How to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa from India (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026. Always confirm current rules and fees on the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website before you apply.

Indian students who plan to study in New Zealand for more than three months need a student visa (a Fee Paying Student Visa for most courses). This guide covers the requirements, documents and steps. For the bigger picture, see our study in New Zealand guide for Indian students.

Student visa requirements at a glance

• An offer of place from a New Zealand education provider
• Funds: NZD 20,000 per year for living costs (NZD 17,000 for school years 1 to 13), plus tuition. See INZ's student fund requirements
• Proof of tuition payment, or approval in principle where INZ allows it
• A paid ticket out of New Zealand, or enough extra funds to buy one
• Evidence of English language ability, as your provider requires
• A valid passport, plus health and character documents if INZ asks for them

Tip: start your application at least 3 to 4 months before your course begins, so you have time to fix any issues.

1. Types of student visa

• Visitor visa: for courses of up to 3 months. No work rights.
• Fee Paying Student Visa: for degrees, diplomas and certificates longer than 3 months. This is the right visa for most Indian students.
• Pathway Student Visa: for certain linked, multi-year programmes at approved providers. Ask your provider whether your course qualifies.

2. Eligibility requirements

Offer of place from an approved provider

You need an offer of place from a New Zealand education provider approved by NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority). Ask your provider to confirm that your course is approved for international students.

English language ability

Required scores vary by provider and course. IELTS Academic and PTE Academic are widely accepted, and some providers accept other tests or their own assessment. Check your offer letter for the exact requirement.

Funds

INZ requires NZD 20,000 per year for living costs for tertiary study of one year or more, in addition to tuition. Bank statements must cover the last 3 months, and term deposits must have been held for at least 3 months. Bank transfer screenshots and agent receipts are not accepted as proof of tuition payment. Details: INZ student fund requirements.

Health and character

Full fee-paying students do not usually need a medical certificate. A chest X-ray may be needed for stays over 6 months, depending on your country and travel history. A police certificate is required if you are 17 or older and will spend 24 months or more in New Zealand in total, and it must be less than 6 months old when you apply. Medical evidence must be less than 3 months old. Confirm your case on the INZ visa page.

Genuine student

INZ assesses whether you genuinely intend to study. Your study history, your reasons for choosing the course and your Statement of Purpose (SOP) matter. Check INZ's current criteria before you write it.

3. Documents checklist

Gather everything before you start the online application. A missing document can delay your visa.

• Valid passport
• Offer of place from your New Zealand provider
• Proof of tuition payment, or a scholarship letter where applicable
• English test results, if your provider requires them
• Bank statements for the last 3 months (yours or your sponsor's)
• Sponsor documents if family is funding you: income proof and a sponsor declaration letter
• Evidence of a ticket out of New Zealand, or extra funds to buy one
• Police clearance and medical certificates, if INZ asks for them
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Bank statement tip: show a steady balance over several months. A large sudden deposit can raise questions with both banks and INZ.

4. Step-by-step application process

Step 1: Get an offer of place

Apply to an approved provider and accept the offer. You cannot start a student visa application without it.

Step 2: Check which visa you need

Use the visa finder on the Immigration New Zealand website to confirm the right visa and the current requirements.

Step 3: Create your online account

Create an account on the INZ website. You use it to apply, upload documents and track your application.

Step 4: Complete the application

Fill in personal, study and financial details carefully. Upload clear scans of every document and check everything before you submit.

Step 5: Pay the application fee

The Fee Paying Student Visa costs from NZD 850. Your exact fee depends on your country of citizenship and where you apply, so check INZ's fees page on the day you apply. Pay online and keep your receipt. Convert to rupees at the day's exchange rate.

Step 6: Biometrics and medical checks, if requested

If INZ asks for biometrics or medical and police certificates, follow the instructions in your application and use only INZ-approved providers.

Step 7: Wait for the decision

INZ publishes student visa wait times by provider type (working days, updated weekly). At the time of checking: universities averaged 2 weeks, with most decided within 5 weeks; polytechnics and institutes averaged 3 weeks, most within 7 weeks; private training establishments averaged 3 weeks, most within 6.5 weeks. INZ notes that applications from India can take longer because of high volumes and recommends applying at least 3 months before you travel. See the current student visa wait times.

Step 8: Receive your visa and prepare to travel

New Zealand issues visas electronically. Save your approval email digitally and in print, and check INZ's current rules for travel authorisation before you fly.

5. Costs to budget for

• Visa application fee: from NZD 850 for the Fee Paying Student Visa. The exact fee depends on your citizenship and where you apply.
• Living-cost evidence: NZD 20,000 per year
• Tuition: varies by provider and course
• Medical and police certificates, health insurance and a ticket out, where required

For a full breakdown, read our guide to the cost of studying in New Zealand. To reduce costs, see scholarships in New Zealand for Indian students.

6. Work rights while studying

Eligible student visa holders can work up to 25 hours a week during study periods, and full-time during scheduled holidays if your course meets INZ's conditions (for example, a course valued at 120 credits). Your work rights are shown on your visa, so check your conditions before you accept any paid work.

Conclusion

• Secure your offer of place first
• Prepare bank statements and tuition proof early
• Apply online at least 3 to 4 months before your course starts
• Confirm fees and processing times on the INZ website on the day you apply

Need help with your application? Book a free consultation with our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to get a New Zealand student visa?

Each application is assessed individually. Incomplete documents and inconsistent financial evidence are common causes of delays and refusals, so prepare carefully.

Do I need IELTS to study in New Zealand?

Not always. Providers accept different tests, and some accept previous English-medium study. Check your provider's policy and INZ's requirements.

How much money do I need to show?

NZD 20,000 per year for living costs, in addition to tuition, for tertiary study of one year or more.

How long does the student visa take?

INZ says most university applications are decided within 5 weeks and most polytechnic applications within 7 weeks, but applications from India can take longer. Apply at least 3 months before you travel.