Student Visa New Zealand: Types, Cost, Application Process, Requirements
Each year, nearly 90,000 students apply for a New Zealand student visa, and the government aims to double this number to 180,000. The country’s top-quality education system, lower tuition costs, and friendly environment have made it a favored destination for international students.
Recent Visa Trends
Despite popularity, visa refusals have occurred — nearly 26% of Indian applications were rejected between July 2019 and February 2020, largely due to changes in the New Zealand International Education Strategy 2018–2030. Students must demonstrate clear study goals and financial support.
COVID-19 Student Visa Updates
- From mid-2022, 1,000 international students were allowed entry under a border class exception.
- Strict entry for high-risk countries like India, Brazil, Pakistan, and Papua New Guinea.
- Distance learning is available for affected students.
Types of New Zealand Student Visas
| Visa Type | Benefits | Duration | Primary Condition | Fee (NZD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fee Paying Student Visa | Study full-time + work 20 hrs/week | Up to 4 years | Offer letter + full fee payment | 330 | 73 days |
| Vocational Trainee Visa | Study short-term vocational/training course | Up to 1 year | Govt scholarship or enrolled at Manukau Polytechnic | 288 | 47 days |
| Foreign Govt Supported Visa | Study with foreign loan/scholarship | Up to 4 years | Proof of loan/scholarship | 330 | 47 days |
| Pathway Student Visa | Study 3 courses under 1 visa | Up to 5 years | University acceptance + finance proof | 295 | 73 days |
| Exchange Student Visa | Full-time study under exchange | Up to 4 years | Proof of enrollment in program | 330 | 2 days |
Note: Visa handling fee for Indian students is 14 NZD (~747 INR).
New Zealand Student Visa Application Process (Online)
- Create a RealMe account at New Zealand Immigration portal.
- Verify email via verification link.
- Click “Create New Student Visa Application.”
- Fill the form, confirm eligibility, and provide passport/contact details.
- Enter course and financial support information.
- Upload documents, agree to the declaration, and submit application.
- Within 20 days, visit a Visa Application Centre with your passport and pay visa processing fee of 35 NZD (~1725 INR).
Post-approval, an e-visa will be issued within 4 weeks.
Student Visa Requirements for New Zealand
- Offer letter from a NZQA-approved institution with course name, duration, and tuition fee info
- English proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL iBT)
- Proof of funds: Minimum 15,000 NZD/year (~₹7.4 Lakh)
- Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months post-study)
- Return flight ticket or proof of funds for the same
- Under-18 students need accommodation assurance from a NZ resident/institution
- Visa fee payment proof
- Tuberculosis screening if stay >6 months
- Police certificate for applicants over 17 staying >2 years
- Medical certificate and chest x-ray
Visa Not Required For:
- Australian citizens
- Holders of New Zealand residence class visas
- Holders of Australian permanent residence or resident return visas
- Courses less than 3 months
- Working Holiday visa holders (subject to course duration limits)
Proof of Funds for Student Visa
You must show evidence of 15,000 NZD per academic year. Acceptable financial proof includes:
- 6 months of bank statements or fixed deposit certificates
- Education loan sanction letters
- Property sale agreements, PF/EPF accounts, IT returns, Form 16
- Salary slips or business income records
- Scholarship letters
Unacceptable proof includes gold loans, mutual funds, cooperative society funds, agricultural income, or property sales with no supporting documentation.
Visa Processing Time by Institution Type
| Institution Type | 50% Completed in | 75% in | 90 |
|---|