New Zealand Student Visa: How to Apply & What You Need to Know

Thinking about studying in New Zealand? With top universities like University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, and University of Otago, New Zealand offers world-class education, post-study work opportunities, and a high quality of life. Over 25,000 international students, including many from India, choose New Zealand every year for higher studies.

To study in New Zealand for more than 3 months, you need a student visa. The process involves university admission, financial proof, health insurance, and meeting visa requirements.

Highlights:

• New Zealand student visa required for courses longer than 3 months.
• NZD 20,000 (₹10L) financial proof needed for living expenses.
• Part-time work allowed (20 hours/week during study, full-time during breaks).
• Post-study work visas available for up to 3 years.

This guide covers eligibility, application steps, required documents, and visa fees to help you apply smoothly!

Latest Updates on New Zealand Student Visa for Indian Students (2025)

New Zealand has introduced several updates and tips for student visa applicants in 2025. These changes affect financial proof requirements, work rights, visa processing times, and post-study opportunities. Indian students must stay updated to avoid delays in applications.

Work Rights for Indian Students (Updated Rules)

New Zealand allows international students to work part-time and full-time under specific conditions.

Work Type	Allowed Hours	Changes for 2025
Part-time Work (During Study Period)	20 hours per week	No change
Full-time Work (During Breaks)	Allowed	No change
Post-Study Work (For Eligible Graduates)	Up to 3 years	New rules apply to certain courses

New Rule: Only students in degree-level courses or higher qualify for post-study work rights.

Faster Visa Processing (New Timeline for 2025)

The New Zealand Immigration Office has improved visa processing speeds.

Application Volume	Processing Time (2024)	Processing Time (2025)
Low (Jan – Mar)	5-6 weeks	4-5 weeks
High (Apr – Sep)	8-10 weeks	6-8 weeks
Peak Period (Oct – Dec)	12+ weeks	8-10 weeks

Tip: Apply 3-4 months in advance to avoid last-minute delays.

Types of New Zealand Student Visas for Indian Students

Indian students can apply for different types of New Zealand student visas depending on their course duration and study plans.

Visa Type	Who Needs It?	Duration	Financial Proof Required?	Work Rights	Processing Time
Fee-Paying Student Visa	Students enrolled in full-time degree programs	Up to 4 years	NZD 20,000 (₹10L) per year	20 hrs/week (full-time in breaks)	4-8 weeks
Pathway Student Visa	Students taking multiple courses (foundation + degree)	Up to 5 years	NZD 20,000 per year	20 hrs/week (full-time in breaks)	6-10 weeks
Exchange Student Visa	Students in an official exchange program	Up to 4 years	No (tuition is covered by exchange program)	Same as standard student visa	3-6 weeks
Foreign Government-Supported Student Visa	Students with government-funded scholarships	Depends on scholarship duration	Depends on the scholarship provider	Full-time work in holidays	Varies based on approval

Tip: Most Indian students apply for the Fee-Paying Student Visa, which has the highest approval rate.

How to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa?

Planning to study in New Zealand? The student visa process might seem complicated, but breaking it down step by step makes it easier. Whether you’re applying for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, you need to submit the right documents and meet financial and medical requirements.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you apply for a New Zealand student visa smoothly.

Step	Action Required	Important Notes
Step 1: Get Admission Offer	Obtain an unconditional offer letter from a New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)-approved institution.	Ensure your course is full-time and eligible for a student visa.
Step 2: Show Financial Proof	Provide evidence of at least NZD 20,000 (₹10L) per year for living expenses.	Acceptable sources: Bank statements (last 6 months), education loan sanction letter, or sponsor’s income proof.
Step 3: Pay Tuition Fees	Submit proof of full or partial tuition payment, or opt for an Approval in Principle (AIP).	AIP gives 5–10 days (India) to pay fees after visa pre-approval.
Step 4: Arrange Health & Travel Insurance	Buy an approved insurance plan covering medical and emergency costs.	Most universities include insurance with tuition fees.
Step 5: Submit Visa Application Online	Apply through Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) website.	Attach scanned copies of required documents.
Step 6: Pay Visa Fees	Pay NZD 385 (₹19,000) via debit/credit card or net banking.	Fees are non-refundable.
Step 7: Attend Medical Examination & Biometrics	Undergo a medical check-up at an INZ-approved clinic.	Visit VFS Global India for biometrics submission.
Step 8: Visa Processing & Decision	INZ takes 4-8 weeks to process applications.	High-volume months (April–September) take longer.
Step 9: Receive Your eVisa	Approved visas are issued as electronic visas (eVisas).	Print and carry a copy for immigration clearance.

Tip: Apply 3–4 months before your course starts to avoid last-minute delays.

Eligibility Criteria for a New Zealand Student Visa (For Indian Students)

Before applying, it’s important to check if you meet the eligibility requirements. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has strict financial, academic, and health-related conditions for Indian students.

Let’s look at the key eligibility requirements every student must fulfill.

Requirement	Details
Valid Passport	Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay.
University Admission	Unconditional offer letter from a recognized New Zealand institution.
Financial Proof	Show NZD 20,000 (₹10L) per year via bank statements, education loans, or sponsor’s income.
Tuition Fee Payment	Submit proof of paid tuition fees or opt for Approval in Principle (AIP).
Health & Travel Insurance	Must cover entire duration of stay. Required before visa approval.
Medical Examination	Required for courses longer than 12 months. Must be conducted at an INZ-approved panel physician.
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)	Mandatory for students above 17 years applying for courses longer than 24 months.
English Proficiency	IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE required if university demands it.

Tip: INZ considers education loans from nationalized or multinational banks only for financial proof.

Financial Requirements for Indian Students

The New Zealand government wants students to have enough money to study without financial stress.

Here’s how much money you need to show while applying for a visa.

Requirement	Amount (NZD)	Amount (₹ INR)
Living Expenses (Per Year)	NZD 20,000	₹10,00,000
Living Expenses (Less than 1 Year)	NZD 1,667 per month	₹83,000 per month
Living Expenses (For School Students)	NZD 17,000 per year	₹8,50,000 per year
Tuition Fees (Per Year)	Varies (NZD 20,000–40,000)	₹10L–₹20L
Health Insurance	NZD 600–1,200 per year	₹30,000–₹60,000 per year
Visa Fees	NZD 385	₹19,000

Tip: Education loans and personal savings are the best ways to show financial proof.

Who is NOT Eligible for a New Zealand Student Visa?

Let’s go through the cases where students are not eligible for a visa.

Students without sufficient financial proof (less than NZD 20,000 or ₹10L).
Applicants who submit fake or incomplete documents.
Students failing health or background checks.
Those applying to non-NZQA-approved institutions.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

Here are the most common reasons why Indian students face visa rejections and how to avoid them.

• Incomplete financial documents (lack of proof for tuition fees or living expenses).
• Unrealistic funding sources (loans from non-financial institutions, gold loans, etc.).
• Gaps in education history without proper explanation.
• Poor English proficiency or missing IELTS/PTE scores (if required by the university).
• Failure to meet medical and character requirements.

Tip: 95% of visas get approved if all documents meet INZ guidelines.

New Zealand Student Visa: Required Documents Checklist

Applying for a New Zealand student visa? Get your documents right to avoid delays and rejections. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has strict requirements; even a small mistake can lead to visa refusal.

Here’s what you need to submit:

Essential Documents for a New Zealand Student Visa

Document	Requirement
Valid Passport	Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay.
Offer of Place	Must be from an NZQA-approved university or institution.
Proof of Tuition Fee Payment	Receipt confirming full or partial payment to the university.
Financial Proof	Minimum NZD 20,000 (₹10L) per year in savings, fixed deposits, or an education loan.
Health & Travel Insurance	Mandatory for the entire duration of your course.
Medical Examination	Required for stays longer than 12 months. Done by an INZ-approved doctor.
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)	Mandatory for students above 17 years if applying for courses longer than 24 months.
English Proficiency (If Required)	IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores, based on your university’s admission requirements.
Accommodation Details (For Minors)	Students under 18 years need verified accommodation proof.

Don’t mess this up! Submitting wrong or incomplete documents can delay or reject your visa.

New Zealand Student Visa Fees & Processing Time

New Zealand Student visas aren’t free, and costs vary based on visa type and application method.

New Zealand Student Visa Fees for Indian Students

Visa Type	Fee (NZD)	Fee (₹ INR Approx.)
Full Fee-Paying Student Visa	NZD 850	₹42,000
Pathway Student Visa	NZD 750	₹37,000
International Visitor Conservation & Tourism Levy (IVL)	NZD 100	₹5,000
Medical Examination & X-ray	NZD 100–150	₹5,000–₹8,000
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)	NZD 20–50	₹1,000–₹2,500
Health & Travel Insurance (Annual)	NZD 600–1,200	₹30,000–₹60,000

Important: Visa fees won’t be refunded if your application is rejected. Always check official sources for the latest fee updates.

How Long Does a New Zealand Student Visa Take?

Processing times depend on the season and your application type. Expect longer waits during peak months (April–September).

Application Type	Processing Time
Regular Student Visa	4-8 weeks
Peak Season (April–September)	6-10 weeks
Approval in Principle (AIP) Route	5-10 days after pre-approval

Plan ahead. Apply at least 3-4 months before your course starts to avoid last-minute stress.

Validity & Renewal of a New Zealand Student Visa

A New Zealand student visa isn’t a one-time document—it comes with an expiry date based on your course duration. If you plan to continue studying or need more time to complete your degree, you’ll have to renew your visa before it expires.

How Long is a New Zealand Student Visa Valid?

Course Duration	Visa Validity
Less than 1 year	Visa valid for the length of the course
1+ years (full degree programs)	Visa valid for up to 4 years
Pathway Student Visa (for multiple courses)	Up to 5 years

If your visa is set to expire before your course ends, you need to apply for renewal to stay in New Zealand legally.

How to Renew Your New Zealand Student Visa?

• Apply before expiry – Submit your renewal at least 4–6 weeks before your visa runs out.
• Provide updated documents – University confirmation, financial proof, health insurance, and attendance records.
• Pay the renewal fee – Similar cost to the original student visa fee.
• Wait for approval – Standard processing time is 4–8 weeks, but apply early to avoid issues.

Tip: If your visa expires before you renew it, you may have to leave New Zealand and reapply from India. Avoid last-minute stress—plan ahead!

Can You Work on a New Zealand Student Visa? Rules & Restrictions

Studying in New Zealand doesn’t mean you have to rely only on savings. The student visa lets you work, but there are clear rules on how many hours you can clock in.

How Many Hours Can You Work on a New Zealand Student Visa?

Study Level	Work Limit
Full-time course (Level 4 or higher)	20 hours per week during the semester
During holidays (semester breaks, summer vacations)	Full-time (40+ hours per week)
PhD or Master’s Research students	Unlimited working hours
Secondary school students (Year 12 & 13)	20 hours per week (with permission)

Part-time work can help cover your expenses, but you can’t depend on it for proof of tuition or visa.

Where Can You Work as a Student?

• Retail jobs (supermarkets, clothing stores)
• Hospitality (cafes, restaurants, bars)
• On-campus jobs (library, student services)
• Internships or research assistant roles

Work Restrictions for Student Visa Holders

No self-employment – You can’t start your own business.
No full-time work during semesters – Except for PhD and Master’s research students.
Work visa needed for professional jobs – If you want a permanent role, apply for a Post-Study Work Visa.

Pro Tip: Look for university-based jobs—they’re flexible, pay well, and don’t interfere with studies.

Want to earn while studying in New Zealand? Plan your work hours wisely and stay within legal limits!

Post-Study Work Visa Options in New Zealand

Qualification Level	Work Visa Duration	Key Benefit
Level 4–6 (Diploma)	Up to 1 year	Can work full-time, but PR options are limited
Level 7 (Bachelor’s Degree)	Up to 3 years	More job opportunities, PR-friendly
Level 8–10 (Master’s, PhD)	Up to 3 years	Easiest PR pathway, high job demand

New Zealand’s Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) helps international students gain work experience or transition into permanent residency (PR). Unlike some countries, this visa gives you flexibility—you don’t need a job offer before applying.

How Long Can You Stay After Graduation?

Qualification Level	Work Visa Duration	Key Benefit
Level 4–6 (Diploma)	Up to 1 year	Can work full-time, but PR options are limited
Level 7 (Bachelor’s Degree)	Up to 3 years	More job opportunities, PR-friendly
Level 8–10 (Master’s, PhD)	Up to 3 years	Easiest PR pathway, high job demand

Important Update: If your degree is on New Zealand’s Green List, you might qualify for residency faster. Fields like engineering, IT, and healthcare are high in demand.

Post-Study Work Visa: Rules & Benefits

Work without an employer restriction—switch jobs anytime.
No job offer required for application.
Gain New Zealand work experience, increasing PR chances.
If in a high-demand field, employers might sponsor you for residency.

Example: A Master’s in Data Science from the University of Auckland can lead to a job in AI development at Fisher & Paykel or Xero, with salaries starting at NZD 80,000+ per year.

If your long-term goal is to live in New Zealand permanently, your post-study job matters. Pick a course that aligns with high-demand industries.

New Zealand Student Visa vs. Australia, UK, and Canada: Which One is Better?

Many Indian students compare New Zealand with Australia, the UK, and Canada before choosing where to study. If you’re looking for affordable tuition, post-study work opportunities, and PR pathways, each country has its own advantages.

New Zealand vs. Other Study Destinations: Detailed Breakdown

Factor	New Zealand	Australia	UK	Canada
Tuition Fees (Per Year)	NZD 25,000–40,000	AUD 30,000–50,000	GBP 15,000–35,000	CAD 20,000–45,000
Living Cost (Per Year)	NZD 20,000	AUD 22,000	GBP 15,000–18,000	CAD 15,000–20,000
Student Work Hours	20 hrs/week (Full-time on holidays)	24 hrs/week (New update)	20 hrs/week	20 hrs/week
Post-Study Work Visa	Up to 3 years	Up to 4 years	Up to 2 years	Up to 3 years
Pathway to PR	Easier for skilled workers	PR pathway available, but competitive	Difficult, high salary required	Best PR options
Top Hiring Companies	Air New Zealand, Xero, Fonterra, Fisher & Paykel	Atlassian, Canva, Commonwealth Bank	BBC, Deloitte, HSBC	TD Bank, Shopify, Amazon Canada

Which Country is the Best for Indian Students?

• Choose New Zealand if you want affordable tuition, strong job opportunities, and a smooth PR pathway.
• Go for Canada if your main goal is PR, as their system is more immigration-friendly.
• Pick Australia if you want higher post-study work duration and better salaries.
• Consider the UK if you prefer a fast-tracked Master’s degree (1 year) but don’t mind fewer PR options.

Example: If you graduate with a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Canterbury, you can work at Rocket Lab (New Zealand’s version of SpaceX). In contrast, a similar degree in Australia might give higher salaries but tougher PR policies.

Your decision should depend on your career goals. Want strong post-study work rights with an easy PR pathway? New Zealand is a smart choice.

upGrad Abroad’s Visa Assistance for Studying in New Zealand

upGrad Abroad simplifies New Zealand student visa process with expert guidance and 1:1 support. Struggling with paperwork? Confused about financial proof? Our team helps you avoid mistakes and speed up approvals.

• Step-by-step visa assistance so you don’t miss anything
• Personalized document review to prevent rejections
• Latest updates on visa rules, work rights & PR options
• Financial proof and interview preparation

Don’t risk delays! Get expert help to secure your student visa without stress. Book a free consultation today!