New Zealand visas: Guide for Indian students

Find out what Indian students need to know when applying for a student visa for New Zealand.

New Zealand may not be the most well-known of destinations, but it is highly regarded among international students for its high-class education and desirable lifestyle.

As of 2022, there are 25,000 international students studying in New Zealand with 95% studying at a higher education institution (36% studying bachelor's degrees and 41% studying post-graduate qualifications). In 2021, international students studying in New Zealand generated $247 million making export education a major industry in the country's economy.

What type of visa do I need?

If you need to stay for longer than three months in New Zealand for your educational program, you’ll need a Student Visa. International full-time (more than 20 hours a week of classes) students should apply to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) for a student visa. As of 2024, the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa allows international students to stay for 4 years while enrolled at an institution.

It is worth noting that that certain criteria must be met before anybody can study in the country. To see if you qualify, check the INZ website.

How long will it take to process?

The New Zealand government claims to process 80% of student visa applications within 9 weeks. It is important to leave plenty of time for your visa process to be completed before travelling to New Zealand.

How much does it cost?

A student visa will cost you $430 NZD (around 21,968 INR). The website emphasises that this cost is for the processing of an application and is non-refundable if the application request is declined. Students are able to pay the application fee online via Visa, Mastercard or UnionPay. This price includes the International Visitor Levy which is otherwise $35 NZD.

What are the requirements for a student visa?

When applying for a student visa, students may need to submit the following alongside their application:

• A suitable photo of themselves
• A copy of their passport
• A medical certificate as proof of good health
• A chest x-ray as proof of good health (to prevent the spread of Tuberculosis, which can be common in India)
• A clear criminal record as proof of good character
• An offer to study at a recognised institution and information about the course
• Enough money to pay for at least 1 year of tuition fees
• Medical and/ or travel insurance as necessary
• Proof of access to at least $20,000 NZD per year to pay for living costs

Can I work while I study?

Full-time international students are permitted to work for a maximum of 20 hours in a week while they are studying. They can also work full time during holidays depending on the individual visa conditions.

Foreign students who wish to work while they study must apply for a variation of the conditions of their student visa. This can be done either while filling out the initial application or later - as long as their student visa is valid.

Can I work after graduation?

To encourage international students to stay after completing their courses, the New Zealand government, allows university graduates to get a Post Study Work Visa for up to 3 years depending on the level of study. This visa has a $700 NZD (around 35,715 INR) application cost and 80% of the time is processed in 6 weeks.

What about immigration opportunities?

Candidates who meet all the requirements are eligible for a Work to Residence Visa. This is for students who are approaching the end of their Post Study Work Visa and want to remain in New Zealand indefinitely. It costs $4290 NZD (around 218,884 INR) to apply for this visa.

Bear in mind…

•    If you apply for a visa through an immigration adviser, be sure that they are licensed. The INZ may decline your visa application if it has been filed on your behalf by an adviser who is not licensed. Visit the Immigration Advisers Authority for more details.
•    New Zealand defines full-time students as those attending a private training establishment (PTE) for at least 20 hours each week; studying at least three papers, or the equivalent, each semester at a tertiary institution other than a PTE; or attending a primary, intermediate, or secondary school for at least one school term.
•    You can also apply for a student visa when you are already in New Zealand. A student visa granted onshore will usually include travel conditions allowing multiple journeys, so you can travel out of New Zealand and back in before the expiry of the visa.
•    Students Online is a service that makes applying for student visas easier, coming into being through an arrangement between Immigration New Zealand and selected education providers. If you are studying with an education provider that is part of Students Online, you can apply for your student visa at the international office on campus. For a list of education providers that are part of Students Online, see www.immigration.govt.nz/sol.
•    If you are aged 17 or under you must be accompanied by your parent or legal guardian.
•    Foreign students can also bring their car or household items to New Zealand without having to pay any customs duty. Visit www.customs.govt.nz for more details.

Useful contacts

New Zealand High Commission
Sir Edmund Hillary Marg
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110021
Telephone: +91(11)46883170
Fax: +91(11)46883165
Email: [email protected]

 

New Zealand Consulate General, Mumbai

Maker Maxity, Level 2

3 North Avenvue

Bandra Kurla Complex

Mumbai 400 051

Telephone: +91(22)61316666

Fax: +91(22)67709003

Email: nczg.mumbai@[email protected]

 

New Zealand Honorary Consul, Chennai

132 Cathedral Road

Maithri

Chennai 600086

Telephone: +91(44)28112471

Fax: +91(44)28112449

Email: [email protected]