New Zealand Flag

Study in New Zealand

Safe, welcoming, with world-class universities and nature

NZD $375 (~₹18,000) Visa Fee
8–10 weeks Processing Time
NZD $1,250/month (approx. INR 8,00,000/year) Min. Funds
Duration of course Permit Validity

About Studying in New Zealand

With close to 50,000 international students each year and over 150,000 total applications, studying in New Zealand is a solid choice for international students. Students who receive and accept an offer letter are entitled to apply for a student visa. Students who plan to study in New Zealand for longer than three months must apply for a New Zealand Student Visa. Processing time ranges from 8 to 10 weeks.

Student visa applications can be submitted in four ways: online, offline, through an immigration advisor, or at a visa centre. Online applications are faster and cheaper than postal applications. International students should apply for the visa as soon as they have been accepted into a New Zealand university. A student visa allows full-time study for a set time and may include conditions about the course name, provider, and insurance requirements.

Key Facts

Visa Fee
NZD $375 (~₹18,000)
Processing
8–10 weeks
Permit Valid
Duration of course
Min. Funds
NZD $1,250/month (approx. INR 8,00,000/year)
Renewal Fee
NZD $375
Language
IELTS / TOEFL / PTE

Visa Types for New Zealand

Choose the right visa category based on your study plan

Student Visa

New Zealand Student Visa

For international students planning to study full-time in New Zealand for more than 3 months. Applied through Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

  • Full-time study only
  • Must have offer letter from NZ institution
  • Health and character certificates may be required
Post-Study

Post-Study Work Visa

For graduates of New Zealand universities and institutions. Allows 1–3 years of open work rights after completing your studies.

  • Open work visa – any employer
  • 1–3 years depending on qualification
  • Pathway to Skilled Migrant Category (PR)

Documents Required

Make sure you have all these documents ready before applying

Valid passport (at least 3 months validity beyond your stay in New Zealand)
Completed Student Visa Application Form INZ 1012
Offer of place from a New Zealand institute or university (issued after tuition fees collected)
Current institution letter confirming study abroad student status
Proof of funds – minimum NZD $1,250/month or INR 8,00,000/year
Return ticket or evidence of funds to buy one
Health insurance receipt
Health certificate (if required)
Character certificate (police clearance certificate)
Two passport-sized photographs
Academic transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates
English language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/GMAT/GRE as required)
Application fee payment receipt

How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit your student visa application

1
Receive Offer Letter from NZ Institution

Apply to your chosen New Zealand university or institution. After accepting the offer and paying fees, you will receive your official offer of place document.

2
Gather Documents

Collect and scan all required documents in PDF format. Check the Immigration New Zealand official website for the latest photo requirements and document specifications.

3
Choose Application Method

Apply online through Immigration New Zealand (RealMe login) or offline by post. Online is faster and cheaper. You can also apply through a Registered Migration Advisor or at a Visa Application Centre.

4
Complete Application Form

Fill out the Student Visa Application Form (INZ 1012) accurately. For online applications, fill the form digitally through the Immigration New Zealand portal.

5
Pay Application Fee

Pay the visa fee of NZD $375 online (by credit card) or at the designated payment centre for offline applications.

6
Submit Application

Submit your online application with all scanned documents through the Immigration New Zealand portal, or mail your offline application to the relevant processing centre.

7
Track Application Status

Online applications: track through RealMe. Offline applications: track through your immigration advisor or visa centre. Processing takes 8–10 weeks.

8
Receive Visa & Travel

If approved, you will receive your student visa. Arrive in New Zealand and begin your study adventure!

Apply for student visa

Work Rights

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during scheduled holidays. After completing their studies, eligible students can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa allowing 1 to 3 years of work rights in New Zealand.

20 hrs/week
Part-time during studies
Full-time during holidays
Full-time during vacations
1–3 years (Post-Study Work Visa)
Post-study work visa

Available Scholarships

Funding options to support your education in New Zealand

New Zealand Excellence Awards (NZEA)
New Zealand Development Scholarships (NZDS)
Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network Awards
University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship
Victoria University of Wellington International Excellence Scholarship
Lincoln University International Student Scholarships
AUT International Student Scholarships
Massey University Vice-Chancellor Scholarship

Dependent / Family Visa

Partners and dependent children of student visa holders may be eligible for partner or dependent child visas. Partners of full-time students enrolled at bachelor's level or above may be eligible for an open work visa in New Zealand.

Ready to Study in New Zealand?

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