Student Visa for New Zealand: Complete Guide for Indian Students
5000+
3,00,000+
International Students study in the U.K. every year
2 Yrs PSWV
Scholarships
Apply For Upcoming Intake
Dreaming of studying in New Zealand? Before you pack your bags, securing the right student visa is the key to starting your journey. The process may sound overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance, it’s smooth and straightforward. Here’s everything you need to know about New Zealand student visa requirements for Indian students, from eligibility to post-study work opportunities.
New Zealand Student Visa Process (Overview)
- Visa Fee: Around NZ$ 330 (approx. ₹16,000).
- Processing Time: Typically, 4–8 weeks.
- Validity: Matches the length of your study program.
New Zealand Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students
Before you apply, make sure you tick all the boxes:
- Offer Letter from a New Zealand university/college.
- Financial Proof: Minimum of NZ$ 20,000 per year to cover living costs.
- English Proficiency: IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL scores (requirements vary by course).
- Health Certificate: A medical test approved by NZ immigration.
- Character Certificate: Police clearance for background verification.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Get an Offer Letter from a recognized NZ institution.
- Gather Documents – financials, health, English test scores, etc.
- Apply Online through Immigration New Zealand’s website.
- Submit Biometrics and medical checks if required.
- Wait for Approval – and get ready to book your flights!
Types of New Zealand Student Visas
- Fee-Paying Student Visa: For full-time study in a recognized institution.
- Pathway Student Visa: Lets you study 3 consecutive courses on a single visa.
Work Rights for Students
- During Study: Up to 20 hours per week.
- During Holidays: Up to 40 hours per week (full-time).
This means you can balance academics with part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, or campus roles while gaining real-world experience.
Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand
The best part? After graduation, you can apply for a post-study work visa for up to 3 years, depending on your qualification level and study location. This opens doors to full-time employment, PR pathways, and an international career.
Pro Tip:
Most Indian students choose courses aligned with New Zealand skill shortage lists (like IT, Engineering, Nursing, Agriculture) to increase their PR chances and employability after graduation.
