Student visas
New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa
For people paying their own international tuition fees, this student route lets you study full-time at an approved New Zealand education provider for the length of your course.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official New Zealand government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Fee Paying Student Visa
- Route type
- Student visa
- Funds required
- NZD $20,000 per year (or NZD $1,667 per month for courses under a year) for living costs, at tertiary/English-language level
- Insurance
- Travel and medical insurance required for the whole course (a visa condition)
Who it is for
- International students paying their own international tuition fees
- Students with an offer of place from an approved education provider
Requirements
- An offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider
- Proof of funds for living costs (NZD $20,000/year, or NZD $1,667/month for shorter courses)
- Evidence of tuition fees paid, or approval in principle to pay after approval if applying from offshore
- Travel and medical insurance for the full course
- Meet health and character requirements
What you can do
- Study full-time at your approved provider
- Work part-time during study where your visa conditions allow
- Progress toward a Post Study Work Visa after graduating
How to apply
- Accept your offer of place and gather evidence of funds and insurance
- Apply online through Immigration New Zealand
- Prepay tuition to speed up processing, or arrange approval-in-principle payment
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.