Originally published July 2026. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
TL;DR — Key Facts at a Glance
- Visa fee: NZD 375 online or NZD 430 for paper applications (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz)
- Financial proof: NZD 20,000 per year for tertiary students; NZD 17,000 per year for school-age students (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz)
- Work rights: Up to 25 hours per week during semester; full-time during scheduled breaks (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz)
- Health insurance: Medical and travel insurance required for the full duration of study (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz)
- Post-study pathway: Post-Study Work Visa available for 1–3 years, depending on qualification level and study location (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz)
- Processing time: Approximately 20 working days for online applications (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz)
What Is the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa?
The Fee Paying Student Visa is the primary visa category that allows international students to undertake full-time study at approved education providers in New Zealand. It covers a wide range of programmes, from English language courses and secondary school education through to undergraduate degrees, postgraduate qualifications, and doctoral research.
New Zealand consistently ranks among the world’s most welcoming destinations for international students. Its education system follows the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), which is recognised globally, and the country offers a safe, English-speaking environment with a high quality of life.
The visa is issued for the duration of your enrolled programme, plus a reasonable period before and after your course to allow for arrival and departure. Once granted, it entitles you to study at a specific education provider and, depending on your programme, to work part-time during your studies.
This guide covers every step of the process, from confirming your eligibility through to what happens after graduation. Every figure cited in this article is drawn directly from official Immigration New Zealand (INZ) resources to ensure accuracy.
Who Is Eligible for a New Zealand Student Visa?
To qualify for a Fee Paying Student Visa, you must meet several core eligibility criteria set by Immigration New Zealand. Below is a summary of each requirement.
Confirmed Offer of Place
You must hold a valid offer of place (also referred to as an offer of enrolment) from an education provider that is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz). The offer must be for a full-time course of study.
Genuine Student Status
Immigration New Zealand assesses whether you are a genuine student. This means your primary intention must be to study, not to use a student visa as a pathway to work in New Zealand without genuine educational goals. Officers may consider your study history, the relevance of the chosen programme to your career, and your ties to your home country.
Financial Capacity
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return travel. The specific financial thresholds are detailed in the next section.
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must be in good health and of good character. Depending on your nationality and the length of your intended stay, you may need to provide a medical certificate, chest X-ray certificate, and police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for 5 or more years since the age of 17 (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz).
Age Requirements
There is no upper age limit for the Fee Paying Student Visa. However, students under 18 must have appropriate accommodation arrangements, and their application must include evidence of guardianship or parental consent (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz).
What Are the Financial Requirements?
One of the most critical parts of your visa application is proving you can support yourself financially while studying in New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand sets minimum living cost thresholds that are separate from your tuition fees.
| Student Category | Minimum Funds Required | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Tertiary student (course 12 months or longer) | NZD 20,000 | Per year of study |
| Tertiary student (course less than 12 months) | NZD 1,667 | Per month of study |
| School-age student (primary/secondary) | NZD 17,000 | Per year of study |
(Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz)
These figures represent the minimum living expenses only. You must also show evidence that your tuition fees have been paid in full or that you have sufficient funds to pay them. Additionally, you are required to demonstrate funds for a return ticket to your home country or onward travel.
Acceptable Evidence of Funds
Immigration New Zealand accepts several forms of financial evidence:
- Bank statements (from the applicant or the applicant’s sponsor/family) covering at least the previous 3 months
- Scholarship letters confirming coverage of tuition and/or living costs
- Financial undertaking from a sponsor who can demonstrate adequate income and assets
- Loan approval letters from a recognised financial institution
- Evidence of prepaid accommodation (which can reduce the living cost amount you need to demonstrate)
If a sponsor is funding your studies, they may need to provide their own bank statements, employment verification, and a signed declaration of financial support.
How Much Does the New Zealand Student Visa Cost?
The application fee for the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa depends on how you submit your application.
| Application Method | Visa Fee |
|---|---|
| Online application | NZD 375 |
| Paper application | NZD 430 |
(Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz)
Additional Costs to Budget For
Beyond the visa application fee itself, you should be prepared for several additional costs:
| Cost Item | Approximate Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Immigration Levy | NZD 29.90 | Charged on most visa applications |
| International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) | NZD 100 | Applies to most nationalities (some exemptions exist) |
| Medical examination | Varies by country | Required if staying 6+ months or from certain countries |
| Police clearance certificate | Varies by country | Required if staying 24+ months |
| Health insurance | Varies by provider | Mandatory for the entire stay |
(Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz)
Applying online is both cheaper and faster. Immigration New Zealand strongly encourages online applications through their Immigration Online system, which also allows you to track your application status in real time.
What Documents Do You Need?
A well-prepared application with complete documentation significantly improves your chances of a smooth process. Below is a comprehensive checklist of documents typically required for a Fee Paying Student Visa application.
Essential Documents
- Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand
- Offer of place: A current, unconditional (or conditional) offer of enrolment from an approved New Zealand education provider
- Evidence of tuition fee payment: Receipt of payment or evidence that fees are held in trust by the education provider
- Evidence of living funds: Bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsorship documentation meeting the minimum thresholds — NZD 20,000 per year for tertiary or NZD 17,000 per year for school students (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz)
- Evidence of return travel: A return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one
- Passport-sized photographs: Recent photos meeting INZ specifications
Health and Character Documents
- Medical certificate: Required for stays of 6 months or longer, or if you are from a country with a high incidence of tuberculosis (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz)
- Chest X-ray certificate: Required for stays of 6 months or longer, or based on nationality (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz)
- Police clearance certificates: From every country where you have lived for 5 or more years since turning 17 (generally required if staying 24 months or longer) (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz)
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- Academic transcripts: Previous qualifications and academic records
- English language proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent test results (if required by the education provider or INZ)
- Evidence of health insurance: Proof of medical and travel insurance coverage for your entire stay (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz)
- Accommodation details: Evidence of where you will live in New Zealand
- Parental consent: If the applicant is under 18, a signed consent from parents or legal guardians
- Sponsor declaration: If a family member or third party is funding your studies
Ensure all documents not in English are accompanied by certified translations. Immigration New Zealand requires translations to be completed by a qualified translator.
How Do You Apply Step by Step?
The application process for a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa is straightforward when you have all documents prepared. Here is the step-by-step process.
Secure Your Offer of Place
Research and apply to an approved New Zealand education provider. Once accepted, you will receive an offer of place or enrolment letter. Confirm that the institution is approved by NZQA and is a signatory to the Pastoral Care Code.
Pay Your Tuition Fees (or Arrange Payment)
Most education providers require at least the first year’s tuition to be paid or held in trust before they issue a receipt of fee payment, which is needed for your visa application.
Arrange Health Insurance
Purchase medical and travel insurance that covers you for the entire duration of your stay in New Zealand. Your education provider may offer a group insurance scheme, or you can arrange your own through an approved provider (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz).
Gather Your Documents
Collect all required documents as outlined in the previous section. Obtain medical and police clearance certificates if required. Ensure bank statements are recent (within the last 3 months) and certified translations are ready for any non-English documents.
Create an Immigration Online Account
Visit the Immigration New Zealand website at immigration.govt.nz and create an account on their Immigration Online system. This is where you will complete and submit your application. Online applications cost NZD 375, compared to NZD 430 for paper (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz).
Complete the Application Form
Fill in the Fee Paying Student Visa application form online. You will need to enter your personal details, passport information, education provider details, course information, and financial details. Upload all supporting documents as specified.
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the application fee of NZD 375 (online) along with any applicable levies including the Immigration Levy of NZD 29.90 and the IVL of NZD 100 if applicable (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz).
Submit Biometrics (If Required)
Depending on your nationality, you may be required to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) at a designated collection centre. INZ will notify you if this is necessary.
Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes approximately 20 working days for online applications (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz). You can track the status of your application through your Immigration Online account. INZ may contact you for additional information during this period.
Receive Your Visa and Travel
Once approved, your visa will be linked to your passport electronically (eVisa). Print a copy for your records and present it when checking in for your flight to New Zealand. Upon arrival, ensure you have your offer of place, insurance documents, and evidence of funds readily accessible.
How Long Does Processing Take?
Processing times for the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa can vary based on several factors, including the time of year, the completeness of your application, and your nationality.
| Application Type | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Online application (complete, standard) | Approximately 20 working days |
| Paper application | May take longer than online |
| Applications requiring additional checks | May extend beyond standard timeframe |
(Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz)
Tips to Avoid Delays
- Apply early: Submit your application well in advance of your course start date, ideally at least 6–8 weeks before
- Submit complete documentation: Missing documents are the most common cause of delays
- Apply online: Online applications are generally processed faster than paper applications
- Respond promptly: If INZ requests additional information, respond as quickly as possible to avoid extended delays
- Check peak periods: Application volumes are typically higher in December–February (for Semester 1 starts) and June–July (for Semester 2 starts)
What Are Your Work Rights as an International Student?
One of the significant advantages of studying in New Zealand is the ability to work part-time during your studies, helping to offset living costs and gain valuable local experience.
| Period | Maximum Hours |
|---|---|
| During the academic semester | Up to 25 hours per week |
| During scheduled holidays and summer breaks | Full-time (unlimited hours) |
(Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz)
Important change: The weekly work limit during the academic semester was increased from 20 hours to 25 hours per week, effective 3 November 2025 (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz). This change provides students with greater financial flexibility while maintaining the expectation that study remains the primary purpose of the visa.
Conditions and Eligibility for Work Rights
Not all student visa holders automatically receive work rights. To be eligible to work during your studies, your visa conditions must specifically permit employment. The following conditions generally apply:
- Your course must be full-time and at least 14 weeks in duration
- Your course must be at an approved education provider
- For tertiary study, the programme should generally be at NZQF Level 7 or above for guaranteed work rights, though many programmes at lower levels also qualify
- You must not use employment as the primary means of supporting yourself — you must still meet the financial requirements at the time of application
Types of Employment
Students can engage in most types of employment, including casual, part-time, and contract work. Some students also complete internships or work placements that form part of their academic programme. If your course includes a mandatory work placement, this may be covered under additional work conditions on your visa.
What Health Insurance Do You Need?
Health insurance is not optional for international students in New Zealand — it is a mandatory requirement under both the visa conditions and the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz).
What Must Your Insurance Cover?
Your health insurance policy must provide adequate coverage for both medical and travel needs for the entire duration of your stay in New Zealand. At a minimum, your insurance should cover:
- Hospitalisation and surgical costs
- Outpatient medical treatment and consultations
- Prescription medications
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- Travel-related risks such as trip cancellation and lost luggage (as part of travel insurance)
How to Arrange Insurance
Many New Zealand education providers offer group insurance schemes specifically designed for international students. These are often competitively priced and meet all INZ requirements. Alternatively, you can purchase your own policy from an approved insurance provider, but you should confirm with your education provider that the policy meets the requirements of the Pastoral Care Code.
You will need to provide evidence of your insurance coverage as part of your visa application. Keep your insurance policy documents accessible throughout your stay, as you may need to present them when accessing healthcare services.
New Zealand’s Public Healthcare System
While New Zealand has an excellent public healthcare system, international students are generally not eligible for publicly funded healthcare except in certain emergency situations. The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) does cover injuries caused by accidents for all people in New Zealand, including visitors and students, but this does not extend to general illness or non-accident-related medical care. This is precisely why comprehensive health insurance is mandatory.
What Happens After Your Course? (Post-Study Work Visa)
Completing a qualification in New Zealand can open the door to gaining professional work experience in the country through the Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV). This visa allows graduates to work for any employer in New Zealand for a defined period after completing their studies.
| Qualification Level (NZQF) | Post-Study Work Visa Duration |
|---|---|
| Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree) or above (studied in Auckland) | Up to 1 year |
| Level 7 (Bachelor’s degree) or above (studied outside Auckland) | Up to 2 years |
| Level 8 (Postgraduate diploma/Honours) or above | Up to 3 years |
(Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz)
The Post-Study Work Visa provides an open work visa, meaning you are not tied to a specific employer or role. This flexibility allows graduates to explore career opportunities across New Zealand’s diverse economy.
Eligibility for the Post-Study Work Visa
- You must have completed an eligible qualification at an approved New Zealand education provider
- The qualification must be at NZQF Level 7 or above for full PSWV eligibility
- You must apply within 3 months of your final course end date (the date on your completion letter)
- You must hold a valid student visa at the time of application
Pathway to Residence
For many graduates, the Post-Study Work Visa serves as a stepping stone toward permanent residence in New Zealand. After gaining skilled employment, graduates may be eligible to apply for a Skilled Migrant Category resident visa or an Accredited Employer Work Visa, depending on their occupation and circumstances. New Zealand actively seeks skilled workers in fields such as healthcare, engineering, information technology, construction, and education.
Key Takeaways
- The Fee Paying Student Visa is the main visa for international students wishing to study full-time at approved New Zealand institutions. Apply online for a fee of NZD 375 rather than paying NZD 430 for a paper application (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz).
- You must demonstrate minimum living funds of NZD 20,000 per year for tertiary study or NZD 17,000 per year for school-age students, plus tuition fees and return airfare (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz).
- International students can work up to 25 hours per week during the semester (updated from 20 hours, effective 3 November 2025) and full-time during scheduled breaks (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz).
- Medical and travel insurance is mandatory for the entire duration of your stay — there are no exceptions (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz).
- Online applications are processed in approximately 20 working days. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your course start date to allow for any additional processing (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz).
- After graduation, the Post-Study Work Visa offers 1–3 years of open work rights, providing a pathway to skilled employment and potential permanent residence (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz).
- Prepare all documents thoroughly before applying: incomplete applications are the most common cause of delays and rejections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a New Zealand student visa cost?
The New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa costs NZD 375 when applied for online or NZD 430 for paper applications (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz). You should also budget for the Immigration Levy of NZD 29.90 and, for most nationalities, the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 100. Additional costs such as medical examinations, police clearance certificates, and health insurance vary depending on your country of origin and chosen insurance provider.
How many hours can international students work in New Zealand?
International students on a Fee Paying Student Visa can work up to 25 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time (unlimited hours) during scheduled holidays and summer breaks (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz). The 25-hour limit was introduced effective 3 November 2025, replacing the previous 20-hour weekly limit. Your visa conditions must specifically include work rights for this to apply.
How much money do I need in my bank account for a New Zealand student visa?
Tertiary students must demonstrate NZD 20,000 per year of study for living costs (or NZD 1,667 per month if the course is shorter than 12 months). School-age students must show NZD 17,000 per year (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz). These amounts are for living expenses only and are separate from tuition fees. You will also need to show funds for or evidence of a return ticket. Acceptable evidence includes bank statements (covering at least 3 months), scholarship letters, or sponsor documentation.
Can I stay in New Zealand after my studies?
Yes. Graduates who complete an eligible qualification at NZQF Level 7 or above can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, which provides open work rights for 1 to 3 years depending on the qualification level and whether the study was completed in Auckland or outside Auckland (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz). You must apply within 3 months of your course end date and hold a valid student visa at the time of application. The Post-Study Work Visa can serve as a stepping stone toward permanent residence through the Skilled Migrant Category.
Do I need health insurance for a New Zealand student visa?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory. All international students must hold appropriate medical and travel insurance for the entire duration of their stay in New Zealand (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz). This requirement is enforced under both the visa conditions and the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice. Many education providers offer group insurance schemes for international students, or you can purchase your own policy from an approved provider.
How long does it take to process a New Zealand student visa?
Online applications are typically processed in approximately 20 working days (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz). Paper-based applications and those requiring additional checks (such as medical or character assessments) may take longer. Processing times also vary by nationality and time of year, with peak periods around December–February and June–July. To avoid delays, ensure your application is complete, apply online, and submit well in advance of your course start date.
Can I bring my family on a New Zealand student visa?
Students enrolled in programmes at NZQF Level 7 (graduate or postgraduate level) or above may be eligible to bring their partner on a Partner of a Student Work Visa. The partner visa allows full-time work in New Zealand. Dependent children may also be able to attend New Zealand schools, potentially at domestic fee rates. Eligibility depends on the level and duration of your programme (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz). Students on shorter or lower-level courses generally cannot sponsor dependants.
What happens if my visa application is declined?
If your Fee Paying Student Visa application is declined, Immigration New Zealand will send you a letter explaining the reasons for the decision. Common reasons for decline include insufficient financial evidence, incomplete documentation, failure to meet health or character requirements, or concerns about genuine student intent. In most cases, you can re-apply with a stronger application that addresses the reasons for decline. You may also have the right to request a reconsideration or appeal, depending on the circumstances (Source: Immigration New Zealand, immigration.govt.nz).
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