New Zealand student visa guide for Nepali students
How to apply for a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa: offer of place, tuition and living funds, health and character checks, and life as a student in New Zealand.
Get an offer of place, show tuition and living funds at the amount Immigration New Zealand sets, complete any health checks, and explain clearly why the course suits you.
How the New Zealand student visa works
Most international students who pay their own fees apply for a Fee Paying Student Visa through Immigration New Zealand (INZ). You apply online after an education provider offers you a place in a course.
Visa requirements, funds amounts and fees change. Check the current details on immigration.govt.nz before applying.
Key documents
- Offer of place from your New Zealand education provider, showing the course, duration and fees.
- Evidence of tuition: proof that fees are paid, or that you are exempt or have a scholarship.
- Evidence of living funds: money for each year of study, at the amount INZ sets, through bank records, a sponsor or an approved funds scheme.
- Travel plans: an outward ticket or funds to buy one.
- Health and character: medical certificates or a chest X-ray, and police certificates where required for your length of stay.
- Passport and photo that meet INZ requirements.
Showing you are a genuine student
Like other destinations, INZ looks at whether you genuinely intend to study. Prepare a clear explanation of:
Our guides to showing funds and explaining a study gap apply to New Zealand applications too.
Living and studying in New Zealand
- Insurance: you must have acceptable medical and travel insurance for your whole stay.
- Work: many students can work limited hours during study, depending on their course and visa conditions.
- Biosecurity: New Zealand is very strict about food, plants and outdoor equipment. Declare items on arrival.
- Cities: living costs and job options differ between cities such as Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Explore more about studying in New Zealand.
Questions students ask
How long does a New Zealand student visa take?
Processing times vary during the year. Check INZ’s current estimate and apply well before your course starts.
Can my partner come with me?
Some students’ partners can apply for their own visas, depending on the student’s level of study. Check INZ’s partner visa rules.
Do I need IELTS for New Zealand?
Your education provider sets the English requirement. Many accept IELTS, PTE and other approved tests.
Talk to a Shrey Education counsellor.
We can review your documents, course choice and budget before you apply.
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