Not a bona fide student
Course unrelated to previous study or work, or a cheaper equivalent exists in India.
The fix. Write a specific study plan with career outcomes; choose a programme that builds on your record.
New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa for Indian students
Indian students with an offer of place from a New Zealand university, Te Pukenga institute or approved private provider apply online for the Fee Paying Student Visa: NZD 850 including the NZD 100 International Visitor Levy, proof of tuition paid, NZD 20,000 for each year of living costs (NZD 1,667 a month for shorter courses) and a chest X-ray and medical because the course lasts more than 12 months. Most Indian files are decided in 6 to 8 weeks. Students may work 20 hours a week in term time (rising to 25 hours for visas granted from 3 November 2025) and full time in scheduled holidays, and bachelor's and higher graduates qualify for a Post Study Work Visa of up to 3 years.
New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa: quick answers
Who qualifies for a New Zealand student visa? Students holding an offer of place from a provider that is a signatory to the Pastoral Care Code, for a full-time course approved by NZQA, who show tuition paid for the first year (or the first period), living funds of NZD 20,000 a year, an onward ticket or NZD 2,000 for one, and acceptable health and character. Indian students mostly enrol in postgraduate diplomas and master's degrees at the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, Victoria University of Wellington, Canterbury, Otago, Waikato, Massey and Lincoln, with IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 for degree entry. The officer also assesses genuine intentions: the course should fit your study and work history.
What does it cost? NZD 850 for the visa including the NZD 100 International Visitor Levy (NZD 750 fee and levy), paid by card online. Add the chest X-ray and medical examination at a panel clinic (INR 5,000 to 8,000), the Indian police clearance if asked, and the provider's insurance (NZD 600 to 800 a year is typical). Public university tuition runs NZD 30,000 to 50,000 a year for international postgraduates. Vistolane charges the NZD 850 fee at the official rate and shows the medical and insurance separately.
How long does it take from India? Immigration New Zealand decides most complete offshore student files within 6 to 8 weeks, longer in the June and December peaks before the July and February intakes. Apply as soon as the tuition is paid and the medical is done, at least 3 months before the course starts, and do not travel before the eVisa is issued.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Fee Paying Student Visa, valid for the course up to 4 years (usually issued per year of paid fees) |
| Government fee | NZD 850 including the NZD 100 International Visitor Levy |
| Processing | Most Indian files in 6 to 8 weeks; longer in June and December |
| Funds | NZD 20,000 a year (NZD 1,667 a month) plus tuition paid and an onward ticket or NZD 2,000 |
| Work rights | 20 hours a week in term (25 from 3 November 2025), full time in holidays; master's by research and PhD unlimited |
| Health | Chest X-ray and full medical for courses over 12 months |
| After graduation | Post Study Work Visa up to 3 years for bachelor's and higher; NZD 1,670 |
| Verified | 30 Oct 2026 against immigration.govt.nz |
Offer of place, funds and genuine intentions
The offer of place must be unconditional, for a full-time programme at a signatory provider, and state the tuition for the first year; universities and Te Pukenga are automatically eligible, private training establishments must hold NZQA approval and the Code signatory status. Indian students apply with the Class 12 marksheets, bachelor's transcripts and degree, IELTS or PTE Academic (NZQA sets the band per programme level; 6.0 overall for bachelor's, 6.5 for postgraduate is common), a statement of purpose and work experience letters where the course builds on them.
Funds are NZD 20,000 a year for tertiary study (NZD 17,000 for school students), or NZD 1,667 for each month of a course shorter than 36 weeks, held in the student's or a parent's account, through an Indian education loan sanction letter, or via the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS) with ANZ or BNZ, where the living costs are deposited in New Zealand and released monthly. Tuition for the first year is normally paid before the visa is granted and refunded under the provider's policy if the visa is refused. A scholarship or sponsor's financial undertaking (INZ 1014) also counts.
Genuine intentions carry most refusals: officers compare the chosen course with your previous study and work, your age, the cost against family income and whether a cheaper equivalent exists in India. A clear study plan, a realistic career path and evidence of funds built over months, not deposited the week before, make the difference.
Fees and what they cover
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fee Paying Student Visa | NZD 850 | Includes NZD 100 IVL; not refunded |
| Chest X-ray and medical (INZ 1096 and 1007) | INR 5,000 to 8,000 | Panel clinic; valid 3 months at lodgement |
| Indian police clearance certificate | INR 500 | If stay reaches 24 months or requested |
| Insurance | NZD 600 to 800 a year | Compulsory under the Pastoral Care Code; arranged by the provider |
| Tuition, public university postgraduate | NZD 30,000 to 50,000 a year | Paid before the visa; refundable on refusal |
| Post Study Work Visa | NZD 1,670 | After completing a bachelor's or higher |
The student visa fee doubled from NZD 375 to NZD 750 on 1 October 2024 and the IVL rose to NZD 100. Vistolane charges the NZD 850 fee at the official rate and shows the medical, insurance and tuition separately.
How the application runs, step by step
- Secure the offer of place and pay tuition. Unconditional offer from a signatory provider; pay the first year or the first period and keep the receipt.
- Complete the medical and X-ray. Panel clinic in India submits eMedical; valid 3 months at lodgement.
- Prepare the funds and intentions evidence. NZD 20,000 a year via bank statements, education loan, FTS or sponsor form; study plan; academic and work history.
- Apply online and pay NZD 850. Upload the passport, offer, receipts, funds, medical reference, IELTS and certificates; biometrics at VFS if requested.
- Receive the eVisa and arrive. Visa normally issued for the paid period; enrol, arrange insurance, apply for an IRD number to work 20 hours a week.
Timeline for a February or July intake
| Stage | Typical time | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Offer and tuition payment | 3 to 6 months before | Deposit or full first year |
| Medical and documents | 2 to 4 weeks | Panel clinic, loan sanction, FTS deposit |
| Decision | 6 to 8 weeks | Longest in June and December |
| Travel | Up to 2 weeks before orientation | eVisa must be issued first |
| Renewal | Yearly if issued per year | Onshore, on proof of fees and progress |
For a February start lodge by early November; for July lodge by early April. The provider's international office tracks the visa and can issue a deferral letter if the decision runs late.
After arrival: work, family and the post-study route
Students work 20 hours a week during term (25 hours for visas granted from 3 November 2025) and full time during scheduled breaks; master's by research and doctoral students have no cap. Partners of students in postgraduate programmes leading to Green List roles, or in level 9 and 10 qualifications, can apply for a Partner of a Student Work Visa, and children attend school as domestic students. Changing provider or course needs a variation of conditions or a new visa.
Graduates of a bachelor's degree or higher apply within 3 months of the visa expiry (6 months for doctoral graduates) for the Post Study Work Visa of up to 3 years, open to any employer; non-degree graduates must have studied a qualification linked to a Green List role. Time on the Post Study Work Visa in a skilled job earns points toward the Skilled Migrant Category residence described on the New Zealand residence route page.
Document checklist: identity and health
| Document | Standard the officer applies |
|---|---|
| Passport valid 3 months beyond the intended stay | Bio page scan |
| Chest X-ray certificate and medical examination | Panel clinic eMedical reference |
| Digital photo | INZ standards |
| Police clearance certificate | If requested or stay reaches 24 months |
Study
| Document | Standard the officer applies |
|---|---|
| Offer of place from a signatory provider | Course, dates, fees, NZQA level |
| Tuition fee receipt | First year or first period |
| Academic certificates and transcripts | Class 10, 12, bachelor's; CV and work letters |
| English test result | IELTS or PTE Academic per the provider's requirement |
Funds and intentions
| Document | Standard the officer applies |
|---|---|
| Living costs of NZD 20,000 a year | Bank statements, education loan sanction letter, FTS deposit or INZ 1014 sponsor form |
| Onward ticket or NZD 2,000 | In addition to living costs |
| Statement of purpose and study plan | Links the course to your career |
| Insurance confirmation | Provider's policy or an approved insurer |
Why applications on this route get refused, and the fix
Funds not credible
Large deposits days before applying or unexplained sources.
The fix. Build the balance over months, use an education loan or the FTS, and explain every large credit.
Health requirements not met
Medical older than 3 months or no X-ray.
The fix. Book the panel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before lodging.
Documents inconsistent
Marksheets, CV and statement of purpose with conflicting dates.
The fix. Align every document and explain gaps in a cover letter.
Provider not eligible
Offer from a non-signatory or non-approved provider.
The fix. Check the NZQA register and Code signatory list before paying fees.
Official sources
Questions, answered
How much is a New Zealand student visa for Indians?
NZD 850 including the NZD 100 International Visitor Levy, paid online, plus the panel clinic medical (INR 5,000 to 8,000) and the provider's insurance; tuition is paid before the visa and refunded if it is refused.
How much money do I need to show for a New Zealand student visa?
NZD 20,000 for each year of study (NZD 1,667 a month for shorter courses) on top of tuition, plus an onward ticket or NZD 2,000, through bank statements, an education loan, the Funds Transfer Scheme or a sponsor's undertaking.
Can I work in New Zealand on a student visa?
Yes, 20 hours a week during term and full time in scheduled holidays; visas granted from 3 November 2025 allow 25 hours. Research master's and PhD students have no limit.
Can I stay in New Zealand after graduating?
Yes. Bachelor's and higher graduates get a Post Study Work Visa of up to 3 years (NZD 1,670), and skilled work during it counts toward the Skilled Migrant Category residence.
Does Vistolane handle New Zealand student visas?
Yes. Vistolane checks the provider's status, prepares the funds and intentions evidence, books the medical and lodges the application, charging the NZD 850 fee at the official rate.