Impress Educational Consultant

Student Visa Requirements In New Zealand

The New Zealand Government provides an opportunity to all Indian students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first. The visa you need will depend on the type of study you want to pursue, and how long you intend to stay in New Zealand. 

If you are over 18 years and plan to study in New Zealand for more than six months, here’s an overview of the types of student visa available for you:

Studying in New Zealand will provide you with an opportunity to be a part of a friendly global student community with excellent education and secure an internationally recognized degree.

Here are the Student visa New Zealand requirements you need to meet to secure the student visa.

  • Acceptance into a New Zealand education institution
  • Financial requirements
  • Health check-up documents
  • English proficiency scores
  • Character & Conduct requirements

Types of New Zealand student visa

Pathway Student Visa:   

With this student visa for New Zealand, you can Study up to 3 courses, one after the other, on a single student visa.

  • Work part-time up to 20 hours/week while studying.
  • Work full-time in the holidays, depending on your program.

Exchange Student Visa: 

With this type of student visa for New Zealand, you can Study full-time as an exchange student from one school to another. 

  • Work part-time up to 20 hours/week while studying.
  • Work full-time in the holidays, depending on your age and program.

Fee-Paying Student Visa:  

With this type of student visa for New Zealand, you can study full-time at the course stated on your visa.

  • Work part-time up to 20 hours/week while studying.
  • Work full-time in the holidays, depending on your visa conditions.

Documentation required for New Zealand’s Fee Paying student visa

To apply for a visa to New Zealand, you will generally need:

  • Your passport, which must be valid for at least three months after your period of stay in New Zealand
  • A letter of acceptance from a New Zealand education provider, states the minimum course duration, total tuition fee, and whether the tuition fee is in domestic and foreign currency. The course must be approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority
  • An offer of place from an educational institution approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority
  • A written guarantee from an institution or person that suitable accommodation is available to you in New Zealand (if you’re under 18 years)
  • A return air ticket to your country, or evidence of sufficient funds to buy one 

You may also have to show evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses throughout the period of your stay. You will need to show you have NZ$ 15,000 for a full year of study or NZ$1,250 per month*. This may include:

    • A scholarship program 
    • Bank statements
    • Financial undertaking by a sponsor to cover accommodation and living costs
    • Evidence that you are leaving New Zealand after the completion of your course. This can be in the form of flight tickets, however, it is optional 
    • A police certificate if you are aged 17 years or over and plan to study for more than 24 months. A police certificate is a document which is used as evidence of good character
    • An X-ray certificate – you will need to have a chest x-ray if you are staying in New Zealand for more than six months, or if you’re a citizen of a country with a relatively high incidence of tuberculosis, or if you’ve spent more than three months in the last five years in a country with a relatively high incidence of tuberculosis
    • Full medical examination  

Visa fee

As an applicant from India, your immigration cost and receiving centre fee will depend on the kind of submission you make – online or paper. 

Type of submission

Application cost

Receiving centre fee

Online

NZD 530 (approx. INR 23,330)

INR 722

Paper

INR 24,500

INR 1,087

English language requirements

To gain your New Zealand student visa, you’ll have to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. This usually means passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognised by more than 10,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.

The minimum IELTS score required for your New Zealand student visa is 5.5 band in each module