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Study in New Zealand for Indian Students

A New Zealand Study Visa allows Indian students to study full-time at recognised educational institutions in New Zealand. With globally respected universities, a practical education system, and strong student support, New Zealand has become a preferred destination for international students seeking quality education and global exposure.

 

Apply New Zealand Student Visa

What is New Zealand Student Visa?

A New Zealand Student Visa is a temporary visa that permits international students to study at approved institutions for the duration of their academic program. It allows students to legally live in New Zealand while completing their chosen course and may also provide limited work rights during the study period.

New Zealand student visa

What are the Types of New Zealand Student Visas?​

New Zealand offers different types of student visas depending on the type of study program, institution, and duration of stay. Indian students must apply for the student visa category that matches their study purpose and enrolment.

The main types of New Zealand student visas are listed below.

  • Full-Fee Paying Student:  Visa: The New Zealand Full-Fee Paying Student Visa is the most common type of student visa for international students. This visa is applicable if you receive an offer of place from a recognised New Zealand education provider and pay full tuition fees for your course.
  • Pathway Student Visa: The New Zealand Pathway Student Visa is designed for students who plan to study multiple courses consecutively as part of an approved education pathway. This visa allows students to complete up to three consecutive programs under a single visa for a total duration of up to five years.
  • Exchange Student Visa: The New Zealand Exchange Student Visa is applicable for students participating in an approved student exchange or study-abroad program between their home institution and a New Zealand education provider.
  • English Language Student Visa: The New Zealand English Language Student Visa is issued to students who enrol in full-time English language courses at approved New Zealand institutions.

Why Study in New Zealand?

Globally Ranked Universities

High Visa Success Rate

Apply With Spouse

Safe for Students

Post-Study Work Visa

Work-Life Balance

What Are Top Universities to Study in New Zealand?

University of Otago
Victoria University Auckland

Who Can Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa?

eligibility for NZ study visa

Indian students can apply for a New Zealand student visa if they meet the basic eligibility criteria, including:

  • Confirmation of enrolment from a New Zealand education provider

  • A valid academic background relevant to the chosen course

  • English language proficiency as required by the institution

  • Sufficient financial capacity to support studies and living expenses

  • Genuine intention to study and comply with visa conditions

What are New Zealand Student Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens?

To apply for a New Zealand student visa, Indian applicants must meet specific requirements set by Immigration New Zealand. These requirements typically include:

  • Offer letter from a recognised New Zealand institution

  • Proof of sufficient funds for tuition fees and living costs (NZ$ 20,000 for a full year of study or NZ$ 1,250 per month)

  • Evidence of English language ability (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)

  • Health and character certficate

  • Clear academic progression and study plan

  • Photocopy of the identity pages of your valid passport

  • Aadhaar Card or PAN Card

  •  Proof of employement history (if applicable)
required documents NZ student visa

What is the English Language Requirement for New Zealand Study Visa?

Indian students applying for a New Zealand student visa must demonstrate English language proficiency, most commonly by taking the IELTS exam, which is widely accepted by both New Zealand institutions and Immigration New Zealand. In most cases, applicants are required to achieve a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 in each module, confirming their ability to communicate effectively in an academic setting and manage daily life in New Zealand.

Meeting a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 in each module is essential, as an insufficient English score can lead to visa delays or refusal, making IELTS preparation a critical step in the study abroad planning process.

What is the New Zealand Student Visa Application Process?

The New Zealand student visa application process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Receive an offer letter from a New Zealand education provider

  2. Prepare required documents and financial evidence

  3. Submit the student visa application online

  4. Attend medical checks if requested

  5. Wait for visa decision from Immigration New Zealand

How Much Does New Zealand Study Visa Costs?

The cost of applying for a New Zealand study visa as of year 2026 includes:

  • Visa application fee equivalent to NZD $850 for full paying student.

  • Tuition fees (varies by institution and course)

  • Living expenses such as accommodation, food, and transport

  • Health insurance and other mandatory charges

Where to Apply for New Zealand Study Visa in India?

Applications for a New Zealand student visa can be submitted online through Immigration New Zealand’s official visa application system. Unlike some countries, New Zealand does not require students to submit applications through a physical visa application centre for most student visa categories.

Indian students applying for a New Zealand study visa must ensure that their application is complete, accurate, and supported by the required academic, financial, and personal documents before submission. As the process is entirely online, careful preparation of documents and correct application filing play a critical role in visa approval.

Pathway to Overseas, an experienced student visa consultancy in India, assists applicants throughout the New Zealand student visa application process. From profile evaluation and document preparation to online application submission and follow-ups, Pathway to Overseas ensures that students meet Immigration New Zealand requirements and apply under the correct visa category. Professional guidance helps minimise errors, delays, and rejection risks while applying for a New Zealand student visa from India.

How Long Does It Takes to Get a New Zealand Student Visa?

It takes anywhere between 4 to 8 weeks to get New Zealand student visa from India.

The processing time for a New Zealand study visa may vary depending on:

  • Time of application

  • Completeness of documents

  • Verification requirements

  • Application volume during peak intakes

What is the New Zealand Study Visa Success Rate?

The success rate of a New Zealand study visa from India is generally high for students who meet Immigration New Zealand’s academic, financial, and genuine student requirements, although no official approval percentage is published. Indian students with a relevant academic background, sufficient and well-documented financial proof, clear study plans, acceptable English language scores, and admission to recognized institutions typically have a strong chance of approval. 

Most New Zealand study visa refusals occur due to unclear career progression, insufficient funds, or poor course alignment, making proper documentation and application structuring critical for success.

What If Your New Zealand Study Visa Gets Rejected?

If an Indian student’s New Zealand student visa application is rejected, Immigration New Zealand generally does not provide a formal appeal process for most offshore student visa applications. Instead of a traditional appeal, applicants are usually advised to submit a new visa application after addressing the reasons for refusal.

After a visa refusal, Immigration New Zealand issues a decline letter explaining the reasons for rejection. Indian students must carefully review this letter, as it outlines specific concerns such as:

  • Insufficient financial evidence

  • Weak or unclear study plan

  • Inconsistencies in academic background

  • Doubts about genuine student intent

  • Incomplete or incorrect documentation

Pathway to Overseas helps you submit a new student visa application with higher chances of success.

FAQs

There is no official age limit to apply for a New Zealand study visa. Immigration New Zealand does not specify a maximum or minimum age, but your age is closely assessed in relation to your study plan, academic background, and career progression. Students aged 18 to 35 generally face fewer scrutiny issues, provided their academic progression is logical.

 

The amount of money you need to show for New Zealand student visa depends upon your course and duration of stay. Generally, you must show at least NZ$ 20,000 for one year of study course.

Yes, you can legally work during your studies in New Zealand for part-time (25 hours a week) and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as during the summer holidays.

Yes, you can extend your New Zealand study visa if:

  • You are enrolling in a new course or higher-level qualification

  • Your current course takes longer than expected to complete

  • You are progressing through an approved pathway program.

You cannot apply for permanent residency (PR) directly from a New Zealand student visa, but studying in New Zealand can serve as a pathway toward PR. Most students first complete an eligible qualification, then move to a post-study work visa to gain skilled local work experience, which is a key requirement for permanent residence applications.

 

You can apply to study in New Zealand with your spouse, but your spouse must apply separately for a Partner of a Student Work Visa. They must prove a genuine partnership, meet health and character checks, and show financial support. Their visa allows work and short-term study and lasts the same length as your student visa.

 

New Zealand universities offer three main intakes for student visa of New Zealand mainly February, July, and September. February serves as the primary intake with the widest course availability, while July provides a strong secondary option.

 

Apply New Zealand Student Visa