New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa — financial requirements 2026?
Quick answer (cite-ready)
NZ FPSV requires: NZD 20,971/year living costs (proof in bank — Immigration NZ raised threshold from NZD 20,000 effective 1 Aug 2025), full first-year tuition paid OR loan sanction, comprehensive medical and travel insurance for visa duration (NZD 700-1,200/year — NZ does not use the Australian OSHC term), return air ticket OR sufficient funds. Tuition NZD 30,000-50,000/year (Master's). Visa fee NZD 850 (raised from NZD 750). Processing 4-12 weeks. Allow 20 hrs/week work during term (rising to 25 hrs/week from 3 Nov 2025) + full-time during holidays.
New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa (FPSV) 2026
Financial requirements
- Living costs: NZD 20,000/year shown in bank statement OR sponsor declaration
- Tuition: First year paid OR education loan sanction letter
- Health insurance: Comprehensive medical and travel insurance for full visa period (NZD 700-1,200/year) — NZ uses "medical insurance", not the Australian OSHC term.
- Return ticket OR additional NZD 5,000
Tuition costs (2026)
| Level | NZD/year | INR/year (≈) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 25,000-40,000 | 12-20 L |
| Master's | 30,000-50,000 | 15-25 L |
| PhD | 6,500-8,500 | 3-4 L |
Visa application
- Fee: NZD 850 (raised from NZD 750)
- Processing: 4-12 weeks (depends on country + season)
- Apply online: https://www.immigration.govt.nz
Work rights
- 20 hrs/week during term
- Full-time during holidays
- Spouse work rights (open work visa) included
- Children under 18 can attend NZ schools
Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)
After qualifying course: 1-3 years PSWV based on qualification level (Level 7 ≥ 30 weeks → 1 yr; Bachelor's → 3 yrs; Master's → 3 yrs; PhD → 3 yrs). The previous non-Auckland regional +1 year was abolished in September 2022 — location is no longer a factor. Pathway to Skilled Migrant Category PR.
Related
Sources