of funds (POF) |
Required |
| Medical and travel insurance |
Required |
| Passport-size photograph |
Required |
| Proof of onward or return travel (or sufficient funds) |
Required |
| English language test results |
If applicable |
| Chest X-ray or medical certificate |
If applicable |
| Police certificate |
If applicable |
| Sponsor or guarantor documents (including INZ 1014) |
If applicable |
| Certified translations (for documents not in English or Māori) |
If applicable |
Financial Requirements and Proof of Funds
How Much Money Do You Need?
You’ll usually need to show enough money to cover both your tuition fees and living expenses.
Minimum Living Costs
- NZD 20,000 per year for most tertiary, English language and other non-compulsory education programmes
- NZD 1,667 per month for courses shorter than one year
- NZD 17,000 per year (or NZD 1,417 per month) for compulsory schooling (Years 1–13)
These are the current minimum living cost requirements. Always check Immigration New Zealand for the latest amounts before applying.
You Can Show Your Funds Using
- Personal bank statements
- Education loan approval
- Scholarship confirmation
- Sponsor or guarantor documents
- Fixed-term deposits
- Other financial evidence accepted by Immigration New Zealand
Applying through the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS)?
If you’re applying from an eligible country, you may be able to use the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS) instead of showing your living costs upfront. Eligibility, participating countries and supporting documents can change, so check the latest Immigration New Zealand guidance before applying.
Financial Tip
Your financial evidence should clearly show where your funds come from. If you’re using a sponsor, loan or scholarship, include all supporting documents to avoid delays.
Health, Character and Insurance Requirements
Depending on your circumstances, Immigration New Zealand may ask for additional health and character documents.
You may need:
- A chest X-ray, depending on your length of stay and tuberculosis (TB) risk assessment
- A medical certificate, where required
- Police certificates if you’re 17 or older and your total stay meets Immigration New Zealand’s character requirements
- Medical and travel insurance for the duration of your studies (PhD students are generally exempt)
What can affect your student visa approval?
Immigration New Zealand reviews every application individually. Your visa may be delayed or refused if:
- Your financial evidence is incomplete or inconsistent
- Your supporting documents don’t match your study plans
- Required medical or police certificates are missing
- You don’t demonstrate genuine intentions to study in New Zealand
How to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa?
You can apply for a New Zealand Student Visa online through Immigration New Zealand (INZ) once you’ve received an Offer of Place from an approved education provider.
Follow these steps:
- Accept your Offer of Place from an approved New Zealand education provider.
- Prepare your supporting documents, including proof of funds and any additional documents required for your application.
- Complete and submit your online visa application through Immigration New Zealand.
- Upload your documents and pay the application fee.
- Track your application and download your eVisa once it’s approved.
New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time
Most student visa applications are processed within 8 weeks, although processing times vary depending on your application and the time of year.
| Application Stage |
Typical Timeframe |
| Standard processing |
Around 8 weeks (80% of applications) |
| Recommended application window |
At least 3 months before travel |
| Peak processing period |
October to March |
How to Improve Your Chances of Student Visa Approval
Meeting the eligibility requirements is only part of the process. Immigration New Zealand also considers whether your application clearly supports your intention to study in New Zealand.
A strong application should demonstrate:
- Genuine plans to study in New Zealand
- Financial evidence that is complete and easy to verify
- A course that aligns with your academic background or career goals
- Accurate and consistent supporting documents
- Compliance with previous visa conditions, where applicable
StudyIn Tip
Your application should present a consistent story. Your course choice, financial evidence and supporting documents should all support your study plans.
Work While Studying in New Zealand
Many international students can work while studying in New Zealand if their student visa includes work rights. The number of hours you can work depends on your course and the conditions attached to your visa.
You may be able to work if you are:
- Studying full-time towards an eligible qualification
- Enrolled in an eligible English language programme
- Participating in an approved Study Abroad or exchange programme
- A Year 12 or 13 secondary school student with the required permissions
Research master’s and PhD students generally have unrestricted work rights.
You may also be able to work full-time during scheduled course breaks if your visa allows it.
StudyIn Tip
Always check the work conditions printed on your visa before accepting a job. If work conditions change under new Immigration New Zealand policies, existing visa holders may need to apply for updated conditions.
Can You Bring Your Partner or Family?
Your partner and dependent children cannot be included on your student visa application. They must apply for their own visas based on their relationship to you.
Depending on your course and visa:
- Your partner may be eligible to apply for a work visa.
- Your dependent children may be eligible for their own student visa.
- Some dependent children of eligible visa holders may qualify for domestic school fees.
Why Student Visa Applications Get Refused
Most visa refusals happen because the application doesn’t clearly demonstrate that the student meets Immigration New Zealand’s requirements.
| Common Reason |
How to Avoid It |
| Financial evidence isn’t clear |
Submit traceable and well-documented financial records. |
| Supporting documents are incomplete |
Check every required document before applying. |
| Study plans don’t appear genuine |
Choose a course that aligns with your education and career goals. |
| Information is inaccurate or inconsistent |
Make sure all documents and declarations match. |
| Medical or character requirements aren’t met |
Complete all required checks before submitting your application. |
| The application is submitted too late |
Apply well before your course starts. |
StudyIn Tip
If you’ve had a visa refused before, declare it honestly. Immigration New Zealand considers previous immigration history, and full disclosure is always better than leaving out important information.
After You Arrive in New Zealand
Your responsibilities continue after your visa is approved. To keep your student visa valid, you’ll need to:
- Stay enrolled and make satisfactory academic progress.
- Follow your visa conditions, including any work rights.
- Maintain valid medical and travel insurance where required.
- Apply for a new visa if you plan to change your education provider or study level, where applicable.
- Renew your visa before it expires if you need to continue studying.
Before You Travel to New Zealand
Before you leave, make sure you’ve completed the essentials below.
Travel Checklist
- Confirm your accommodation.
- Arrange medical and travel insurance.
- Keep your eVisa and supporting documents accessible.
- Make sure you have enough funds for your arrival.
- Plan your airport transfer.
- Save important contacts, including your education provider.
- Check whether you need to complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration or any other arrival requirements before you travel.
What Happens After You Graduate?
If you’d like to stay and work in New Zealand after completing your studies, you may be eligible for a post-study work visa.
Your post-study options may include:
- Applying for a Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) if you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Gaining skilled work experience in New Zealand.
- Exploring residence pathways, such as the Skilled Migrant Category, if you’re eligible.
The length and conditions of a Post Study Work Visa depend on factors such as your qualification, where you studied and the immigration rules in place when you apply.
Ready to Study in New Zealand?
A successful New Zealand Student Visa application is about more than submitting the right documents, it’s about presenting a clear and credible application. Preparing your financial evidence early, choosing a course that aligns with your academic or career goals, and allowing enough time for document verification can significantly improve your chances of a smooth application process.
If you’re unsure about any stage, you don’t have to work on it alone. StudyIn’s experienced counsellors can help you plan your study journey, prepare a stronger visa application and support you through every step towards studying in New Zealand.
FAQs
How much money do I need for a New Zealand Student Visa?
To apply for a New Zealand Student Visa, most tertiary students must show NZD 20,000 per year for living expenses, in addition to tuition fees. For courses shorter than one year, the minimum is NZD 1,667 per month. These are Immigration New Zealand’s minimum financial requirements and may be updated periodically.
How long does a New Zealand Student Visa take to process?
Most New Zealand Student Visa applications are processed within 8 weeks, with Immigration New Zealand deciding around 80% of applications in this timeframe. To reduce the risk of delays, apply at least three months before your course starts and submit a complete application with all required documents.
How much does a New Zealand Student Visa cost?
A Fee Paying Student Visa costs from NZD 850, although the final amount depends on where you apply and your application type. As visa fees can change, check the latest Immigration New Zealand fee schedule before submitting your application.
Can I work while studying in New Zealand?
Yes, if your student visa includes work rights. Eligible international students may work while studying, but the number of hours and conditions depend on their visa and the immigration rules in force when it is granted. Always check your visa conditions before starting any employment.
What is the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS)?
The Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS) allows eligible students from selected countries to transfer their living costs to New Zealand through an approved provider instead of showing the full amount in a personal bank account. The scheme isn’t available to every nationality, so confirm your eligibility before applying.
Can I bring my family on a student visa?
Not directly on the same application. Your partner and dependent children apply separately, based on their relationship to you.
What is the Short-term Graduate Work Visa?
A visa opening for applications from 16 November 2026, giving six months of open work rights to eligible NZQCF Level 5–7 graduates who don’t qualify for a Post Study Work Visa.
Can I change my course or provider on a student visa?
Usually, yes, but you’ll generally need a new student visa rather than a simple variation of conditions, except in limited circumstances beyond your control.
Is a Pathway Student Visa better than a Fee Paying Student Visa?
It depends on your study plan. A Pathway visa suits students progressing through multiple linked courses, while a Fee Paying visa suits a single, confirmed course of study.
What’s the difference between a sponsor and a guarantor?
A sponsor takes ongoing responsibility for your accommodation and living costs and must complete an online sponsorship process; a guarantor commits financial support via a signed Financial Undertaking for a Student form, without the same ongoing sponsorship relationship.
Can I renew my student visa if my course continues?
Yes, apply for a further visa at least four weeks before your current one expires, providing evidence of your academic progress and attendance.
What happens if my student visa expires before my passport?
Your visa can’t extend beyond your passport’s validity, renew your passport in good time and update your visa details accordingly.
Do I need travel insurance for the whole time I’m in New Zealand?
Yes, for the duration your course requires. This is a standard visa condition, with PhD students the main exception.
What if my student visa is refused, can I reapply?
Yes, but address the specific reasons for refusal directly in any new application, and disclose the previous refusal honestly.
