What changed recently
- Post-Study Work Visa eligibility expands from 16 November 2026 to include NZQF level 7 graduate diploma graduates (full-time NZ study) and bachelor's degree holders, including some qualifications completed overseas - previously the visa was more restricted by qualification level/field. Source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/
Watch out for
- Check the exact post-study work eligibility rules that apply on your own graduation date - the 16 November 2026 expansion changes who qualifies, so confirm current settings before choosing a course based on post-study work plans.
- The NZD 20,000/year figure is a visa-eligibility funds requirement, not a full cost-of-living estimate; budget for actual rent, food and transport separately by city.
The basics
- Bachelor's
- 3 years (bachelor's, most fields)
- Master's / PhD
- 1-2 years (master's); PhD typically 3-4 years
- Intakes
- Semester 1 (February/March) — main · Semester 2 (July)
- Exams — bachelor's
- No standardised national test; institution-specific requirements
- Exams — master's
- Varies by programme
- Work while studying
- Up to 25 hours a week while studying, full-time during scheduled holidays (conditions vary by visa/course level) - Immigration New Zealand.
- Work after graduating
- Post-Study Work Visa: up to 3 years depending on qualification level and study duration; apply within 3 months of the student visa expiring (6 months for doctoral graduates, 12 months in specific circumstances); requires at least NZD 5,000 for living expenses. From 16 November 2026, eligibility is being expanded to include NZQF level 7 graduate diploma graduates (if studied full-time in NZ) and bachelor's degree holders (including some completed overseas) - a significant broadening versus earlier, more restrictive rules.
Your timeline from India
for the main intake- Before applying for the visaGet an Offer of Place from an approved education provider
- ApplicationGather proof of funds (NZD 20,000/year for tertiary/English-language study, or NZD 1,667/month for shorter courses) and evidence tuition is paid for one year or one course, whichever is shorter
- ApplySubmit the Fee Paying Student Visa application online and pay the fee (from NZD 850)
- DecisionImmigration New Zealand states 80% of decisions are made within 8 weeks
What it costs
rupees at ECB rates of 2026-09-25- Living costs
- NZD 20,000–20,000 / year · about ₹10.9 lakh–10.9 lakh (Immigration New Zealand's Fee Paying Student Visa proof-of-funds requirement for tertiary/English-language study, or NZD 1,667/month for courses shorter than a year; compulsory-education (Years 1-13) rate is NZD 17,000/year.)
The student visa
- Visa
- Fee Paying Student Visa ↗
- Fee
- NZD 850 · about ₹46,196
Application fee 'from NZD 850' per Immigration New Zealand; exact fee can vary by application channel/country. - Money to show
- NZD 20,000 for each year of tertiary/English-language study (or NZD 1,667/month for courses under a year), plus evidence of tuition paid for one year or one course, whichever is shorter.
- Processing
- Immigration New Zealand states 80% of Fee Paying Student Visa decisions are made within 8 weeks.
Steps
- Get an Offer of Place from an approved education provider
- Gather required documents (funds, tuition payment evidence, health/character requirements)
- Submit the application online and pay the visa fee
- Wait for a decision (80% within 8 weeks per Immigration New Zealand)
- Check application status through the online account
Where to apply, funding, official help
Top universities in New Zealand
by ARWU 2025 world rank201–300The University of AucklandAuckland, New ZealandAdmission guide401–500University of CanterburyChristchurch, New ZealandAdmission guide401–500Victoria University of WellingtonWellington, New ZealandAdmission guide401–500University of OtagoDunedin, New Zealand701–800University of WaikatoHamilton, New ZealandAdmission guide801–900Massey UniversityPalmerston North, New ZealandAdmission guide901–1000Auckland University of TechnologyAuckland Region, New Zealand—Lincoln UniversityNew Zealand
This guide was built from: immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa · immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/ · immigration.govt.nz/study — checked 2026-09-28.