New Zealand Student Visa 2025 : Types, Requirements, Processing Time, Cost
Talk to Expert
If you're dreaming of studying in New Zealand, there’s good news for you. The New Zealand student visa process is now 100% digital, which is making it easier and more transparent for Indian students than ever before. With the new Immigration Online system, applying for your New Zealand student visa is quicker, paperless, and fully streamlined. This new change is implemented on August 18, 2025.
Now, you need to have just few minutes for NZ study visa application and focus more on planning your academic adventure. Whether you’re aiming for undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies university of NZ, this update will help every international student. The NZ student visa processing time varies between 8-10 weeks. The New Zealand student visa fee is NZD 850 for online applications.
- New Zealand Student Visa Details
- Who Can Apply for New Zealand Student Visa?
- New Zealand Student Visa Application Fee
- New Zealand Student Visa Documents Required
- How to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa
- Additional Information for NZ Study Visa
- New Zealand High Commission in India
- New Zealand Study Visa Processing Time
- Scholarships for Studying in New Zealand
New Zealand Student Visa Details
Students who want to study in New Zealand for more than three months need to apply and get NZ student visa. Consider it as a legal document which allows applicants to study full-time in NZ, for a fixed period. Here are some key requirements to get a New Zealand student visa:
- Admission Offer: A letter of acceptance from a New Zealand university or college.
- Proof of Funds: Proof of funds to cover your living expenses (NZ$20,000 per year) and proof of where this money has come from.
- Medical and Travel Insurance: The Student must have proof of full medical and travel insurance before applying for a student visa.
- Valid Passport: A valid passport is the most important document which a student must have.
- English Language Proficiency: Show any proof that you can speak, listen, write and understand the English language well. Score of any English proficiency test, such as IELTS.
Also Read:
Who Can Apply for New Zealand Student Visa?
Here are the eligibility to get New Zealand student visa for an international student:
- Confirmed Admission: Applicant must have confirmed their offer letter for a course registered under the Ministry of Education of New Zealand or NZQA.
- Proof of Funds: The applicants must show proof of NZD 20,000 (INR 9,88,500 approx) for a year to stay in New Zealand for study.
- Per Month Fund: An applicant must maintain NZD 1,667 per month to survive in New Zealand.
- A Ticket to Return: You must either provide a return ticket to your home country (or elsewhere), or show that you have sufficient funds to buy one. This proves you have the means to leave New Zealand when your visa expires
Read: Financial Documents Required for Study Abroad Applications
New Zealand Student Visa Application Fee
- For Online Application: Students who are submitting their Student Visa Application online are required to pay NZD 850, which is INR 42,857 (approximately). In this fee, an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD$100 is included. It is possible that, New Zealand Student Visa fee gets updated after the new application process.
- For Offline Application: This will be permanently closed after September 18, 2025
New Zealand Student Visa Documents Required
Candidates looking to apply for their New Zealand Student Visa must have the following documents as part of their visa application process:
| Requirement | Details / Examples |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure from New Zealand. |
| Offer of Place | From an approved New Zealand education provider. |
| Tuition Fees Proof | Receipt, payment confirmation, scholarship letter, or education loan letter. |
| Proof of Funds | Typically NZD $20,000 per year (or NZD $1,667/month for courses under a year). Evidence can include:
|
| Medical / Chest X-ray | Required if applicable (depends on length of stay and personal circumstances).
|
| Police Certificate | May be required depending on age and length of stay. |
| Visa Photograph(s) | One acceptable photo if applying online; two if applying on paper. |
| Proof of Onward Travel | Return ticket or evidence of funds to purchase one. |
| Certified Translations | Required for any non-English documents. |
| Insurance | Evidence of travel and health insurance that meets New Zealand requirements (through a provider or independently). |
| Parental / Guardian Consent | Needed if under 18, or under 10 and not living in an NZQA-approved hostel. |
| Work-related Documents | If planning to work, include parental and provider permission if under 18. |
| Additional Documents |
*Note: Additional documentation may be required. During the personal interview, additional documents may be requested by the interviewer. These may be documents to prove evidence of academic or financial status.
Note: As an evidence of identity, INZ accepts only PAN card or Aadhar Card. Voter ID, Ration Card, academic documents or driving license are not acceptable as evidence of identity.
Related Reads:
How to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa
Candidates should note that the preferred mode of submitting their New Zealand Visa Application is via the online method. From September 18, 2025, only online application will be accepted. This will make the process, easier and smooth. The online method is not only less time-consuming but also less expensive as compared to the post. Here is how to complete your application online using NZ Immigration Online.
| Step | Process |
|---|---|
| 1 | Get an Offer of Place: Secure admission and obtain an official offer letter from a New Zealand approved university or college. |
| 2 | Collect Documentation: Prepare your passport, admission offer letter, proof of funds, tuition fee payment evidence, proof of return travel, health & travel insurance, visa photos, and police certificate (if applicable). |
| 3 | Create an Account: Visit the official Immigration Online portal. Register for a new account (all applications are digital). September 18, 2025, Onwards. |
| 4 | Complete & Submit Application: Choose the correct student visa type, fill out the application accurately, upload all required documents, and pay the visa fee online. |
| 5 | Track & Respond: Monitor your New Zealand student visa application through your online account. Respond quickly if Immigration NZ requests. |
| 6 | Receive Your E-Visa: Once approved, you will receive an eVisa. Print it and carry it along with supporting documents when you travel. |
Important: Apply at least 3 months before your travel date to avoid delays. From 18 September 2025, paper applications are no longer accepted — apply only through the Immigration Online system.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Additional Information for NZ Study Visa
You can work part-time in New Zealand, for up to 20 hours per week on your student visa. Here are important details that you should know:
| Study Type | Work Rights |
|---|---|
| Any program (requirement) | Must complete within the duration stated in the offer letter. |
| Post-study work option | Can apply for a Post-study Work Visa (valid up to 12 months) if no job offer. |
| General courses | Work up to 20 hours/week if:
|
| Full-time program (≥ 1 year) | Work full-time during all vacations. |
| Full-time program (8+ months, 2 semesters, <120 credits) | Work full-time only during the Christmas & New Year holidays. |
| Master’s by research / PhD | No restrictions, can work unlimited hours. |
Read: Popular Job Sectors in New Zealand
New Zealand High Commission in India
Provided below is the contact information of various New Zealand High Commissions located across the country.
| Office | Details |
|---|---|
| New Zealand High Commission, New Delhi | Sir Edmund Hillary Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021, India
|
| New Zealand Consulate-General, Mumbai | Level 2, Maker Maxity, 3rd North Avenue, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400 051, India
|
New Zealand Study Visa Processing Time
On average a student visa application is processed within 20-30 days in New Zealand for international students:
| NZ Education Provider |
Average NZ Study Visa Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Te Pūkenga |
2 weeks |
| PTEs |
3 weeks |
| Universities |
2 weeks |
| Schools |
2 weeks |
Source: Official Website of NZ Government.
Scholarships for Studying in New Zealand
Arranging finances for studying in New Zealand is a great concern for international students. However, the government of New Zealand and various universities are offering a number of scholarships that students can avail of and gain knowledge. We have listed out the top scholarships that students can apply to study in New Zealand. Other Scholarships include:
- CCSE Graduate Scholarship
- Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship for SC etc. candidates
- Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
Candidates looking for assistance with universities in New Zealand can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors on our website. Readers with queries can get in touch with us in the comments section below.
Relation based visas are the ones that for the student's family or dependents. In New Zealand the following relationship based visas are acceptable from international student visa holders' dependents:
- Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa
- Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa
- Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
- Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
- Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa
- Dependent Child Student Visa
- Dependent Child Resident Visa
- Adoption Visitor Visa
- Adoption Pre-citizenship Visitor Visa
Yes, international students who qualify for admissions to New Zealand universities will have to appear for an interview after applying for a student visa. No matter how tough the interview may sound, its significant to qualify for the interview in order to be able to get a student visa to study in New Zealand.
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Comments
(58)
s
4 years ago
R
4 years ago
i
4 years ago
R
4 years ago
R
4 years ago
R
4 years ago
R
4 years ago
Hell Priyanka. to know about the latest on University admission during the time of Covid, visit: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/future-of-study-abroad-countries-consider-re-opening-to-international-students-amid-covid-19-crisis-articlepage-2537
A
4 years ago
R
4 years ago
Hello Ashish. There is obviously a lot of uncertainty looming over international travel for next year. While most universities are promoting students to do a semester or two at home via the remote method and then travel to the country once travel restrictions are lifted. you can get more updates he
The student visa in New Zealand is for 12 months long. If the course opted by the student is for more than 1 year then he/she will have to apply again to renew the student visa. However, the students can stay up to 4 years while he/she completes their study in New Zealand.