New Zealand Student Visa 2026: Cost, Funds and Work Rules
A New Zealand student visa rests on three proofs: a place on an approved course, tuition paid for the first year, and enough money to live on. Get those right and apply early, because processing is busiest between October and March. This guide follows Immigration New Zealand's own requirements as read on 13 October 2026.
Quick answer
The New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa costs from NZD 850, and Immigration New Zealand processes 80% of applications within 7 weeks. It is issued for up to 4 years, normally matching the study you have paid for. You need an offer of place from an approved education provider, tuition paid for one course or one year, whichever is shorter, and living funds of NZD 20,000 a year for tertiary or English language study, or NZD 17,000 a year for school. You may work up to 25 hours a week during study and full-time in holidays, depending on your visa conditions. Apply at least 3 months before you plan to travel; the busiest period is October to March.
The visa at a glance
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Cost | From NZD 850 |
| Processing time | 80% within 7 weeks |
| Length of stay | Up to 4 years; normally the period of study you have paid for, or to your passport's expiry if sooner |
| Study | Full-time on an approved course: primary, secondary or tertiary |
| Work | Up to 25 hours a week while studying and full-time in holidays, depending on your visa conditions |
| Family | Not included; partners and children apply for their own visas based on their relationship to you |
What you must show
- An offer of place from an approved education provider. It must state the course name, its length, and whether it is full-time or part-time. From outside New Zealand you can apply with a conditional offer and be approved in principle, but you need an unconditional offer before the visa is granted.
- Tuition fees paid for one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter, unless you are exempt or hold a scholarship.
- Living funds, or an acceptable sponsor.
- A way home: a ticket out of New Zealand or evidence of enough money to buy one.
- Insurance for travel and health care from the start of your course until the visa expires. PhD students do not need it.
- Good health and good character, and a genuine reason for coming.
Your provider must also sign a declaration that the course suits your expectations and that you have the English ability and academic capability to pass it.
How much money you need
| Type of study | For a year or more | For less than a year |
|---|---|---|
| Tertiary, English language or other non-compulsory study | NZD 20,000 for each year | NZD 1,667 for each month |
| Compulsory education, for example school Years 1 to 13 | NZD 17,000 for each year | NZD 1,417 for each month |
These are living costs only, on top of tuition. Immigration New Zealand notes that what it actually costs you depends on where you live and what you pay for accommodation, transport and food.
If you are studying for more than a year, you do not need the money for later years now. Showing a credible plan for funding them, for example with evidence of family income, strengthens the application.
If someone is sponsoring you
A sponsor takes responsibility for your accommodation and living costs. It can be an organisation or an individual, and an individual sponsor must be a family member or friend.
Paying tuition before a decision
If you apply from outside New Zealand you can choose not to pay tuition until your application is approved in principle. The trade-off is time: the application takes longer, because the visa cannot be issued until you show the fees are paid.
Working while you study
- During study: your visa may allow up to 25 hours a week.
- In holidays: full-time work in the summer holidays, or in scheduled breaks if you are at a tertiary provider or private training establishment. For scheduled breaks your course must be worth 120 credits.
- Permission: to be granted work rights you need a letter agreeing that you can work from your parent or legal guardian and your education provider. If you are 18 or older you do not need written permission to work in the summer holidays.
- Age limit: students aged 15 or younger cannot work on a student visa.
When to apply
Immigration New Zealand asks students to apply at least 3 months before they plan to travel. Processing is busiest between October and March. Its advice for avoiding delays is to apply early and include all the information it needs.
How to apply, step by step
- Get an offer of place from an approved education provider.
- Pay tuition for the first course or year, or decide to pay after approval in principle.
- Gather evidence of living funds: NZD 20,000 a year for tertiary study.
- Arrange insurance that meets your provider's requirements.
- Apply online and pay the fee, at least 3 months before travel.
- Provide any health or character documents requested.
- Wait for the decision. Eight in ten are decided within 7 weeks.
Younger students
A student aged under 10 who is not living in an approved school hostel must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and live with that person while studying. Immigration New Zealand notes that grandparents do not generally meet the requirements for a guardian visa.
Renewing your visa
If you apply for another student visa, you must show you are passing your course and meeting attendance requirements, with documents such as academic transcripts, attendance records or a letter from your provider. If you fell short you must explain why, and genuine reasons for absence are considered.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a New Zealand student visa cost?
The Fee Paying Student Visa costs from NZD 850.
How long does a New Zealand student visa take?
Immigration New Zealand processes 80% of applications within 7 weeks. It asks students to apply at least 3 months before travel, and warns that October to March is the busiest period.
How much money do I need for a New Zealand student visa?
NZD 20,000 for each year of tertiary, English language or other non-compulsory study, or NZD 1,667 a month for study shorter than a year. For school study it is NZD 17,000 a year. This is in addition to tuition fees.
Can I work on a New Zealand student visa?
Your visa may allow up to 25 hours of work a week while studying and full-time work in holidays, depending on its conditions. Students aged 15 or younger cannot work.
How long is a New Zealand student visa valid?
Up to 4 years. It is normally issued for the period of study you have paid for, so it may be shorter than the length of your course.
Do I have to pay tuition before applying?
You must show tuition is paid for one course or one year, whichever is shorter. Applicants outside New Zealand can wait until approval in principle, but the application then takes longer.
Can I bring my family on a New Zealand student visa?
You cannot include a partner or children in your application. They can apply for visas of their own based on their relationship to you.
Sources (official only)
All figures verified against the Immigration New Zealand page above on 13 October 2026. Fees and requirements change, so check the official page before you apply. Information, not legal advice.