How to get a New Zealand student visa: fees, funds, documents and timeline
Fee Paying Student Visa at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa | Fee Paying Student Visa |
| Application fee | NZ$750 |
| Health cover | Compulsory medical and travel insurance for the full stay |
| Funds to show | NZ$20,000 a year for living costs plus fees paid or funds to pay them |
| Validity | Up to 4 years depending on the programme, with a 3-month grace period at the end |
| Post-study route | Post-Study Work Visa: Up to 3 years for bachelor's degrees and above; shorter for some diplomas |
How to apply, step by step
- Accept the offer of place and pay tuition, or arrange a Funds Transfer Scheme
- Apply online through Immigration New Zealand
- Provide medicals, police certificate and biometrics if requested
- Wait 4 to 8 weeks for most applications
- Travel with your visa and insurance documents
Documents checklist
- Offer of place from an approved provider
- Evidence of fee payment or funds
- Proof of funds for living costs
- Medical and chest X-ray certificates for stays over 6 months
- Police certificate for stays over 24 months
- English test where required, IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 typical
Financial evidence
NZ$20,000 a year for living costs plus fees paid or funds to pay them. Education loans from recognised lenders are accepted. Money must be in your name or a parent's with a consent letter, and statements must be recent. Our loan partners issue sanction letters that visa offices recognise.
After you graduate
Post-Study Work Visa: Up to 3 years for bachelor's degrees and above; shorter for some diplomas. Apply within 3 months of your visa expiry (6 months for PhD). Work for any employer.
Working on a student visa
25 hours a week during term (raised from 20 in November 2025), full time in scheduled holidays. Minimum wages of NZ$23.50 an hour adult minimum wage (2025).
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
How long can I stay in New Zealand after studying?
Up to three years on the Post-Study Work Visa if you complete a bachelor's degree or higher. Some lower-level qualifications qualify for shorter periods only if they are on the Green List.
How much money must I show for a New Zealand student visa?
NZ$20,000 a year for living expenses (NZ$1,667 a month for shorter periods) plus evidence that tuition is paid or funds to pay it.
Are New Zealand degrees recognised internationally?
Yes. All eight universities sit in the QS top 500 and qualifications are recognised across the Commonwealth, the US and Europe.