International students applying for a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa must budget far beyond the NZD $850 visa fee — Immigration New Zealand requires proof of NZD $20,000 in annual living funds before processing even begins, and that figure covers only accommodation and daily expenses, not tuition.

4 related posts

Visa Fee: NZD $850 ·
Max Stay: Up to 4 years ·
Processing (80%): 8 weeks ·
Funds/Year: NZD $20,000 ·
Monthly Funds: NZD $1,667

Quick snapshot

1Fee Paying Student Visa
2Application Process
  • Online fee: NZD $375 per application (Immigration NZ)
  • Processing: 8 weeks for 80% of cases (Immigration NZ)
  • Needs: Offer of place + funds proof (Immigration NZ)
3Living Costs Proof
  • NZD $1,667/month for under 12 months study
  • NZD $1,417/month for school students
  • Bank statements: 3–6 months minimum
4Funds Transfer Scheme
  • Run by ANZ Bank New Zealand (Immigration NZ)
  • Eligible countries: 6 (China, India, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vietnam) (Immigration NZ)
  • Mandatory for high-risk applicants (Immigration NZ)

These figures represent the official financial thresholds set by Immigration New Zealand for the 2025–2026 period.

Requirement Amount (NZD) Source
Base Visa Fee $850 IEGC
Tertiary Student (12+ months/year) $20,000 Immigration NZ
Tertiary Student (<12 months) $1,667/month Immigration NZ
School Student Years 1-13 (12+ months) $17,000 Immigration NZ
Outward Travel Funds ~$2,000 Boomerang Education
Pregnant Student (additional) $9,000 Boomerang Education
Bank Statement Minimum 3 months Boomerang Education

How much does it cost for a student visa in New Zealand?

The Fee Paying Student Visa currently costs approximately NZD $850 as a base fee, according to sources tracking 2025–2026 immigration changes. This is notably higher than the previous rate of NZD $375, with the increase taking effect from October 1, 2024. If you’re applying online through the official INZ portal, additional platform fees may apply on top of this base amount.

Online vs paper application fees

Online applications are generally cheaper than paper submissions. Online processing attracts fees around NZD $375 when filed through INZ’s online system, while paper applications through a consultant or visa application centre may run higher.

  • Online application fee: approximately NZD $375
  • Base visa fee: approximately NZD $850

Fee Paying Student Visa base cost

The base Fee Paying Student Visa fee of NZD $850 covers the core visa processing itself. This figure was reported by IEGC, which tracks New Zealand immigration costs for Indian students, and aligns with recent adjustments to INZ fee structures for 2025–2026.

Additional costs like health checks

Beyond the visa fee itself, you’ll need to budget for mandatory chest X-rays and medical examinations conducted by INZ-approved panel physicians. Health insurance for international students is also required and typically runs NZD $500–$1,000 per year depending on coverage and provider. Pregnant applicants must budget an additional NZD $9,000 specifically for maternity healthcare costs.

What to watch

The visa fee increase from NZD $375 to NZD $850 within a single year means applicants should verify current fees on the official INZ website before submitting — a missed update could mean a rejected application over a few hundred dollars, and reapplication requires paying the full fee again.

How much funds to show for a NZ student visa?

INZ requires proof you can support yourself without relying on New Zealand government assistance. For tertiary students studying 12 months or more, the minimum is NZD $20,000 per year for living expenses alone — and that’s before you’ve paid a cent in tuition.

Annual living expense requirement

Tertiary students (university, college, and polytechnic) must demonstrate NZD $20,000 per year if their program runs 12 months or longer, per official INZ guidelines. School students in Years 1–13 need NZD $17,000 per year under the same duration rule.

Monthly funds proof

For programs shorter than a full year, INZ calculates on a monthly basis: tertiary students must show NZD $1,667 per month, while school students need NZD $1,417 per month. Prepaid accommodation can be deducted from the required amount if you have a binding contract.

Tuition fee payment evidence

Proof of funds doesn’t replace tuition requirements. You must provide either an official receipt confirming tuition is fully paid, or evidence under Approval in Principle (AIP) that you can pay it after visa approval. Screenshots, agent invoices, or unofficial receipts are not accepted — only formal documentation carries weight.

The catch

INZ scrutinizes sudden large deposits without clear origin documentation. If a sponsor recently transferred a large sum into your account, be ready to explain the source — cash savings, informal loans, or unverified deposits will not pass muster.

How long can I stay in NZ with a student visa?

The Fee Paying Student Visa is typically granted for the duration of your enrolled course, with a maximum stay of up to 4 years according to official INZ policy. Extensions and renewals are possible, though each renewal incurs the visa fee again.

Maximum duration for Fee Paying visa

Your visa length is tied to your course length — finish a 2-year diploma and you get a 2-year visa plus a little buffer. INZ generally won’t grant more time than your program registration, so there’s no benefit to stretching your stay beyond what’s actually enrolled.

Extensions and renewals

Renewing your student visa requires the same fee structure as the initial application. If your circumstances have changed — for example, you’re enrolling in a different institution or level of study — you may need to resubmit updated proof of funds. Start your renewal application well before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying complications.

Post-study work options

International students who complete a bachelor’s degree or higher may be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa, which lets you stay in New Zealand for up to 3 years to seek employment. This is a separate visa stream with its own application process and fee, not an extension of your student visa.

Applicants who need to extend their stay beyond the initial visa period should budget for the full fee again — there is no reduced renewal rate.

What are the fees for student visa renewals and dependents in NZ?

If your course runs longer than your initial visa period, or if family members need to join you, additional fees apply. Renewal costs mirror the initial application fee, while dependent visas have their own pricing structure.

Student visa renewal fee

Renewing a student visa costs roughly the same as applying for the first time — expect to budget for the full visa fee plus any platform charges if applying online. INZ processes renewals with the same scrutiny as new applications, so updated proof of funds is essential if your financial situation has changed.

Dependent Child Student visa fee

Children of student visa holders can apply for their own visa to accompany you to New Zealand. The Dependent Child Student Visa carries a separate fee from the main applicant fee. Check INZ’s current fee schedule for the exact amount, as dependent fees may differ from primary applicant rates.

Work visa fee differences

If you transition from a student visa to a work visa after graduation, the application fee structure changes significantly. Work visas typically have different fee tiers and processing requirements than student visas, reflecting the different assessment criteria INZ applies to employment-based immigration.

Dependents applying separately will incur fees independent of the primary applicant’s visa cost.

How to apply for a NZ student visa including fees?

The application process is straightforward if you’ve got your documents organized: submit your offer of place, prove your funds, and pay the fee through INZ’s online portal or a paper submission partner.

Required documents for fees and funds

Your proof-of-funds package needs both primary and secondary evidence. Primary evidence includes official bank statements covering at least the last 3–6 months, fixed deposit certificates with maturity details, scholarship letters, and education loan sanction letters. Secondary evidence can include payslips, income tax returns, employer letters, and business ownership documents that show your financial track record.

Processing times and decision factors

INZ processes 80% of complete applications within 8 weeks, though incomplete applications can drag on for months. Your application moves faster when all fund documents are organized, your health checks are up to date, and your offer of place is clearly documented. Applications from countries flagged as higher risk may face additional scrutiny or require the Funds Transfer Scheme.

Where to apply online

Apply directly through INZ’s online portal at immigration.govt.nz for the most direct processing route. If you’re applying from a country where INZ has Visa Application Centres, you can also submit through those centres with consultant support, though this often adds service fees on top of the visa fee itself.

The fastest route is INZ’s online portal, which typically avoids the extra service charges that third-party centres add.

Bottom line: New Zealand student visa costs run higher than many applicants expect once you factor in the NZD $850 base fee, mandatory living fund proof of NZD $20,000 per year, and supplementary costs like health checks and insurance. For Tier 1 university students from eligible countries, the Funds Transfer Scheme through ANZ adds an extra layer of process but can strengthen an application. Applicants planning a multi-year undergraduate degree should budget NZD $52,000 or more total to cover the full program — a number far above the visa fee most candidates first see.

What’s confirmed vs what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Tertiary students must show NZD $20,000/year for 12+ month programs (Immigration NZ)
  • School students need NZD $17,000/year for similar duration
  • Funds Transfer Scheme available to 6 countries
  • Bank statements: minimum 3 months required
  • Outward travel requires ~NZD $2,000 proof

What’s unclear

  • Whether the current 2025–2026 fee has increased beyond NZD $850
  • Success rates by applicant nationality
  • Specific processing outcomes for FTS vs non-FTS applicants

What experts say

“The Fee Paying Student Visa costs approximately NZD $850 and is designed for international students paying full tuition at New Zealand institutions.”

— IEGC (New Zealand immigration guidance for Indian students)

“Tertiary students must show NZD $20,000 per year for living costs when studying 12 months or more.”

— Immigration New Zealand (Official government guidance)

Step-by-step: How to apply for your NZ student visa

Seven action items, one clear path to submission.

  1. Get your offer of place: Secure an unconditional offer from a NZ institution approved by INZ before starting the visa process.
  2. Calculate your funds: Use INZ requirements (NZD $20,000/year for tertiary) to determine how much proof you need, plus tuition payment evidence.
  3. Gather primary evidence: Collect 3–6 months of official bank statements, fixed deposit certificates, scholarship letters, or loan sanction letters.
  4. Add secondary evidence: Include payslips, income tax returns, and employer letters to build a complete financial picture.
  5. Complete health checks: Schedule your chest X-ray and medical examination with an INZ-approved panel physician.
  6. Submit your application: Apply online at immigration.govt.nz or through a Visa Application Centre, paying the applicable fee.
  7. Track and respond: Monitor your application status and respond promptly to any INZ requests for additional information.

Related reading: New Zealand Residency Restrictions: Rules, Limits & Visas

Additional sources

studyabroad.careers360.com, nzimmigration.info, idp.com, immigration.govt.nz, immigration.govt.nz, economictimes.com, imfs.co.in, studywithnewzealand.govt.nz

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

What documents prove funds for NZ student visa?

Primary evidence includes official bank statements (minimum 3–6 months), fixed deposit certificates, scholarship confirmation letters, and education loan sanction letters. Secondary evidence can include payslips, income tax returns, employer letters, and business documents. Cash savings, informal loans, and unverified large deposits are not accepted.

Can I work on a Fee Paying Student Visa?

Yes, student visas allow limited work hours — typically up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays. However, INZ expects you to have enough funds to support yourself without relying on part-time work income.

What health checks are needed for student visa NZ?

You must complete a chest X-ray and general medical examination with an INZ-approved panel physician. Pregnant applicants face additional health documentation requirements and must budget an extra NZD $9,000 for maternity healthcare costs.

How does tuition fee payment affect visa fees?

You must provide proof of tuition payment separately from living costs proof. Acceptable documents are official receipts or Approval in Principle (AIP) documentation. Screenshots, agent invoices, or unofficial documents are not accepted.

What if my course is less than 1 year?

For programs under 12 months, living costs are calculated monthly: NZD $1,667 per month for tertiary students and NZD $1,417 per month for school students. Your visa will be tied to your actual program length.

Are there visa fees for dependents?

Yes, dependent children can apply for a Dependent Child Student Visa with a separate fee structure from the primary applicant. Check INZ’s current fee schedule for exact dependent fees.

What is the refund policy for student visa fees?

INZ generally does not refund visa fees if your application is declined. If you withdraw your application before processing begins, contact INZ directly to inquire about partial refunds on a case-by-case basis.

For international students targeting New Zealand, the fee picture is clear: budget at least NZD $850 for the visa itself, NZD $20,000 per year for living costs, and thousands more in health checks, insurance, and travel funds. The process rewards applicants who prepare complete financial documentation upfront — incomplete fund proof is the fastest way to a rejected application, and reapplying means paying the fee twice.