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As a Student, New Zealand on Your Mind? Here’s What You Need to Know
- Nishka.K
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
As the title suggests, if you are a student and New Zealand is your choice of place, that is exciting! A new place, new friends and a new start to life. But before the packing and making a list of places you want to visit, there are two important things you need to prove when applying for a student visa:
This guide breaks down what you need, how much money you need and what New Zealand immigration officials are looking for to approve your visa.
How Much Money Do You Need?
Getting visa is often one of the most challenging parts of moving or even traveling abroad. The preparation can feel overwhelming, as you try to ensure no important documents are missed. As part of the application, you must also demonstrate that you are financially capable of supporting yourself, this includes -
Tuition Fees
You must show proof that you have either:
Paid your tuition fees for 1 year or your full course (whichever is shorter) or
Have enough money to pay if your visa is approved in principle (AIP)
Accepted evidence: Receipts from your education provider or confirmation from a scholarship or government sponsor. Screenshots or agent receipts are not accepted.
Living Costs
Depending on how long you would be staying, you need to show:
NZD $20,000 per year if you're studying for 1 year or more
NZD $1,667 per month if studying for less than 1 year
NZD $17,000 per year or NZD $1,417 per month (For school-aged children Years 1–13)
If your accommodation is prepaid (e.g., school homestay), you can subtract that from your total living cost requirement.
Outward Travel
Showing a paid ticket out of New Zealand
Having enough extra money to buy one
Maternity Costs (if applicable)
If you are pregnant and planning to give birth in New Zealand, you must have an additional NZD $9,000 for maternity care.
What Evidence Can You Provide For New Zealand Student Visa?
Who Can Support You Financially?
There are several options for proving financial support:
Proving Genuine Intentions to Study
Immigration New Zealand must believe that you are genuinely coming there to study and not other intentions behind it.
What Are “Genuine Intentions” Here?
Simply put, it means:
You honestly want to study the course you have chosen.
You will follow visa rules and conditions.
You plan to leave New Zealand after your studies if you do not get another visa
What You Need to Show:
You have a confirmed place in an approved course
You’ve paid (or will pay) your tuition fees
You chose the course for the right reasons
You understand what you will do after studying
You can clearly explain where your money is coming from
If you have applied for visas before either in New Zealand or elsewhere, you might have noticed that they check (for you or your family/ friends)
Your past study attendance and progress
Why your plans have changed (if they have)
Whether you have overstayed or broken visa rules before
Your Home Country Matters Too
Officials may also look at:
Ties to your home country (family, property, job)
Your travel history
Any previous visa refusals or denials.
Your long-term plans and whether you are likely to return home
Having strong evidence of ties back home shows that you are not planning to stay in New Zealand illegally.
Tips for a Strong New Zealand Student Visa Application
Provide clear, honest and complete documents
Explain your study plan and why you chose New Zealand
Show strong financial evidence
Make sure documents are recent and translated (if needed)
Do not submit fake or misleading information it will harm your application
Hence Forth..
Studying in New Zealand is a great opportunity, but getting your student visa approved depends on two things: proof of funds and genuine intentions.
Take the time to prepare your documents carefully and explain your plans clearly. This will give you the best chance of having your student visa approved and starting your journey in one of the world’s top study destinations.
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