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 in New Zealand study on the Fee Paying Student Visa, issued by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). It's tied to your institution and course, and it lets you study full-time, work part-time, and travel in and out of the country.
How the application works
- Get accepted first. You need an offer of place at one of New Zealand's eight public universities (or another approved institution).
- Arrange your funds. You must show you can cover living costs and fees — as an up-front financial guarantee, a bank statement, or a scholarship letter.
- Apply online. Create an Immigration NZ account and complete the student-visa application, attaching your offer, funds proof, insurance, and any required medical/police certificates.
- Receive your visa. Once approved you get a visa label or eVisa linked to your passport.
Fees
- Student visa application fee: NZD 375 (≈ US$245) for most applicants (paid online).
- Health insurance: usually NZD 45–70/month via university or private plans — required for most student-visa holders.
Processing time
- Most applications are decided in 4–8 weeks, and simpler applications can clear faster. Apply well before your course start — peak season is Dec–Feb.
Financial requirements
You'll need confirmed funds covering living costs of NZD 20,000 per year (NZD 1,667/month) plus first-year fees and travel. The exact living-cost benchmark is set by INZ and updated regularly.
Can you work?
Yes. Student-visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during scheduled holidays. Some flagship programmes follow different rules — check your visa conditions.
After graduation
The Post-study work visa lets graduates live and work in New Zealand for 1–3 years after study, scaling with qualification level. It's a practical route to skilled employment and, for many, permanent residence.
