New Zealand Student Visa: Requirements, Costs & How to Apply (2026)

Explore visa requirements, costs, work rights, and pathways for international students and families considering study in New Zealand.

Quick Answer

To study in New Zealand, most international students need a Fee Paying Student Visa. Key requirements: offer of place from an approved provider, sufficient funds (at least NZD $20,000/year for living costs), full medical and travel insurance, and health and character checks. Visa can be issued for up to 4 years.

Students may be able to work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays if visa conditions permit. Application fee starts from NZD $375 when applied online from within New Zealand.

Always verify at Official NZ Immigration before applying.

Who Needs a NZ Student Visa?

Anyone studying a course longer than 3 months in NZ needs a student visa (called the Fee Paying Student Visa). Short courses under 3 months may be covered by a visitor visa or NZeTA.

Citizens of Australia and the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau have different rights - they do not need a student visa. Children of residents/citizens may be covered by their parent's visa. The Fee Paying Student Visa can be issued for up to 4 years maximum.

NZ Student Visa Requirements

Requirement Details
Offer of place Confirmed enrolment from an approved education provider (NZQA-registered or a university).
Funds Enough money for tuition fees + at least NZD $20,000/year for living costs + return airfare.
Health Must be in good health. Chest X-ray and medical exam may be required for longer stays.
Character Police certificates required if aged 17+ and total NZ stay will exceed 24 months.
Insurance Full medical and travel insurance is mandatory for entire stay.
Genuine student Must show genuine intention to study with valid course and schedule details.
Passing courses Must show you are meeting attendance and passing requirements.

Cost of Studying in New Zealand

Tuition fees vary by institution and course level. Living costs vary by city - Auckland is 20-30% more expensive than smaller cities. INZ requires showing at least NZD $20,000/year for living costs.

Student visa fee starts from NZD $375 (online, applied from NZ).

Type of Study Tuition (NZD/year) Living Costs (NZD/year) Total Estimate
English language programme $5,000-$15,000 $20,000-$25,000 $25,000-$40,000
Undergraduate degree $22,000-$35,000 $20,000-$27,000 $42,000-$62,000
Postgraduate degree $26,000-$45,000 $20,000-$27,000 $46,000-$72,000

Can I Work on a NZ Student Visa?

Students may work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during holidays - depending on visa conditions. Work rights are not automatic and are specified on eVisa.

NZ minimum wage: NZD $23.15/hour.

Important: Check your visa conditions carefully before starting any work. See immigration.govt.nz for full details.

NZ Student Visa Application Process

  1. 1 Receive an offer of place from an approved NZ education provider
  2. 2 Confirm funding for fees + living costs + airfare
  3. 3 Arrange full medical and travel insurance
  4. 4 Gather passport, offer letter, proof of funds, insurance certificate
  5. 5 Complete health checks if required
  6. 6 Get police certificates if age 17+ with long NZ stay
  7. 7 Apply online via Immigration Online and pay fee

Application Fees

Fee Type Amount
Online application (from within NZ) From NZD $375
Online application (from outside NZ) Varies by country
Paper application Higher than online

Processing Times

Processing times differ by completeness, season, and origin country. INZ recommends checking their online tool.

Incomplete applications take longer. If your visa expires while waiting, INZ typically issues an Interim Visa.

Check current processing times

Pathway from Student to Work Visa to Residency

Graduates may apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (up to 3 years), then transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and later residency. Many graduates on NZ Green List have a fast-track to permanent residency.

Kiwifern partners with NZ institutions like Yoobee, Whitireia WelTec, and Victoria University to guide full pathways from study to residence.

Read our NZ Work Visa guide Check if your occupation is on the NZ Green List

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a NZ student visa cost?

Starts from NZD $375 when applied online from within NZ. Fees vary by country.

How long does processing take?

Depends on application completeness and origin country. No fixed timeframe.

Can I work while studying?

You may work up to 20 hours/week during term, full-time on holidays, if your visa allows.

How much money must be shown?

Show enough for tuition fees + NZD $20,000/year living cost + airfare.

Can family come with me?

Your partner or children may be eligible depending on your course level.

What happens after studying?

Apply for Post-Study Work Visa, then AEWV, then residency.

Do I need English proficiency?

Requirements set by institution; may include IELTS or internal tests.

Is NZ education internationally recognised?

Yes. NZQA and universities rank globally.

What is an approved education provider?

NZQA-registered institution or university.

Do I need medical insurance?

Yes. Full coverage is mandatory for the visa duration.

Planning to study in New Zealand background

Planning to study in New Zealand?

We can guide you through the student visa process and help plan your pathway from study to work to residence. Kiwifern partners with leading NZ institutions.

Talk to Our Team