New Zealand Student Visa Guide: Step by Step
New Zealand Student Visa Guide: Step by Step
What is the Fee Paying Student Visa?
International students studying full-time for more than three months in New Zealand generally need the Fee Paying Student Visa, issued by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). It is tied to your institution and course, and it lets you study full-time, work part-time, and travel in and out of the country. An offer of place does not by itself grant immigration permission.
How the application works
- Get accepted first. You need an Offer of Place from an NZQA-approved institution, such as one of New Zealand's eight universities.
- Meet English and academic requirements. Courses typically ask for IELTS 5.5 to 6.5 (or an accepted equivalent) depending on level; INZ now also accepts the IELTS One Skill Retake.
- Prepare proof of funds. Show you can cover living costs and fees through bank statements, an approved funds-transfer scheme, an education loan, or a scholarship letter.
- Apply online. Create an account on the Immigration Online portal and complete the application, attaching your offer, funds evidence, insurance, and any required medical or police certificates.
- Respond to any Approval in Principle (AIP). For many applicants, INZ issues an AIP first; you then pay your tuition (and sometimes confirm living funds) before the visa is granted.
- Receive your eVisa. Once approved you get an eVisa linked to your passport, showing your work rights, course details and validity dates. Print a copy for your records.
Fees
- Application cost: budget around NZD 750 to 850 in total. This reflects the online application fee together with the Immigration levy and the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL); paper applications cost more. Fees were revised upward for 2026, so confirm the current total on the INZ website before paying.
- Health insurance: usually NZD 45 to 70 per month through a university or private plan. Appropriate insurance is required for the whole time you hold the visa.
Processing time
Most applications are decided within a few weeks, often around 4 to 6 weeks, and the upgraded online platform has made many decisions faster. Complex cases and peak intake season (roughly October to March) take longer. Apply at least two to three months before your course starts, and do not book non-refundable travel until your visa is granted. You can track progress online.
Financial requirements
You must show confirmed funds covering living costs of NZD 20,000 per year (or NZD 1,667 per month for courses shorter than a year), in addition to your tuition fees and travel. This figure was raised from NZD 15,000, and school-age students need about NZD 17,000 per year. Funds must be genuine and verifiable, so weak or last-minute financial evidence is the most common reason for refusal. Longer courses also require a medical examination (including a chest X-ray) and a police certificate.
Can you work?
Yes, and the rules improved recently. Eligible student-visa holders can now work up to 25 hours per week during term (increased from 20 on 3 November 2025) and full-time during scheduled breaks. Master's by research and PhD students can work unlimited hours. In-study work rights were also extended to approved exchange and study-abroad students, including single-semester courses. Note that changing provider or dropping to a lower level of study now requires a new student visa application, not a simple variation. Treat any earnings as help with extras, not a way to cover your main costs.
After graduation
The Post Study Work Visa lets eligible graduates live and work in New Zealand after study. A qualifying bachelor's or postgraduate degree (NZQCF Level 7 or higher) generally leads to up to 3 years of open work rights, while lower-level qualifications get less time and may require work related to your field. From late 2026, a new 6-month Short Term Graduate Work Visa is being introduced for graduates who do not qualify for the standard visa, as a bridge to find employment. For many graduates, this experience is a step toward skilled residence.
Sources: Immigration New Zealand (Fee Paying Student Visa, funds requirement NZD 20,000, 25-hour work rule from 3 November 2025, Post Study Work Visa); INZ fee schedule. Fees, work rights and post-study rules change often, so confirm current details on immigration.govt.nz before applying.
Explore study options in New Zealand or read our New Zealand country guide for costs, universities and the path to work.
