Riddhi Mevada
Oct 30, 2026
New Zealand Student Visa 2026: Fees, Funds, Documents & Process for Indian Students
Quick answer: Indian students apply for the Fee Paying Student Visa. The application fee starts from NZD 850, you must show NZD 20,000 per year for living costs on top of tuition, and eligible students can work up to 25 hours a week during study. Most applicants need an offer of place, proof of funds and proof of English before applying.
What Is the New Zealand Student Visa?
If your course is longer than three months, you need a student visa to study in New Zealand. For most Indian students heading to a university, polytechnic or private training provider, this is the Fee Paying Student Visa. It is usually granted for the length of your course, and your conditions state which provider and course you are approved to study.
How Much Does a New Zealand Student Visa Cost in 2026?
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa application fee | From NZD 850 | Set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) |
| English test (IELTS, PTE or TOEFL) | Varies | Paid to the test provider |
| Medical and police certificates | Varies | Only where required for your stay |
| Translations | Varies | Certified English translations of non-English documents |
How Much Money Do You Need to Show for a New Zealand Student Visa?
INZ requires evidence that you can support yourself while studying, in addition to your tuition fees.
| Study type | Living-cost funds required |
|---|---|
| Tertiary or English-language study of one year or more | NZD 20,000 per year |
| Tertiary study shorter than one year | NZD 1,667 per month |
| School study (Years 1 to 13) | NZD 17,000 per year |
Funds must be traceable and genuinely available to you, so keep a clear paper trail for any large deposits.
Who Is Eligible for a New Zealand Student Visa?
- An offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider
- Evidence of tuition payment, as required by your offer
- Proof of living funds
- English language ability accepted by your provider
- A valid passport (generally valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure)
- Good health and good character, with medical and police certificates where required
What Documents Are Required?
- Passport details page and recent photograph
- Offer of place and proof of tuition payment
- Bank statements, education loan sanction letter or sponsor documents showing living funds
- IELTS, PTE Academic or TOEFL result, if your provider asks for it
- Academic documents: Class 12 for undergraduate study, or your bachelor's degree for postgraduate study
- Medical and police certificates where required
- Certified English translations of any non-English documents
What IELTS Score Do You Need for New Zealand?
The score depends on the institution and the course. Bachelor's programmes commonly ask for around IELTS 6.0, and master's programmes around 6.5, with many providers also accepting PTE Academic or TOEFL. Check your provider's exact requirement before booking a test, because some courses ask for higher band scores in individual skills.
Can You Work on a New Zealand Student Visa?
Yes, if your visa conditions allow it. Eligible students can work up to 25 hours a week during their studies and full-time during scheduled holidays. The limit rose from 20 to 25 hours on 3 November 2025 and applies to new student visas, so check the work conditions printed on your own visa. Full-time holiday work generally requires a course valued at 120 credits. Always confirm your personal conditions with INZ before starting a job.
What Are the New Zealand Intakes?
| Intake | Start | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | February | Widest course choice; the main intake |
| Semester 2 | July | Selected universities and polytechnic programmes |
| Rolling starts | Varies | Some polytechnics and diploma programmes |
How to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa Step by Step
- Choose your course and provider, and apply for admission.
- Accept your offer of place and pay tuition as required.
- Arrange your living funds and gather financial documents.
- Take your English test if your provider requires one.
- Complete the online application with INZ and pay the fee.
- Arrange medical and police certificates where requested.
- Respond quickly to any request for more information.
How Long Does a New Zealand Student Visa Take?
INZ has typically decided most applications within about eight weeks, though individual cases take longer if documents are missing or extra checks are needed. Apply at least three months before your course starts so you are not caught short of the February or July deadlines.
Can You Work in New Zealand After Studying?
Eligible graduates can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, valid for up to three years depending on the level of qualification completed. It can generally be granted only once, and eligibility depends on your qualification and provider. Confirm the entitlement for your specific course before you enrol.
Common Reasons for New Zealand Student Visa Refusal
- Funds that are not clearly traceable or do not meet the NZD 20,000 requirement
- A study plan that does not make sense for your background or earlier studies
- Incomplete or inconsistent documents
- Poor English evidence for the chosen course
- Concerns about genuine intention to study
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a GIC-style blocked account required for New Zealand?
No. New Zealand asks for traceable proof of funds rather than a mandatory blocked account, though your funds must be clearly documented.
Can my family join me?
Partner and child options exist but have their own conditions. Ask a consultant before applying so the application is built correctly.
Can I change my course after arriving?
Your visa conditions name your course and provider, so changing either may need a variation of conditions from INZ.
Is the visa fee refundable if I am refused?
Visa fees are generally not refunded, which is why a complete file before submission matters.
Planning to Study in New Zealand?
Volumaax helps you choose the right course, prepare funds and documents, and file a complete student visa application.
Talk to a New Zealand Visa ExpertRelated Guides
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Visa rules, fees, funds requirements and processing times change; verify all details on the official Immigration New Zealand website (immigration.govt.nz) before applying. Volumaax is not a government body.
