New Zealand is an option for Indian students who want shorter paths to work and a clear post-study work visa. Immigration New Zealand has changed work rights and is extending post-study eligibility in November 2026. This guide uses the official Immigration New Zealand pages, read on 22 October 2026.
- The Fee Paying Student Visa starts from NZD 850, with 80 percent of applications decided within 7 weeks
- Students may work up to 25 hours a week and full-time in holidays
- Students need NZD 20,000 a year for living costs
- The Post-Study Work Visa lasts up to 3 years, costs from NZD 1,670, and its eligibility extends from 16 November 2026.
How Much Does the New Zealand Student Visa Cost?
Immigration New Zealand lists the Fee Paying Student Visa from NZD 850, for a stay of up to four years. It says 80 percent of applications are decided within 7 weeks. It advises applying at least three months before you travel, and notes that processing is busiest between October and March.
The visa is normally issued for the period of study you have paid for, or until your passport expires if that comes first. It may be shorter than your course. Check the Immigration New Zealand page for the current fee for your situation.
How Much Money Do You Need to Show?
For tertiary study, English language study or other non-compulsory study of a year or more, you must have NZD 20,000 for each year of living costs, or NZD 1,667 a month for shorter study. You must also show you have paid tuition for one course or one year, whichever is shorter, and have a way to leave New Zealand.
| NZ student funds 2026 | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Living costs, study of 1 year or more | NZD 20,000 a year | Immigration New Zealand |
| Living costs, study under 1 year | NZD 1,667 a month | Immigration New Zealand |
| School students, 1 year or more | NZD 17,000 a year | Immigration New Zealand |
| Tuition | One course or one year, whichever is shorter | Immigration New Zealand |
Prepaid accommodation can be deducted from the living-cost amount. You also need proof you can leave, either a paid ticket or enough extra money to buy one.
Your funds can be money held by you or on your behalf, an acceptable sponsor, or a guarantor or third party. They must come from a source Immigration New Zealand can confirm and be genuinely available to you while you are in New Zealand. If a sponsor supports you, they are responsible for all your living costs during your stay.
New Zealand Student Visa 2026: Requirements and Cost GuideRead →How Many Hours Can You Work on a New Zealand Student Visa?
Immigration New Zealand says the Fee Paying Student Visa lets you work part-time up to 25 hours a week while studying and full-time in holidays, depending on your visa conditions. You need written permission if you plan to work. Check your visa conditions before you start a job.
The limit and the conditions printed on your visa are what apply to you. Ask your education provider if you are unsure what your conditions say.
What Is the Post-Study Work Visa and How Long Is It?
The Post-Study Work Visa lets you stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years depending on your study. It costs from NZD 1,670, and 80 percent of applications are decided within 4 weeks. You need NZD 5,000 for living costs and must apply within 3, 6 or 12 months of your student visa expiring.
A degree at level 7 or higher, including a master's or doctorate, lets you work for any employer. For lower qualifications you need a job related to what you studied. You can only hold this visa once.
To apply you must have recently finished studying in New Zealand for an approved qualification. For a degree at level 7 or higher you must have studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand. Your partner can apply for a work visa and your children can study as domestic students.
How to Get PR After Study in New ZealandRead →What Insurance and Health Checks Does the Student Visa Need?
Immigration New Zealand requires you to have full medical and travel insurance for your stay, and you must declare that your insurance is acceptable to your education provider. You must also be in good health and of good character, have a genuine reason for coming and show you can leave New Zealand when your stay ends.
Returning students must show they are passing their course and meeting attendance requirements. If you plan to work, you must provide information about your holidays and course and have written permission.
Can Your Family Come With You on a Student Visa?
You cannot include your partner or dependent children in your student visa application, but they can apply for visas based on their relationship to you. Immigration New Zealand says the Post-Study Work Visa has support visas, so your partner can apply for a work visa and your children can study as domestic students.
Check the Immigration New Zealand page on bringing family before you plan, because the conditions depend on your visa type and level of study.
What Changes From 16 November 2026?
From 16 November 2026 Immigration New Zealand will no longer accept paper applications for the Post-Study Work Visa, and eligibility will extend to people with a full-time level 7 graduate diploma from New Zealand and a bachelor's degree completed in New Zealand or overseas. All applications must be submitted online from that date.
If you are close to finishing your studies, check the announcement on the Immigration New Zealand site to see whether the new rules apply to you. Plan to apply online and keep your documents digital.
What Should Indian Students Check Before Choosing New Zealand?
Check the provider is approved, the course level for post-study work, your funds and tuition payment, the start date, and how your health and travel insurance will work. Compare costs and post-study time with other countries before you pay a deposit, because rules and work limits change.
Confirm each figure on the Immigration New Zealand site on the day you apply.
Study in New ZealandRead →