Study in New Zealand Student Visa 2026

This spoke covers the New Zealand student visa path. For the full country guide, see Study in New Zealand.

How Do I Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa?

The Fee Paying Student Visa process runs through these stages:

1. Receive your Offer of Place from an NZQA approved education provider, confirming course name, duration, start date, and annual tuition
2. Pay or arrange your tuition fees. You must show you've paid for one year or one course, whichever is shorter, or use the Approval in Principle option if applying from outside New Zealand
3. Gather your proof of funds - NZD 20,000 a year in living costs, on top of tuition and return travel
4. Purchase approved health and travel insurance covering your full visa period
5. Complete a medical exam and chest X-ray if your course runs longer than 12 months, plus a police clearance certificate
6. Apply online through the Immigration New Zealand portal and await your decision

How Long Does the New Zealand Student Visa Process Take?

Processing times vary by provider type. Applications for universities and Private Training Establishments average around 5 weeks, with 80% of applications completed within 7.5 to 8 weeks. Given peak season volumes between October and March, it's advisable to apply at least 3 months before your course starts.

What Are the Financial Requirements for a New Zealand Student Visa?

New Zealand sets a fixed annual living cost threshold, applied consistently regardless of city:

• Living costs: NZD 20,000 per year for tertiary level study, or NZD 1,667 per month for courses under one year
• Tuition fees: proof of payment for at least one year or one course, whichever is shorter

Acceptable evidence: bank statements showing funds held for at least 3 months, an education loan sanction letter, sponsor documentation with a signed Financial Undertaking form, or scholarship confirmation.

Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS): available for students from China, India, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, allowing living cost funds to be transferred securely through an approved bank and released in monthly instalments after arrival.

Note that projected part time work income cannot be used to meet this NZD 20,000 requirement. Immigration New Zealand also scrutinises the source and history of funds closely, and sudden, unexplained deposits are a common trigger for delays or refusal.

What Is the Post Study Work Visa?

After graduating, eligible students can apply for the Post Study Work Visa, an open work permit allowing you to work for any employer, in any role, anywhere in New Zealand, with no sponsorship required. Duration depends on your qualification:

• Degree level 7 or higher (Bachelor's, Postgraduate Diploma, Master's, or Doctoral), studied full time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand: up to 3 years
• Non degree qualifications on the approved list (levels 4 to 7): visa length generally matches your study duration, up to the maximum allowed

A few important updates for 2026:

• You can only be granted one Post Study Work Visa in your lifetime, so timing matters if you're completing multiple qualifications
• From 16 November 2026, eligibility extends to graduates who complete a Level 7 Graduate Diploma in New Zealand and already hold a bachelor's degree from anywhere in the world, with the visa duration matching study time up to a maximum of one year
• A brand new Short term Graduate Work Visa also launches on 16 November 2026, offering 6 months of open work rights to graduates who don't qualify for the full Post Study Work Visa, giving them time to find work or transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa
• From August 2026, updated Skilled Migrant Category rules reduce the required skilled work experience for residency from three years to two for most graduates, meaning a 3 year Post Study Work Visa now comfortably covers the full pathway to residency eligibility