Do you want to study in New Zealand? It’s easy to see why many international students pick NZ for their education. The country offers top-notch universities and safe friendly communities. But before you start packing, you need to complete one key step — prove to Immigration New Zealand that you have enough money to live, study, and succeed here.
This guide explains how much money you need, why you need it, and what proof you can show to boost your chances of getting your student visa approved.
Immigration New Zealand aims to ensure students can concentrate on their studies without financial stress. Because of this, you must provide evidence that you can pay for:
- Living expenses like food, transportation, and housing
- Course fees for your selected program
- Return travel meaning the ability to go back home when you finish studying
- Pregnancy care (if you’re expecting and seeking a visa)
Let’s examine each point in depth.
Cost of Living in New Zealand
If you plan to study at the tertiary level, in English language courses, or in any optional program, you need to prove:
- NZD $20,000 yearly if your studies last a year or more
- NZD $1,667 monthly if your studies last less than a year
For school students (Years 1–13), the money needed is a bit less:
- NZD $17,000 per year if you study for a full year
- NZD $1,417 per month if you study for a shorter time
If you’ve already paid for a place to stay through your school (like living with a local family), you can take this off the total money you need to show.
Money to Leave New Zealand
You also need to prove you can leave New Zealand when you finish studying. You can do this by showing:
- A ticket you’ve paid for to leave New Zealand, or
- Extra money set aside to buy one.
Tuition Fees
Along with living expenses, you need to show how you’ll pay for your schooling. This can include:
- A receipt from your school
- A letter saying a scholarship or government loan covers your tuition
- An “Approval in Principle” choice if you want to pay tuition after your visa gets a conditional green light
Keep in mind: screenshots of transfers or agent receipts won’t work.
Funding Options & Evidence
Your needed funds can come from various places as long as they’re real and you can use them:
- Personal funds (bank accounts, deposits, education loans provident funds)
- Sponsors (family, friends, or organisations in New Zealand)
- Third-party guarantors (through a financial undertaking)
- Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS) available to students from India, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines
You must show primary evidence like bank statements or loan letters. Sometimes, Immigration New Zealand might ask for secondary evidence to check where the money came from — for instance, payslips, tax returns, or documents showing property income.
Sponsorship & Financial Undertaking
If you have a sponsor in New Zealand, they need to prove they can pay for your living expenses. They should show recent bank statements, pay slips, or proof of housing.
If you have a guarantor from overseas, they must fill out the Financial Undertaking for a Student form. They also need to provide proof, like 3 months of bank statements.
Both choices make your sponsor or guarantor responsible to support you while you study.
Meeting New Zealand’s student visa money requirements might seem tough, but it’s key to showing you’ll be safe and supported during your studies. When you get the right papers ready and show real sources of money, you’ll make your visa application stronger. You’ll also feel more at ease.
Ezy Immigration stands by your side so you won’t face the complexity on your own. Our team of Licensed Immigration Advisers will help you through each stage — from figuring out how much money you need, to collecting the right proof, to making your application go as as possible.
Want to start your journey to study in New Zealand?
Talk to Ezy Immigration today and let our experts help you create a worry-free and winning student visa application.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must have NZD $20,000 each year for university studies, or NZD $17,000 each year for school students.
Yes, you can subtract prepaid housing (like school-arranged homestays) from the money you need to show for living costs.
You can prove this by showing a ticket you’ve paid for to leave New Zealand or extra money you’ve set aside to buy one.
Yes. Sponsors in New Zealand or guarantors overseas can take on legal responsibility for your living costs if they meet the financial requirements.
FTS offers a secure method for students from certain countries to move their required living expenses into a New Zealand bank account.
No, you can apply and can make the first year payment after receiving conditional approval.
You’ll have to show extra papers that explain where the money came from. These might include things like your pay stubs, tax forms, or proof of income from property.
