Studying in New Zealand has become easier for students holding Indian qualifications. Indian qualifications are now included in the ‘List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment’, simplifying the application process for Indian students applying for a New Zealand study visa.
International students, including Indians, can apply for a student visa online to study at a New Zealand university.
Visas for studying in New Zealand
There are several types of visas available for foreign students, each with its own eligibility criteria and conditions. These conditions may include rules around studying, working, and travelling.
There are also options for Working Holiday Visas, which allow young people between 18 and 30 to work or study while they holiday in New Zealand.
Applying for a student visa
To start studying in New Zealand, individuals must apply for a student visa early to avoid delays, especially during busy periods. To ensure smooth processing, applicants must have all required documents, follow application guidelines, and submit everything through an online application form.
On 18 August 2025, international student visa applications moved to Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced Immigration Online system. The new form includes built-in guidance to help applicants understand each question and provide accurate responses.
Applications submitted using the old form on or before 17 August 2025 will still be processed. Applicants will not need to resubmit and will retain access to upload documents and respond to requests until a decision is made.
If applicants have a draft application on the old form, they can submit it by 17 September 2025 or start fresh using the new form.
“What we are seeing in New Zealand right now is a mix of speed and stability. The new ADEPT platform has made visa applications quicker and more transparent, and for Indian students, the addition of their qualifications to the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment in June has removed a significant barrier, making the entry process smoother.
Meanwhile, the planned increase in permitted in-study work hours from 20 to 25 hours per week from November 3 reflects New Zealand’s responsiveness to students’ financial needs and learning realities,” says Saurabh Arora, Founder & CEO, University Living.
Visa Processing Times
The periods between November to March and May to August are when New Zealand sees the highest volumes of student visa applications.
This is because students apply for a student visa before the start of the academic year or mid-year, as well as students already in New Zealand applying for a further visa to continue their studies.
For the best chance of getting a visa on time for study, applicants should apply at least three months before they intend to travel.
Changing course or provider
If visa holders want to change what or where they are studying, they will need to apply for a variation of conditions to their current visa or get a new visa.
If individuals currently hold a Pathway Student Visa and want to change their education provider, they will need to apply for a new student visa.
Working hours of 25 hours each week
There are options for people to stay and work in New Zealand after completing their studies, such as the Post Study Work Visa.
Whether a student can work before or after the course has finished depends on the work rights specified in the student visa.
Starting 3 November 2025, eligible tertiary and secondary school students will be allowed to work up to 25 hours each week during the semester. This change will apply to all new student visas granted from that date, even if the application was submitted earlier.
“Tuition fees vary, Engineering and Science programs can reach NZ$53,133, while Commerce and Health Sciences remain more moderate.
At the postgraduate level, international students face fees between NZ$30,900-64,945, especially in Engineering, Computer Science, MBA, and Health Sciences,” adds Arora.
If a student visa already has a 20-hour work limit and the visa holder wants to work up to 25 hours each week, they will need to apply for a variation of conditions. The extra 5 hours will not be added automatically. If visa holders do not apply, their current work limit stays the same.