New Zealand Study Visa 2026: Requirements, Cost, Process & Timeline for Indian Students

You’re excited about studying in New Zealand, but the maze of requirements for your New Zealand Student Visa, changing costs, and timing for the 2026 intake can feel like a full-time job. Which documents go first? How much should you budget beyond tuition? When should you book medicals and biometrics so nothing slips?

This guide lays out a clean, step-by-step path from eligibility and funds to fees, forms, and when to do each task. You’ll see what to prepare, how much to plan for, and the exact order to follow so your application moves without last-minute panic. Read on to replace guesswork with a clear checklist and a realistic timeline you can stick to. s

Below are the main visa types you’ll come across when planning to study in NZ:

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The Fee Paying Student Visa is the standard visa for international students who plan to study in NZ for more than three months. You must have an offer of a place from a recognised NZ education provider before you apply.

Here’s what you must show:

• Proof that you can pay tuition (or a scholarship).
• Approved medical and travel insurance for the length of your stay.
• Valid passport and other ID documents.

The Pathway Student Visa lets you study up to three approved programmes, one after the other, on a single visa. For example, English → foundation → degree. This visa can last up to five years in some cases and reduces repeated visa applications. 

Key Points:

• You must have a Pathway Offer of Place from an approved Pathway Education Provider. 
• Work rights are similar to the standard student visa (part-time during study; full-time in breaks), depending on the course. 

Exchange Student Visas are for students coming to NZ on a formal exchange or study-abroad programme arranged between institutions. These are usually short-term and tied to the home institution’s exchange agreement. 

Key Points:

• Costs are typically lower because you may still be paying fees at your home university.
• You’ll need to show confirmation of enrolment from both institutions. 

If your short course is less than three months, you may not need a student visa at all; often, a Visitor visa suffices. Working Holiday visas allow short-term work and study (usually up to six months), but have age and country eligibility rules.

Wondering about the eligibility for a New Zealand student visa? Here’s what you must have ready before you apply:

Most student visa decisions start with your course offer. That offer must be from an NZ-approved institution or a Pathway Education Provider (for pathway visas). Your institution will list any academic entry criteria (marks, prior degrees, specific prerequisites). Meet those for admission, as the visa application depends on a genuine offer.

There isn’t a fixed IELTS requirement for New Zealand study visa for all students. Instead, the education provider decides the English requirement for admission. That IELTS score then often becomes part of your visa evidence. 

• University requirements for IELTS Academic are around 6.0-6.5 for most UG/PG programmes. Some diploma or pathway courses accept 5.5-6.0. 
• If your previous qualification was taught in English, many providers accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter instead of a test. 

NZ cares about public health and safety. Here’s what that typically involves:

• Immigration may ask for a chest X-ray or a full medical exam, depending on the length of stay and your circumstances.
• You may need a police certificate (criminal record check) if asked. 
• Approved medical and travel insurance is mandatory for fee-paying students for the full duration of your visa.

Applying for a New Zealand student visa is mostly digital now. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Accept an offer of place: You must have an offer of place (confirmation of enrolment) from an approved NZ education provider before you apply.
2. Create a RealMe + Immigration Online account: Set up a RealMe login, then use Immigration Online to begin your student visa application.
3. Gather core documents: Typical documents include passport, offer of place, tuition fee receipts or scholarship letter, evidence of sufficient funds, medical/insurance certificates, police clearance (if asked), and passport-sized photo. 
4. Pay the application fee and upload documents: Pay through Immigration Online and keep the receipts. If INZ needs your passport physically, they’ll tell you how to submit it.
5. Wait for decision: Processing times vary by nationality, time of year, and case complexity. If approved, INZ will either return your passport with a visa label or issue an eVisa.

After you apply, you may be asked to submit biometrics (fingerprints + photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VFS in India) or another authorised location, as part of identity checks. Some applicants may also be called for an interview. However, they are not routine. 

INZ may call you if they need to verify facts about your study plan, finances, or identity. Treat it like a short, formal conversation: be honest, calm, and concise. Here are a few common interview questions you should prepare for:

• Why did you choose this course and institution?
• How will you fund your study and living costs?
• What are your post-study plans?

New Zealand student visa processing times are variable. INZ publishes wait-time figures and updates them. Apply at least three months before your intended travel date. INZ explicitly recommends this window because student visa applications peak at certain times of year. Don’t apply too early either; some documents (like police certificates) can expire.

When you apply for student visa New Zealand, INZ will want clear proof that you can pay tuition, living costs, and a return ticket. Here’s everything you need to know:

The official minimum is NZD 20,000 per year for living costs if your study is one year or more. If your course is shorter than one year, the requirement is NZD 1,667 per month. At an exchange rate of ≈ ₹51 = 1 NZD, this means:

• NZD 20,000 ≈ ₹10,20,026 
• NZD 1,667 ≈ ₹85,019

Disclaimer: Exchange rates vary daily. The INR values provided are approximate (as per 2025 rates) and should be checked against the latest rates when planning your finances.

• Bank statements (student or sponsor): Recent 3–6 months, showing balances and transaction history. 
• Loan sanction letter from a bank (with loan amount, tenure and disbursement terms). 
• Proof of paid tuition fees (receipts) or scholarship award letters covering fees.
• Sponsor letter (parent/relative) + proof of relationship + sponsor’s bank statements and income evidence (salary slips, ITR).

The Funds Transfer Scheme is an INZ-approved route that lets eligible students (including many from India) transfer living-cost funds to NZ and hold them in an ANZ FTS account. It’s run in partnership with ANZ Bank New Zealand. FTS can be used as evidence that you meet the minimum funds requirement. 

Here’s how it works:

• You receive an Approval-in-Principle (AIP) or are instructed by INZ.
• You open an FTS ANZ savings account (ANZ or approved local partner helps with onboarding).
• You deposit the required amount for living costs (typically for the first 12 months).
• The account is set so you can withdraw a fixed monthly amount (e.g. NZD 1,250/month in some arrangements) while in NZ. If your visa is refused, INZ can instruct the bank to refund the funds (with interest) to your original account.

Thinking about numbers first is smart. Below is a breakdown of the student visa New Zealand cost you’ll face:

You must pay a visa application fee and the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZ$100 (normally charged with visa applications). Exact visa fees vary by where and how you apply, and by visa type.

Here’s what life looks like on a New Zealand student visa:

One of the biggest questions students ask: “Can I work while studying in NZ?” The answer is yes, subject to conditions.

Current rules (until 3 November 2025):

• If you’re enrolled full-time in a tertiary (university/polytech) course, you may work up to 20 hours per week during semesters.
• During scheduled breaks (summer, mid-semester breaks), you can work full-time (no cap) if your visa allows.
• If your course is a master’s by research or a PhD, you can work unlimited hours.
• You cannot self-employ. You must work for an employer under a valid employment agreement.

Upcoming changes (effective 3 November 2025):

• New student visas will allow up to 25 hours of work per week.
• If your current visa limits you to 20 hours, you’ll need to apply for a variation or new visa to access the extra 5 hours.
• Also, under the new rule, students in approved exchange or study-abroad programmes (even for one semester) become eligible for work rights.

On a student visa, changing your academic path comes with conditions. Here’s what you should know:

What is allowed currently (pre-Nov 2025):

• You can apply to change your visa conditions (a “variation of conditions”) to switch course, change provider, or even location.
• If your visa does not permit study at the new course or provider under the rules, your variation request may be rejected, and you might need a fresh visa.

From 3 November 2025 onwards:

• If you change your provider or lower your level of study, you’ll need to apply for a new student visa (variation won’t suffice).

Finishing a NZ degree opens practical next steps. Here’s a closer look:

The Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) gives you breathing space to hunt for relevant paid work in NZ after you graduate. Here’s how it works:

• The visa length depends on the level of qualification you completed. Many graduates get up to three years.
• If your qualification is lower than a degree, the job you take may need to be related to what you studied. Higher-level degrees usually let you work in almost any role.

Clear, testable rules determine eligibility. Here are the key points:

• To be eligible for the typical PSWV, you usually need a level-7 degree (bachelor's) or higher.
• For many level-7+ qualifications, you must have studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in NZ. Shorter or distance programs often do not qualify.

Here’s how the usual route towards New Zealand Permanent Residency after study looks:

• Step 1: Study and graduate in NZ. Get a PSWV to stay and work.
• Step 2: Find skilled work and build local experience. Skilled jobs and wages strengthen residency applications.
• Step 3: Apply for residence when you meet the criteria. Common routes include the Skilled Migrant Category (points-based) or employer-assisted residence visas.

Studying in NZ in 2025 is more than an academic decision; it’s a step towards global exposure and employability. With a transparent visa process, strong post-study work options, and clear residency pathways, NZ offers a stable environment to learn and grow. 

For Indian students, it combines world-class education with a welcoming community. If you’re planning your next move, take time to understand your New Zealand student visa requirements, financial planning, and career goals early. 

And if you ever feel unsure, expert guidance can make all the difference. Explore Leap Scholar’s free counselling to plan your NZ study journey confidently.