New Zealand Student Visa Requirements for Indians

Indian students planning to study abroad in New Zealand are subject to visa requirements. Before applying the student visa, Indian nationals must prepare all the necessary documents required to get a New Zealand study visa. The main documents required to study in New Zealand include acceptance letter from a NZQA-approved university, evidence of tution fee payment, proof of funds for living and studying, academic transcripts/degrees, photocopy of identity pages of passport, police character certificate, health certificate, proof of English proficiency, study plan, and Aadhar or Pan card.

What are New Zealand Study Visa Requirements?

The New Zealand study visa requirements are mentioned below.

1. University Acceptance Letter

Getting an acceptance letter from a recognized institution in New Zealand is the first step for a successful study visa. Incase, you are applying for Pathway Student Visa, then you have to provide a visa covering letter approved by recognized Pathway education provider.

2. Evidence of Tution Payment

Provide evidence that you paid the course tution fee for the first year. Proof of fee payment must be attached with the New Zealand study visa application. If you have been awarded scholarship, then provide the scholarship proof.

3. Proof of Funds

Applicants must provide evidence of NZD 20,000 annually (~₹10,00,000 INR) for living costs, plus first-year tuition fees, via 6-month bank statements, loans, FTS (Funds Transfer Scheme) certificate, or sponsor undertakings.

4. Study Plan

A detailed study plan explaining the choice of course and institution, financial support arrangements, scholarship details (if any), and intended accommodation must be submitted.

5. Academic Transcripts/Degree

Previous educational transcripts/degrees are required to prove equivalency.

6. English Language Proficiency

Applicants must submit proof of English language proficiency. New Zealand immigration accepts IELTS, TOEFL, PTE certificates as a proof of language proficiency. English tests require IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall (no band below 5.5-6.0), TOEFL iBT 80+, or PTE 58+; exemptions apply for prior English-medium education or NZ qualifications.

7. Health/Character Certificate

Applicants aged 17+ must provide a PCC from India (country of citizenship) and any country resided in for over 5 years since age 17, required if total NZ stay across all visas exceeds 24 months. From December 1, 2025, Immigration New Zealand accepts only RPO-issued PCCs via Passport Seva portal; local SSP office certificates are invalid, aiming to reduce processing delays.

Applicants have to undergo a general medical examination using form INZ 1007, conducted by an Immigration NZ-approved panel physician, which includes a physical check, blood tests for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis (required for stays of 10 months or more), urine analysis, and a tuberculosis screening questionnaire. This applies to student visas for 12 months or longer, or shorter durations if from high-risk health backgrounds.

8. Valid Passport

Applicant must have a valid indian passport with an expiry date beyond the completion of study course.

9. Photo

One photograph with white background if applying online.

10. Travel Proof

Evidence of a travel ticket (or money to pay for a ticket) for travel out of New Zealand at the end of your stay. It is not mandatory to provide travel ticket, however, providing this confirms your intention as a geniune student.

*Note: All the provided documents must be in English language. For example, police certificate if in Hindi must be translated to English language.

What is the New Zeland Study Visa Process?

The New Zealand study visa process involves the following steps.

Securing admission in an NZQF-approved university.
Preparing the required documents for student vida.
Registering an account on NZ Immigration Online portal.
Choosing the correct New Zeland student visa type (i-e Fee Paying, Pathway Student visa, etc)
Filling the online student visa application, uploading the required documents, and paying visa fee.
Waiting for your New Zealand visa.

What is the Visa Processing Time for New Zealand Study Visa?

New Zealand study visa processing time is between 4 to 8 weeks when applying from India. Within this time, you can frequently check your visa application status on the official website of Immigration New Zealand.

What is the Age Limit for Applying New Zealand Study Visa?

There is no specifc age limit for applying New Zealand study visa. Anyone of any age can apply as long as they meet the study and visa requirements.

What is the Fee for New Zealand Study Visa?

The New Zealand student visa fee depends upon the type of student visa applicant wish to apply for. The table below shows the New Zealand study visa fee in detail.

Study Visa Type	Visa Fee in NZD
Fee Paying Student Visa	NZD $850
Pathway Student Visa	NZD $750
English Language Student Visa	NZD $850
Exchange Student Visa	NZD $750
Short Study Visa	NZD $750

Applicant have to pay an additional biometric fee and Immigration Health Levy (IHL) fee of NZD $100.

What are the New Zealand Student Visa Requirements After 12th Grade?

For an Indian student who has completed Class 12, the New Zealand Student Visa requires an Offer of Place from an approved New Zealand education provider for a diploma, bachelor’s degree, or foundation/pathway program, along with proof of academic completion from a recognized Indian board, usually with around 50–60% marks depending on the course.

Students must demonstrate English language proficiency, most commonly through IELTS Academic with an overall score of 6.0 and no band below 5.5, and show sufficient financial proof to cover tuition fees and living expenses of NZD 20,000 per year (about ₹10–11 lakh INR) through savings, education loans, or sponsor income.

Applicants must meet the Genuine Student requirement by explaining their study plans and career goals through a Statement of Purpose, and satisfy health and character requirements, including a medical examination and, where applicable, a police clearance certificate.

Is IELTS a mandatory for New Zealand study visa?

IELTS is not always mandatory for a New Zealand study visa, but in most cases, it is required, especially for Indian students applying for full-time courses after 12th. New Zealand education providers usually require proof of English proficiency before issuing an Offer of Place, which is compulsory for the visa. For diploma and bachelor’s programs, most institutions ask for IELTS Academic with an overall score of 6.0 and no band less than 5.5.

How much funds I need to show for New Zealand study visa?

There is no fixed amount when it comes to provide proof of funds for student visa of New Zealand. However, applicants must show mimimum amount of NZD 20,000 per year (about ₹10–11 lakh INR) through savings or education loans to be eligible for New Zealand study visa.

What are the requirements for a New Zealand post-study work visa?

To get a New Zealand post-study work visa, you must have completed an eligible qualification in New Zealand from an approved education provider and apply within the allowed time after finishing your studies. You need proof of qualification completion, a valid passport, and must meet health and character requirements, along with medical and travel insurance if required. The visa duration depends on the level and length of your qualification, allows full-time work, and can support future work or residence pathways, though it does not guarantee permanent residence.