New Zealand Student Visa 2025: Fee, Requirements, How to Apply

According to a report published by New Zealand Immigration, they have received more than 100,000 visa applications in the last 10 years. Among the international student population, 38% are Indian students. But why do Indian students choose New Zealand for higher education? 

For its rigorous educational system that combines theory with practical learning experiences? For strong industry connections and a diverse cultural environment? Or because a student visa to New Zealand gets processed in merely 8-10 weeks?

This blog provides complete information about student visa eligibility requirements, application procedures, and status-tracking processes.

There are 5 types of New Zealand student visas for students who want to study in New Zealand for more than six months after turning 18. These include the Fee-Paying Student Visa, Pathway Student Visa, Exchange Student Visa, Foreign Government Supported Student Visa, Dependent Child Student Visa, and MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Student Visa. The selection of the appropriate visa for your academic path will determine the success of your study experience in New Zealand. 

Here is a quick overview of all the different types of visas. 

The student visa costs in New Zealand for Indian students are NZD 850 (INR 46,450) after the government implemented the fee increase from NZD 375 (INR 19,400) in October 2024, as part of its immigration system reform efforts. 

You can apply for the New Zealand student visa in 2 ways:

Online Application

• Base Visa Fee: NZD 750 (INR 38,190)
• From New Delhi (including the “receiving center fees”): NZD 850 (INR 42,857)
• This includes the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 100 (INR 5185).

Offline Application

• Paper-based Visa Application Fee: Approx. NZD 463 (INR 24,000)
• Additional IVL Fee: NZD 100 (INR 5185)  (included in the total amount)

The cost to obtain a New Zealand student visa depends on your home country and application submission. The fee structure is divided into three bands known as Band A, Band B, and Band C, regardless of your application method, which includes online submission or hard copy submission, or education provider use. 

The following section provides a detailed breakdown of immigration and visa application fees for each category.

A New Zealand student visa for an Indian student takes around 8-10 weeks to process (ideally between 30 and 90 days). This also depends on the number of applications received during that time. The Immigration New Zealand data shows student visa applications processed in 12 calendar days during January to March 2025, a substantial decrease from the 24-day processing time recorded in 2024. The current processing duration for student visas amounts to approximately ten days.

You should submit the complete applications before the course start date, particularly during February and July intakes, to ensure timely processing. The processing duration depends on the educational institution type and the level of detail in your application. 

The following bullets explain the amount of time it takes for various educational institutions’ visa processing time in New Zealand:

Universities

The processing time for university applications takes an average of two weeks to complete, while most applications finish within four weeks.

Private Training Establishments (PTEs)

These take an average of two weeks to process applications, which usually need five weeks for completion.

Te Pūkenga (New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology): 

They handle most applications within 6.5 weeks, but the average processing time reaches 2.5 weeks.

Schools 

Schools process most applications within 2.5 weeks, while the average processing time reaches 1.5 weeks.

To obtain a student visa for New Zealand, you need to submit essential documents that verify your identity and university enrollment and financial capability, and English language proficiency. The immigration authorities need these documents to assess your eligibility and confirm your readiness for studying abroad in New Zealand. Your application process will become more efficient and faster when you have all the necessary documents ready.

Here’s what you need:

• Passport: A valid passport, including clear photocopies of the identity pages.
• Photograph: Recent passport-sized photographs that meet the specified criteria.
• Acceptance letter: An official offer letter or admission confirmation from a recognized New Zealand education provider registered with the Ministry of Education or NZQA.
• English Proficiency Proof: Proof of English language proficiency through accepted tests such as IELTS.
• Identification documents: Identification documents such as your Aadhar card or PAN card (for Indian applicants).

Academic Documents

In order to prove your academic preparedness and fulfill the requirements for a student visa in New Zealand, you must:

• Official certificates of your previous qualifications
• Detailed academic transcripts showing your course results
• Proof of any relevant work experience, if applicable to your study program

Financial Documents

To get a student visa, you must demonstrate your financial stability. You must demonstrate your ability to pay for living expenses, tuition, and other costs while you are there. Among the acceptable financial documents are:

• Bank statements showing sufficient funds (NZD 20,000 (INR 10.4 Lakhs) per year or NZD 1,250 per month (INR 64,815))
• Scholarship award letters, if applicable
• A financial sponsorship or undertaking letter from a guarantor
• Proof of income and source of funds

You need to demonstrate your English language proficiency to receive a New Zealand student visa. IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are the most widely accepted assessments. The language requirement for a New Zealand student visa requires applicants to achieve at least 5.5 in each IELTS, 80+ in TOEFL, and 58+ in PTE.

New Zealand offers a streamlined student visa process for Indian students, but it requires careful documentation and financial proof. You can submit your Aadhaar or PAN cards as identification, and financial transparency, like verified bank statements or loan documents. To ensure faster approval and avoid rejections, submit complete and accurate paperwork, including medical and police certificates if required.

Here are the steps you need to follow when applying for a New Zealand student visa:

• Stage 1: Receive an offer letter from a recognised university in New Zealand
• Stage 2: Apply for a New Zealand student visa by filling out the INZ 1012 form. 
• Stage 3: Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to pay your tuition fees and cover living expenses.
• Stage 4: Pay the visa fee and submit your application online.

If you’re applying for a New Zealand student visa from India, you need a university acceptance letter, apply for the visa online on the Immigration New Zealand website, and pay the application fee. You might also need a police clearance certificate. 

Follow the instructions below to apply for a NZ student visa from India:

• Step 1: You can start the application by clicking on ‘apply online’ on Immigration New Zealand’s Fee Paying Student Visa webpage. Create a RealMe account, and that will allow you to apply for the Fee Paying Student Visa.
• Step 2: Upload all the documents like proof of funds, academic transcripts, offer letter from the university, scholarship documents (if available), and other documents required in PDF format (make sure they meet the size requirements)
• Step 3: Pay the application fee, which is NZD 785 (INR 40,121),  using either a MasterCard, Visa, or UnionPay debit/ credit card. Submit your application. 

Once successfully submitted, Immigration New Zealand will notify you via email when your eVisa is ready for you to enter New Zealand. 

Note: The average time to process a New Zealand visa is approximately 30 to 90 days, depending on the individual’s background. So the students need to apply for their visas at least three months before the commencement of their respective courses.

To apply for a NZ student visa, you need to visit one of the official New Zealand visa application centers or diplomatic missions located throughout India if you would rather apply for your New Zealand student visa in person. The main phone numbers for the appropriate offices are listed below:

Immigration New Zealand (INZ), New Delhi Centre

• Telephone: +91 11 4259 6300
• Fax: +91 11 4761 2990
• Email: nzisnewdelhi@dol.govt.nz

New Zealand High Commission, New Delhi

• Address: Sir Edmund Hillary Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
• Telephone: +91 11 4688 3170
• Fax: +91 11 4688 3165
• Email: nzhc@airtelmail.in

New Zealand Consulate General, Mumbai

• Address: Level 2, 3rd North Avenue, Maker Maxity, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400051
• Telephone: +91 11 4259 6300
• Fax: +91 22 6770 9003
• Email: inzmumbai@ttsvisas.com

The online student visa application process for New Zealand follows a straightforward method which ensures proper submission of your information and documents. The following step-by-step guide will help you achieve approval through the online application process:

• Step 1: Begin by accessing Immigration Online through your RealMe account using your login credentials.
• Step 2: Select the Fee Paying Student Visa option because you plan to study full-time at a New Zealand educational institution.
• Step 3: Enter precise details during the completion of the online application form.
• Step 4: Prepare all necessary documents before uploading them to the system, which includes:

• • An offer letter from an educational institution in New Zealand
  • Evidence of payment for tuition
  • The required proof of sufficient funding includes bank statements and scholarship letters.
  • Results of tests of English language proficiency (such as the IELTS)
  • A copy of a valid passport
  • Photographs meeting specified requirements
• Step 5: Pay the fees online
• Step 6: Review all information before submitting your application through the electronic submission process.

The duration of your study period in New Zealand determines how long your spouse and dependent children can enter the country on a visitor visa. Remember that their stay also depends on the duration of your visa. If your spouse has a work visa, they can work full-time in New Zealand. However, if your spouse is a dependent, they cannot work there. 

Your spouse can work/ study in NZ along with you, if they have:

• A level 7 or higher qualification under the New Zealand Qualifications Framework in fields listed under the Long Term Skill Shortage List (IT, Healthcare, or the Service industry), or
• If they want to pursue a postgraduate degree.

After paying your New Zealand student visa fee, you can schedule a visa interview at the New Zealand Embassy or Consulate. The visa interview represents the final step of the application process. The Consular Officer will conduct your visa interview. The evaluation process aims to determine your eligibility status while confirming your student visa qualification. Your responses, together with your supporting documents, play a major role in determining this decision.

Sample New Zealand Student Visa Interview Questions

The visa officer conducts interviews with student visa applicants to New Zealand to assess their educational goals and overseas study preparedness. The visa officer will ask you about your educational background and your reasons for choosing New Zealand as your study destination and your financial status, and your plans. 

You can successfully navigate the New Zealand visa application interview process by preparing answers to common questions, such as:

1. Where did you complete your undergraduate studies in India?
2. Why did you choose to study in New Zealand?
3. What benefits or advantages does your chosen university/college in New Zealand offer? How will this help your career goals?
4. Do you have any relatives or friends living in New Zealand? If yes, what is your relationship with them?
5. Have you ever visited New Zealand before? If yes, please explain the purpose and duration of your visit.
6. Why did you select this particular college or university?
7. Have you applied to any other colleges or universities? If yes, why?
8. Where do you currently live in India?
9. If your visa is approved, where will you stay in New Zealand?
10. Can you tell me more about the course you will be studying?
11. Who will be funding your education and travel expenses?
12. Are you planning to work while studying in New Zealand?
13. What does your father or mother do for a living? Could you provide details about their income?

The application process for a New Zealand student visa is smooth. Your application approval chances increase when you understand the necessary documents and financial evidence, health examination requirements, and application deadlines. 

• Offer Letter: Obtain an offer letter from a New Zealand-approved education provider.
• Sufficient Funds: Ensure you have enough funds to cover tuition fees and living costs for the duration of your stay.
• Insurance: Secure medical and travel insurance for the entire period of your stay in New Zealand.
• Return Ticket or Funds: Provide proof of a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one.
• Health and Character Requirements: Meet health and character standards, which may include submitting a police certificate.
• Required Documents: Collect and submit all required documents, including your passport, photos, and necessary translations.
• Visa Application Fee: Pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on your location and application type.
• Application Timing: Apply at least 8 weeks before your planned travel date to allow enough time for processing.

There are many reasons why your New Zealand student visa application can be rejected, like inadequate documentation, insufficient funds, and low academic performance. Make sure your application is comprehensive and well-prepared, like having enough financial evidence, correct documentation, and a good academic record. 

The following are some typical explanations for denials of student visa applications:

Insufficient Financial Evidence

The visa application requires proof that candidates possess sufficient funds to cover their living costs, together with tuition fees. The lack of valid financial documentation will result in visa denial.

Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation

The main reason for rejection occurs when applicants provide erroneous or incomplete documents. All required documentation needs to be accurate and thorough.

Poor Academic Background

Your application may be rejected because your poor academic performance makes it difficult for others to believe you will succeed in your selected course.

Low English Language Proficiency

The PTE, TOEFL, or IELTS exams serve as essential tests to demonstrate English proficiency. The application may get rejected because of poor test scores.

Unclear Purpose of Study

Your visa application will be denied if you fail to explain your reasons for choosing New Zealand and how it supports your professional goals.

Damaged or Invalid Passport

A visa denial will automatically occur when you present a passport that shows damage or has reached its expiration date.

Criminal Record

A criminal history may create obstacles for you to obtain a student visa.

Study Gap Without Justification

The absence of a valid explanation for your educational history gap will lead to questions about your intentions.

Unsuccessful Visa Interview

A negative visa interview experience, combined with unclear expression of intention, will negatively impact your application.

Lack of Ties to Home Country

The lack of strong ties to your homeland may lead to concerns about your plans to return home after finishing your studies.

International students choose New Zealand because of its excellent educational system and promising future prospects. Students who want a high-quality higher education will find New Zealand to be their ideal destination because it offers numerous academic programs through various educational institutions. Students from all over the world choose New Zealand because it offers both a secure environment and diverse cultural communities, and job prospects before and after graduation.

Indian students who want to study in New Zealand need to understand the specific visa requirements and application process. Our Yocket counselors provide free consultations to help you maximize this experience. Reach out to them immediately for personalized guidance to turn your New Zealand study dreams into reality.