New Zealand Student Visa (2027): Requirements, Proof of Funds, Fee, Processing Time

What you need

An Offer of Place from an approved New Zealand education provider; evidence the applicant has paid tuition fees in full for one year or one programme, whichever is shorter, or a receipt showing this; evidence of at least NZD 20,000 in funds for each year of non-compulsory study (NZD 1,667 a month for study shorter than a year), or an acceptable sponsor; a passport valid at least three months beyond the planned departure from New Zealand; medical and travel insurance; a chest X-ray or medical examination if required by the applicant's country or length of stay; and a police certificate if required by the applicant's age or time already spent in New Zealand.

How to apply

1. Get an Offer of Place from an approved New Zealand education provider.
2. Pay tuition fees, or arrange the evidence required to show they are paid.
3. Gather evidence of living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
4. Arrange medical and travel insurance, and a medical examination or police certificate if required.
5. Apply online at online.immigration.govt.nz/student, selecting the fee-paying student visa.
6. Upload all supporting documents and pay the non-refundable visa application fee.
7. Wait for a decision; average wait times run about two and a half weeks, with most decisions given within five and a half weeks.

Why applications are refused

A fee-paying student visa can be refused where an applicant cannot show sufficient funds for living costs or paid tuition fees, does not hold a genuine Offer of Place from an approved provider, does not meet health requirements (including a required chest X-ray or medical exam), does not meet character requirements where a police certificate is required, or submits an incomplete or inconsistent application. Immigration New Zealand does not publish a full list of refusal reasons on this page beyond the requirements themselves.