--- title: "New Zealand Student visa 2026: savings from NZD 17k/yr needed" url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/new-zealand/fee-paying-student/ lang: en updated: 2026-10-10 --- New Zealand · Student # New Zealand Student visa **Savings needed:** from NZD 17k a year ≈ $9,500 Fee Paying Student Visa First checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) - **Savings needed:** from NZD 17k a year ≈ $9,500 (Savings of at least NZD 20,000 a year (≈ $11,200) · Living expenses for tertiary, English language or other non-compulsory study of 1 year or more; NZD 1,667 per month for shorter study. Savings of at least NZD 17,000 a year (≈ $9,500) · Compulsory (school) education; NZD 1,417 per month for shorter study. A fee of NZD 850 (≈ $480) · Visa cost shown as from NZD 850.) - **First stay:** 4 yrs (Normally issued for the period of study paid for, up to 4 years.) - **Who can apply:** Any passport - **Tax angle:** Tax relief (Transitional tax resident exemption for most foreign-source income: New migrants and returning New Zealanders who qualify get roughly four years of exemption on most foreign-source income while they are New Zealand tax residents.) ## Key facts Student visa is a student route for New Zealand. Applicants need savings from NZD 17k a year ≈ $9,500. You can stay 4 yrs. Checked 2026-10-10 against the official source. - **Money needed:** from NZD 17k a year ≈ $9,500 - **Government fees:** ~NZD 850 ≈ $480 - **First stay:** 4 yrs ## Cost, time and long term To apply: government fee NZD 850 ≈ $480; savings to show from NZD 17k/yr ≈ $9,500. No lawyer or agent fee is included. **Government fees: ~NZD 850 ≈ $480** - NZD 850 (≈ $480) Visa cost shown as from NZD 850 (≈ $480). **Shown, not spent: NZD 20k+/yr ≈ $11k · NZD 17k+/yr ≈ $9,500** - NZD 20,000 a year (≈ $11,200) Living expenses for tertiary, English language or other non-compulsory study of 1 year or more; NZD 1,667 (≈ $930) per month for shorter study. - NZD 17,000 a year (≈ $9,500) Compulsory (school) education; NZD 1,417 (≈ $790) per month for shorter study. **Citizenship: Time here doesn't count** Time on this visa does not count toward citizenship; the 5 years must be lived as a resident (resident visa or permit). [New Zealand Government](https://www.govt.nz/browse/passports-citizenship-and-identity/nz-citizenship/requirements-for-nz-citizenship/presence-requirements/) **Where to apply: Abroad or in-country** You can apply from outside New Zealand with a conditional offer of place; students already in New Zealand can apply for a further student visa. [Immigration New Zealand](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/) ## Why this route may not fit Check this before you apply. - Time on this route doesn't count toward citizenship - Needs a place at a school or university in New Zealand ### What you'll need #### Who can apply - The student has an offer of a place on an approved course from an approved education provider. - A parent or legal guardian must accompany a child under 10 not in an approved hostel. #### What you must show - The student has money to pay tuition fees, or a scholarship, and living expenses. - Living expenses for tertiary, English language or other non-compulsory study of 1 year or more are NZD 20,000 (≈ $11,200); shorter study needs NZD 1,667 (≈ $930) per month. - Living expenses for compulsory (school) education are NZD 17,000 (≈ $9,500); shorter study needs NZD 1,417 (≈ $790) per month. - An acceptable sponsor can replace the funds. - The visa cost is shown as from NZD 850 (≈ $480). #### Documents - Acceptable insurance is required. ## What happens at day 183 How New Zealand decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records. - **Stay on this route:** **Up to 4 years at first** - **Tax residence:** - **More than 183 days in any 12-month period** Tax residence begins by more than 183 days in New Zealand or a permanent place of abode - **Foreign-source income:** **New-resident relief (4 years)** New migrants and returning New Zealanders who qualify get roughly four years of exemption on most foreign-source income while they are New Zealand tax residents. - **Special regime:** **Transitional tax resident exemption** · Tax relief [All tax rules for New Zealand](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/new-zealand/tax/) Tax records checked 12 Oct 2026 **Full official text** Student visa for full-time study at an approved New Zealand education provider, paid by the student or family. (source 1) #### What you must show and pay - Savings of at least NZD 20,000 a year (≈ $11,200) · Living expenses for tertiary, English language or other non-compulsory study of 1 year or more; NZD 1,667 (≈ $930) per month for shorter study. (source 1) - Savings of at least NZD 17,000 a year (≈ $9,500) · Compulsory (school) education; NZD 1,417 (≈ $790) per month for shorter study. (source 1) - A fee of NZD 850 (≈ $480) · Visa cost shown as from NZD 850 (≈ $480). (source 1) #### Requirements - The student has an offer of a place on an approved course from an approved education provider. (source 1) - A parent or legal guardian must accompany a child under 10 not in an approved hostel. (source 1) - The student has money to pay tuition fees, or a scholarship, and living expenses. (source 1) - Living expenses for tertiary, English language or other non-compulsory study of 1 year or more are NZD 20,000 (≈ $11,200); shorter study needs NZD 1,667 (≈ $930) per month. (source 1) - Living expenses for compulsory (school) education are NZD 17,000 (≈ $9,500); shorter study needs NZD 1,417 (≈ $790) per month. (source 1) - An acceptable sponsor can replace the funds. (source 1) - The visa cost is shown as from NZD 850 (≈ $480). (source 1) - Acceptable insurance is required. (source 1) #### Stay - Normally issued for the period of study paid for, up to 4 years. - First stay: up to 48 months, decided case by case. #### Work Part-time up to 25 hours a week during study and full-time in scheduled holidays, depending on visa conditions. #### Family Partner and children cannot be included but may apply on other visa grounds. Checked 2026-10-10 ## Official sources 1. [Fee Paying Student Visa](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/) · Immigration New Zealand · checked 2026-10-10 2. [Presence in NZ requirements (citizenship by grant)](https://www.govt.nz/browse/passports-citizenship-and-identity/nz-citizenship/requirements-for-nz-citizenship/presence-requirements/) · New Zealand Government (govt.nz, Department of Internal Affairs) · checked 2026-10-11 ## Student visa and its alternatives | Route | Money needed | Stay | Work | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Student visa | Needs savings from NZD 17k a year ≈ $9,500 | 4 yr | – | | [Study visa (ED)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/thailand/nonimmigrant-ed-study/) Thailand | – | 3 mo, renewable | No | | [Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/japan/student/) Japan | – | 4.3 yr, renewable | Limited | | [Student visa · Non-formal](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/indonesia/e30-education/) Indonesia | – | 4 yr, renewable | No | | [Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-arab-emirates/student-visa/) United Arab Emirates | – | – | – | ## Questions people ask ### How much money do I need for the Student visa? Savings of at least NZD 20,000 a year (≈ $11,200). Living expenses for tertiary, English language or other non-compulsory study of 1 year or more; NZD 1,667 (≈ $930) per month for shorter study. Savings of at least NZD 17,000 a year (≈ $9,500). Compulsory (school) education; NZD 1,417 (≈ $790) per month for shorter study. A fee of NZD 850 (≈ $480). Visa cost shown as from NZD 850 (≈ $480). ### How long can I stay on the Student visa? Normally issued for the period of study paid for, up to 4 years. ### Can I work on the Student visa? Part-time up to 25 hours a week during study and full-time in scheduled holidays, depending on visa conditions. ### Can I bring my family on the Student visa? Partner and children cannot be included but may apply on other visa grounds. ### Is there a tax break for Student visa holders in New Zealand? Transitional tax resident exemption for most foreign-source income: New migrants and returning New Zealanders who qualify get roughly four years of exemption on most foreign-source income while they are New Zealand tax residents. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions. ## Tax Special regime ### [Transitional tax resident exemption for most foreign-source income](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/new-zealand/tax/#tax-nz-transitional-resident-foreign-income) Tax relief Foreign-source income: New-resident relief (4 years) **Details** - On: Most foreign-source income New migrants and returning New Zealanders who qualify get roughly four years of exemption on most foreign-source income while they are New Zealand tax residents. #### Taxed on Most foreign-source income; overseas employment and personal services income is not exempt. #### Who it applies to - Period begins on first day of New Zealand tax residence and ends four years after end of month of qualification, subject to earlier opt-out/termination events. - The exemption can be used only once. - The person was not a New Zealand tax resident at any time in the 10 years before qualifying. #### Exclusions - Overseas employment income and income from personal services is not exempt. - Applying for Working for Families, opting out, reporting covered income, or confirming NZ tax to a foreign jurisdiction on covered income can terminate the exemption. - Foreign-super withdrawals have their own rule. #### Days in the country - More than 183 days in any 12-month period · Tax residence begins by more than 183 days in New Zealand or a permanent place of abode #### Tax residence NZ tax residence can begin through more than 183 days in any 12-month period or permanent place of abode; this transitional exemption can apply during tax residence. After the exemption ends, worldwide income rules apply. #### Visas No particular visa is required by the tax rule; immigration and tax residence are distinct. #### Other taxes Tax exemption does not waive GST, PAYE on New Zealand work, KiwiSaver or other applicable levies; foreign employment/services carveout means remote work must be analyzed carefully. Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/new-zealand/tax/) ## More in New Zealand [Working Holiday](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/new-zealand/working-holiday/) [Visitor visa + remote work](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/new-zealand/visitor-remote-work/) [Business Investor work visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/new-zealand/business-investor-work/) [Accredited Employer visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/new-zealand/aewv/) [Skilled Migrant Category](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/new-zealand/smc-resident/) [Straight to Residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/new-zealand/straight-to-residence/) [Post-study work visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/new-zealand/post-study-work/) [Work to Residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/new-zealand/work-to-residence/) ## Study visas elsewhere [🇰🇷 D-4 language study](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/south-korea/d4-language-trainee/) [🇭🇰 Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/hong-kong/student-visa/) [🇦🇺 Student visa 500](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/student-500/) [🇰🇭 Student extension (ES)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/cambodia/es-student-extension/) [🇱🇰 Education visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/sri-lanka/education-residence-visa/) [🇮🇳 e-Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/india/e-student-visa/) ≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated. ## How this was checked **Checked on 2026-10-10 against 2 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources. Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out. 1. [Fee Paying Student Visa](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/) · Immigration New Zealand · checked 2026-10-10 2. [Presence in NZ requirements (citizenship by grant)](https://www.govt.nz/browse/passports-citizenship-and-identity/nz-citizenship/requirements-for-nz-citizenship/presence-requirements/) · New Zealand Government (govt.nz, Department of Internal Affairs) · checked 2026-10-11 Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.