New Zealand Study Visa
A New Zealand study visa is granted to international students who intend to study full-time at an educational institution registered in New Zealand. Such a visa is given to people who plan to enrol in academic or vocational courses that will last more than three months.
This visa's benefits include permission to stay in the country for the length of the study program and certain fringe benefits, such as the right to work part-time.
Features of New Zealand student permit
The following information explains the features of the New Zealand student permit.
1. Study at a registered institution
This visa allows you to attend courses provided by registered New Zealand schools, universities, polytechnics, or other education providers.
2. Work while studying
You can work up to 20 hours per week as a part-time employee while on a student visa during the academic year, and full-time employment is permitted during breaks and holidays.
3. Path to post-study work visa in New Zealand
Upon completing your course, you can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, enabling you to seek employment in New Zealand and further build work experience related to your course's study.
4. Duration
Usually, a student visa is valid for the duration of the academic program. You must renew the visa yearly if your program is longer than a year.
Types of student visa in New Zealand
The following information explains the types of student visas in New Zealand.
Visa Type | Description |
Fee-Paying student visa | Study full-time for up to 4 years. Allows part-time work during your studies. |
Exchange student visa | Study full-time for up to 4 years through an approved student exchange program. |
Foreign government supported visa | Study full-time for up to 4 years with financial support from a foreign government loan or scholarship. |
Pathway student visa | You can study for up to five years in three consecutive courses with a single visa. Studying while working part-time is possible. |
Post-study work visa | Apply after completing your course—work in New Zealand for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on qualification level. |
New Zealand student visa requirements
The eligibility requirements for UG and PG degrees in New Zealand are.
Degree Level | Eligibility Requirements |
UG degree | - Completion of 12 years of education (elementary and secondary school) - Minimum 60% EnglishEnglish proficiency in upper elementary schooling - Most institutions accept an overall percentage of 75% - Specific subject requirements for Technology and Science degrees in Class 12 - Qualify for EnglishEnglish language tests with minimum scores: IELTS: 5.5, PTE: 50, TOEFL: 80 |
PG degree | - Bachelor’s degree required - Minimum Englishdocument language scores (IELTS: 5.5, PTE: 50, TOEFL: 80) - MBA or IT-related programming courses require relevant job experience |
New Zealand student visa document requirements
The following information explains the document requirements for the New Zealand student visa.
Category | Documents Required |
Core requirements | - Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) certificate - Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement - Results of English proficiency exams (such as the TOEFL, PTE, and IELTS) |
- Proof of visa fee payment - Health coverage (OSHC or Overseas Student Health Coverage) - Verification of criminal records | |
- Financial proof showing up to AUD 18,610 per year | |
Financial requirements | - Valid passport - An offer letter from a university in New Zealand - Proof of sufficient funds - Proof of tuition fee payment |
- Financial status proof - Scholarship letter (if applicable) - Medical insurance - Medical certificate - Police verification - Fee receipts | |
Other documents | - Academic results: Class 10th & 12th mark sheets - Bachelor’s degree & mark sheets - Graduation or provisional certificate - Diploma certificates |
- Language scores (IELTS, PTE) - GRE/GMAT results (if applicable) - Statement of Purpose (SOP) - Proof of co-curricular activities | |
- Work-related documents (if applicable): - Work experience & appointment letters - Letter of recommendation - Resume - Internship proof |
New Zealand student visa process step by step
The following information explains the New Zealand visa process step by step.
Step 1: Gathering required documents
The documentation part is critical to applying for a New Zealand student visa. Gather all the necessary documents to start your student visa application. Get expert advice to collect your valid documents.
Step 2: Submission of application
You can start your process by applying online. However, you must submit a physical copy of your passport and application form to the New Zealand Embassy.
Step 3: Wait for visa approval
As soon as applications are received, they are evaluated. During this procedure, you may be required to give additional information as proof to support your visa.
Step 4: Arriving in New Zealand
After the visa is confirmed, you can visit the country to study and live.
Cost of New Zealand study programs
To process your New Zealand student visa from India, you must pay an application fee of NZD 330. This fee comprises application processing, an immigration levy, foreign visitor conservation, and a tourist levy.
Study Program | Average Tuition Fees in AUD$ |
Undergraduate Bachelor Degree | $15,000 – $35,000 yearly |
Postgraduate Master’s Degree | $20,000 – $40,000 yearly |
Doctoral Degree | $14,000 – $37,000 yearly |
New Zealand student visa processing time
The New Zealand student visa processing time can take up to 20 days, though the length of processing may vary depending on the country and the Embassy. New Zealand Embassy charges anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks, whereas the maximum time they take is three months.
New Zealand student visa fee
The following information explains the New Zealand student visa fee.
Type of Visa | Application Fee (in NZD) |
Fee-paying student visa | 330 - 600 |
Foreign government-supported student visa | 330 - 600 |
Exchange student visa | 330 - 600 |
government-supported | 330 - 600 |
Top Universities in New Zealand in 2025
If you want to study in New Zealand, you must look at the top universities in New Zealand in 2025
World University Rank 2025 | New Zealand Rank 2025 | University | City |
147 | 1 | University of Auckland | Auckland |
201–250 | 2 | University of Otago | Otago |
251–300 | 3 | Auckland University of Technology | Auckland |
401–500 | 4 | University of Canterbury | Christchurch |
501–600 | 5 | Victoria University of Wellington | Wellington |
501–600 | 5 | University of Waikato | Hamilton |
601–800 | 7 | Lincoln University | Canterbury |
601–800 | 7 | Massey University | Palmerston North |
How can Province Immigration help you with a New Zealand visa?
Province Immigration is delighted to have assisted thousands of would-be students and working professionals in realising their dreams of pursuing studies or settling in New Zealand. We have also assisted many candidates and their families in their journey to this vibrant country. Our team of experts is highly skilled at analysing individual cases and providing bespoke solutions that ensure success. What makes us stand apart as the Best Immigration Consultants for New Zealand:
Profile evaluation
We check your profile history with the visa eligibility criteria and advise you on which visas you must apply for.
Obtaining documents
Assist you in gathering the paperwork required to apply for a visa.
Professional direction
We are always here to help you, whether with interview preparation, French/English classes, working samples for resumes and cover letters, or help with application forms, medical clearance certificates, or police clearance certificates.
Dedicated case officer
We provide individualised support throughout the process and serve as the company’s primary point of contact.
Post-landing services
After getting your visa, we assist you in settling down in the nation. These services are specially tailored to meet your needs. With Province Immigration, you can anticipate a one-stop solution for your visa needs, including profile evaluation, documentation, application preparation, and post-visa services.
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