Living Expenses for New Zealand Student Visa 2025

Planning to study in New Zealand? One of the most important steps for Indian students applying for a New Zealand student visa is understanding the living expenses you need to prove. Your New Zealand study visa application won’t be approved unless you can show enough funds to cover all costs. For Indian students, understanding these details well in advance gives clarity and confidence, helping avoid surprises later. In this blog, we break down what costs you need to cover, what evidence Immigration NZ expects, how to manage expenses smartly, plus tips for working part-time and returning stronger.

New Zealand Student Visa Fund Requirements

To apply for a New Zealand student visa, you must show that you have enough money to support yourself while studying. According to Immigration New Zealand, if you’re studying at tertiary level, you need NZD 20,000 per year, or NZD 1,667 per month, for living expenses. If your course is shorter than a year, you apply the monthly requirement. This money is separate from tuition and insurance costs. Australian-bank-based students may use the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS), which mandates moving the NZD 20,000 into an FTS savings account and arranging monthly transfers. This ensures your funds are accessible in New Zealand, and Immigration NZ trusts this source. Indian students must carefully plan and show clear proof. You can’t use non-liquid assets like property. Most applicants rely on bank statements or fixed deposits from immediate family. Meeting this requirement makes your New Zealand study visa application stronger and smoother.

Breakdown of Living Costs

What does the NZD 20,000 per year cover? It’s a basic estimate of living or maintenance costs, but actual schedules depend on lifestyle and city. Most students, including Indian students, must budget for:

  • Accommodation: Shared flats or homestays cost NZD 400–800/month depending on the city.
  • Food & groceries: Around NZD 300–400/month if cooking at home, more if eating out.
  • Transport: Public transport passes (NZD 100–200/month) or occasional Uber/taxis.
  • Utilities, mobile, internet: Shared utilities generally cost NZD 100–150/month.
  • Books & study materials: Estimate NZD 50–100/month, more each semester.
  • Miscellaneous: Clothes, personal care, entertainment — budget NZD 100–150/month.

Indian students can save by sharing housing, cooking meals, and using student discounts. In Wellington, actual budgets reach NZD 400–500 weekly, higher than the NZD 302.32 living cost payment for loans. Living in smaller cities could cost less. Understanding this helps students prepare better than just meeting the visa minimum.

Proof of Funds and Documentation

For a New Zealand study visa, Immigration NZ requires clear proof of funds. This can be shown via:

  • Personal bank statements that are recent (within 3 months), not screenshots.
  • Fixed deposit or investment statements, if liquid; they must be accessible within weeks if needed.
  • Funds Transfer Scheme receipts, if applicable.
  • Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry (INZ1025) if someone else is paying, plus their financial documents

Forms must be complete and submitted on time. Make sure your financial documents are transparent, you don’t want delays or visa refusals due to unclear proof.

Working Part-Time While Studying

One big advantage of a New Zealand student visa is the ability to work part-time, up to 20 hours a week during study and full-time in holidays. From late 2025, this might increase to 25 hours/week, offering even more flexibility. Part-time work helps Indian students manage living costs, gain workplace skills, and add income for monthly expenses. Sectors such as hospitality, retail, and admin roles often hire students. Wages between NZD 22–25/hour mean working 20 hours/week could bring roughly NZD 1,800–2,000/month. This goes a long way in covering groceries or transport. Balancing study and work teaches time-management, a skill that counts on resumes and visa interviews. While planning for the visa, it’s smart to factor in expected earnings from legitimate part-time jobs so you don’t rely entirely on savings alone.

Post-Study Work Visa Advantage

Completing your New Zealand study opens a path to the Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV). You only need to show NZD 5,000 in funds when applying for this visa. PSWV allows you to work full-time for up to 3 years, depending on your qualification level. This is a golden chance to gain international work experience before returning home. Indian students benefit greatly, gaining exposure to global workplace culture, higher corporate practices, and better CV credentials. Work during or after your course also helps repay education expenses, build professional networks, and stand out in India’s competitive job market. Planning ahead for your PSWV budget (just NZD 5,000 needed initially) makes your journey seamless.

Practical Budget Tips for Indian Students

To optimize your New Zealand study visa experience, here are easy tips:

  • Convert NZD 20,000 to INR to understand how much financial planning is needed.
  • Live with flatmates or in homestays, shared rent cuts costs significantly.
  • Cook meals at home; Indian groceries are available and cheaper than eating out.
  • Use public transport student passes or bike to save.
  • Open a New Zealand bank account when you arrive to simplify money transfers.
  • Bring essentials like medicine or warm clothes from India to cut costs.
  • Work part-time wisely, combine income with budgeting skills to stretch the living cost allowance.

These simple moves make a big difference in stretching your budget and improving your visa application’s credibility.

Why New Zealand for Indian Students?

New Zealand attracts thousands of Indian students due to its evolving, student-friendly environment. It offers high-quality education, with strong international recognition. The focus on practical and theoretical learning makes the education relevant and dynamic. New Zealand is also known for being safe and welcoming, with people respecting diverse cultures. As a result, many Indian students feel at home rapidly. With working rights during study and a generous PSWV, every student gains more than just education, they gain exposure, confidence, and a global edge. When they return home, they’re not just degree holders but experience-enhanced professionals ready to occupy senior roles.

Checklist for Financial Readiness

Here’s a handy checklist for planning your New Zealand student visa finances:

  • Show NZD 20,000 per year proof (or NZD 1,667/month) via bank or FTS.
  • Submit valid bank statements or investment documents.
  • Apply for the Funds Transfer Scheme if required.
  • Include income proof or sponsor documents if applicable.
  • Factor in part-time work earnings.
  • Plan to apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, just NZD 5,000 required.
  • Budget carefully: accommodation, food, transport, books.
  • Save on essentials and culture-related expenses.

This approach ensures you’re financially prepared, confident, and visa-ready.

West Highlander Immigration

West Highlander Immigration can guide you through the complete process of applying for your New Zealand student visa. Our expert team will help you understand the living expenses, tuition fees, and other financial requirements for studying in New Zealand. We provide personalised advice for Indian students, ensuring your visa file meets Immigration New Zealand standards. With our experience, you can get accurate information, strong documentation support, and step-by-step guidance. Call us for free counselling and online services to make your New Zealand study visa process smooth and successful. Contact us today at 📞 9915999677 and start your study in New Zealand journey.