New Zealand Student Visa 2025 - Requirements, Types, Process, Cost for Indian Students

New Zealand is renowned for its world-class education system, offering high-quality teaching and research facilities across a diverse range of academic disciplines. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and welcoming locals, it offers a unique and enriching study abroad experience that is hard to match anywhere else in the world. Studying in New Zealand provides students with opportunities to gain practical skills and work experience, thanks to the country's strong links with industry and its focus on hands-on, experiential learning.

The New Zealand Government provides an opportunity for 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.

Types of New Zealand student visas

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 visas available for you:

*For detailed information, please visit the New Zealand Government’s Immigration website

As an Indian student, you would most commonly require a Fee-Paying Student visa.

While studying in New Zealand, it’s important to maintain your Fee-Paying student status. This status relates to the purpose, or reason why you came to New Zealand.

Documentation required for New Zealand student visa

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

• An offer from the Kiwi universities. Also, if you are applying for pathways courses, you need to provide a Pathway student visa cover letter approved by the Pathway education provider.

• Evidence of paying the tuition fee.

• Proof of the income and the source of income.

• Photocopy of the Identity pages of the recent passport.

• Character certificate validated by the police

• Health certificate to show you are healthy

Some additional documentation may include:

1. Qualification certificates, academic, transcripts

2. Proof of employment history

3. Proof that you have enough funds to support yourself

4. Information about your financial guarantor (Identity and relationship)

5. English language proficiency test (such as IELTS) scores

6. Aadhar or Pan card

You may also have to show evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses throughout your stay. You will need to show you have NZ$ 20,000 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 that 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

Please remove: You may also have to appear for a personal interview at the New Zealand embassy or consulate.

*Please note that these are the basic requirements, speak with your IDP counsellor for a detailed list of documents required for visa processing

Applying for your New Zealand Student Visa online

You’ll have to apply for your student visa application online using the New Zealand Immigration website. You can apply up to 120 days before your intended date of program’s start date. Remember, your application date is the date when your application fee is paid.

How can IDP help you?

If you’re an IDP student with an offer letter from any of our partner institutions in New Zealand, we can advise you on how to go about the entire process. We’ll make sure you are fully informed of the latest visa requirements and conditions; also help you prepare the right documents for your submission.

Our team of experts will direct you to the official websites and to authorised immigration representatives to ensure you have the latest application forms and guidance. To reduce the hassle, we can also help to certify, translate, and courier your documents.

New Zealand Student 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.

Do check the latest fee when applying here.

Note: These fees may vary as per the city from where you are applying. Check for your city

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 11,000 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.

Know more about IELTS.

You can always contact us for a free counselling session, and If you still have any queries regarding the visa process, you can get in touch with our international education experts, and we they can guide you on how to go about the entire visa application process.

*Source:"https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/visa-factsheet/full-fee-paying-student-visa#receiving

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q1. How much money do I need to show for a student visa in New Zealand?

Ans. You will need to show that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of your studies. The exact amount you will need to show will depend on the length of your course and where you will be studying in New Zealand.

Q2. How long does it take to get a student visa in New Zealand?

Ans. The processing time for a student visa application can vary depending on where you are applying from, and the volume of applications being processed at the time. It is recommended to apply as early as possible, as the process can take several weeks or even months.

Q3. Can I work on a student visa in New Zealand?

Ans. Yes, you can usually work part-time during your studies and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as during the summer holidays. However, there may be restrictions on the type of work you can do, and you will need to check the conditions of your specific visa.

Q4. What happens if my student visa expires before I complete my studies?

Ans. If your student visa expires before you complete your studies, you will need to apply for a new visa to continue your studies in New Zealand. This may require you to provide additional evidence of your finances and English language proficiency.

Q15. Can I apply for permanent residency in New Zealand after studying on a student visa?

Ans. Yes, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in New Zealand after completing your studies, depending on your individual circumstances. There are several pathways to permanent residency, including the Skilled Migrant Category visa and the Work to Residence visa.

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