{"id":65,"date":"2026-08-21T05:15:19","date_gmt":"2026-08-21T05:15:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kf.riobravotest05.co.nz\/?page_id=65"},"modified":"2026-08-21T05:58:37","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T05:58:37","slug":"new-zealand-student-visa-requirements-costs-how-to-apply-2026","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kf.riobravotest05.co.nz\/index.php\/nz-services\/new-zealand-student-visa-requirements-costs-how-to-apply-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"New Zealand Student Visa: Requirements, Costs &amp; How to Apply (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Quick Answer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To study in New Zealand, most international students need a <strong>Fee Paying Student Visa<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always verify at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.immigration.govt.nz\/visas\/fee-paying-student-visa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Official NZ Immigration<\/a> before applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Needs a NZ Student Visa?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Citizens of Australia and the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau have different rights &#8211; they do not need a student visa. Children of residents\/citizens may be covered by their parent&#8217;s visa. The Fee Paying Student Visa can be issued for up to 4 years maximum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">NZ Student Visa Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Requirement<\/th><th>Details<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Offer of place<\/td><td>Confirmed enrolment from an approved education provider (NZQA-registered or a university).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Funds<\/td><td>Enough money for tuition fees + at least NZD $20,000\/year for living costs + return airfare.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Health<\/td><td>Must be in good health. Chest X-ray and medical exam may be required for longer stays.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Character<\/td><td>Police certificates required if aged 17+ and total NZ stay will exceed 24 months.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Insurance<\/td><td>Full medical and travel insurance is mandatory for entire stay.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Genuine student<\/td><td>Must show genuine intention to study with valid course and schedule details.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Passing courses<\/td><td>Must show you are meeting attendance and passing requirements.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cost of Studying in New Zealand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tuition fees vary by institution and course level. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiwifern.com\/p\/cost_of_living_new_zealand\">Cost of living<\/a> may vary by city &#8211; Auckland is 20-30% more expensive than smaller cities. INZ requires showing at least NZD $20,000\/year for living costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Student visa fee starts from NZD $375 (online, applied from NZ).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Type of Study<\/th><th>Tuition (NZD\/year)<\/th><th>Living Costs (NZD\/year)<\/th><th>Total Estimate<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>English language programme<\/td><td>$5,000-$15,000<\/td><td>$20,000-$25,000<\/td><td>$25,000-$40,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Undergraduate degree<\/td><td>$22,000-$35,000<\/td><td>$20,000-$27,000<\/td><td>$42,000-$62,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Postgraduate degree<\/td><td>$26,000-$45,000<\/td><td>$20,000-$27,000<\/td><td>$46,000-$72,000<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I Work on a NZ Student Visa?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Students may work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during holidays &#8211; depending on visa conditions. Work rights are not automatic and are specified on eVisa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NZ minimum wage: NZD $23.15\/hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important:<\/strong> Check your visa conditions carefully before starting any work. See <a href=\"https:\/\/www.immigration.govt.nz\/visas\/fee-paying-student-visa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">immigration.govt.nz<\/a> for full details.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">NZ Student Visa Application Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1 Receive an offer of place from an approved NZ education provider<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 Confirm funding for fees + living costs + airfare<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3 Arrange full medical and travel insurance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4 Gather passport, offer letter, proof of funds, insurance certificate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>5 Complete health checks if required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>6 Get police certificates if age 17+ with long NZ stay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>7 Apply online via Immigration Online and pay fee<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Application Fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Fee Type<\/th><th>Amount<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Online application (from within NZ)<\/td><td>From NZD $375<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Online application (from outside NZ)<\/td><td>Varies by country<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Paper application<\/td><td>Higher than online<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Processing Times<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Processing times differ by completeness, season, and origin country. INZ recommends checking their online tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Incomplete applications take longer. If your visa expires while waiting, INZ typically issues an Interim Visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.immigration.govt.nz\/process-to-apply\/waiting-for-a-visa\/processing-a-visa-application\/how-long-it-takes-to-process-an-application\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Check current processing times<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pathway from Student to Work Visa to Residency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kiwifern partners with NZ institutions like Yoobee, Whitireia WelTec, and Victoria University to guide full pathways from study to residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiwifern.com\/p\/work-visa\">Read our NZ Work Visa guide<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.immigration.govt.nz\/work\/requirements-for-work-visas\/green-list-occupations-qualifications-and-skills\/green-list-roles-jobs-we-need-people-for-in-new-zealand\/\">Check if your occupation is on the NZ Green List<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does a NZ student visa cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starts from NZD $375 when applied online from within NZ. Fees vary by country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does processing take?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depends on application completeness and origin country. No fixed timeframe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I work while studying?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may work up to 20 hours\/week during term, full-time on holidays, if your visa allows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much money must be shown?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Show enough for tuition fees + NZD $20,000\/year living cost + airfare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can family come with me?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your partner or children may be eligible depending on your course level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens after studying?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apply for Post-Study Work Visa, then AEWV, then residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I need English proficiency?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Requirements set by institution; may include IELTS or internal tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is NZ education internationally recognised?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. NZQA and universities rank globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is an approved education provider?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NZQA-registered institution or university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I need medical insurance?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Full coverage is mandatory for the visa duration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/download\/storage\/v1\/b\/fuzen_files\/o\/new_files%2F1775565784_Gemini_Generated_Image_dqtdepdqtdepdqtd.png?&amp;alt=media\" alt=\"Planning to study in New Zealand background\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Planning to study in New Zealand?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiwifern.com\/p\/contact-us\">Talk to Our Team<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Quick Answer To study in New Zealand, most international students need a Fee Paying Student Visa. Key requirements: offer of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":15,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-65","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kf.riobravotest05.co.nz\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/65","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kf.riobravotest05.co.nz\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kf.riobravotest05.co.nz\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kf.riobravotest05.co.nz\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kf.riobravotest05.co.nz\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=65"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kf.riobravotest05.co.nz\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/65\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67,"href":"https:\/\/kf.riobravotest05.co.nz\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/65\/revisions\/67"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kf.riobravotest05.co.nz\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kf.riobravotest05.co.nz\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=65"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}