New Zealand has become one of the most popular destinations for international students because of its high-quality education system, post-study work opportunities, and safe multicultural environment. But before you can begin your study journey, one of the most critical steps is ensuring you meet the New Zealand student visa fund requirements, which confirm that you can financially support yourself during your stay.
A major part of this process is meeting the financial or “funds” requirement set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). This requirement ensures that international students can pay for their tuition, living expenses, and travel costs without financial hardship. If you are applying for a student visa in 2025, understanding these requirements is essential to avoid delays or refusals.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of the New Zealand student visa fund requirements for 2025, including how much money you need, acceptable sources of funds, evidence you must provide, and tips for preparing your documents.
Why Does INZ Require Proof of Funds?
To meet the NZ student visa fun requirements, the New Zealand government wants to ensure that students:
- Can afford their studies – including tuition fees and day-to-day living expenses.
- Do not rely on public funds – international students are not entitled to government financial assistance.
- Do not need to work illegally – student visas allow limited work hours, but INZ expects students to have enough funds to live without depending solely on part-time jobs.
- Can return home after studies – students must show they can afford outward travel.
In short, financial readiness demonstrates genuine student intent, which strengthens your visa application.
Minimum Living Cost Requirements in 2025
The amount of money you need depends on your type of study and the duration:
For Tertiary (University, College, and Institutes)
- NZD $20,000 per year if your program is 12 months or more.
- NZD $1,667 per month if your program is less than 12 months.
For School Students (Years 1–13)
- NZD $17,000 per year if studying for 1 year or more.
- NZD $1,417 per month for programs shorter than 12 months.
Prepaid Accommodation Adjustment
If you have already paid for accommodation (e.g., homestay or hostel), that amount can be deducted from your required funds. For example, if you prepaid NZD $5,000 for accommodation, you only need to show NZD $15,000 for living costs (for tertiary study).
Tuition Fees in Addition to Living Costs
Proof of funds does not replace tuition fee requirements. You must either:
- Provide an official receipt confirming tuition fees are fully paid, or
- If applying under Approval in Principle (AIP), provide evidence that you can pay tuition after visa approval.
Important: Screenshots, agent invoices, or unofficial receipts are not accepted.
Outward Travel Costs
In addition to tuition and living costs, you must show funds for return travel:
- Either provide a fully paid return air ticket, or
- Show enough additional funds to cover travel expenses (approximately NZD $2,000).
Special Case: Maternity Costs
If you are pregnant at the time of application, you must show NZD $9,000 extra to cover maternity healthcare costs.
Sources of Funds Acceptable to INZ
Your financial support can come from different sources, but they must be genuine and verifiable.
1. Personal Funds
- Savings accounts in your name
- Fixed deposits (with evidence they are withdrawable)
- Withdrawable provident fund balances
2. Sponsorship (Family or Relatives in New Zealand)
Sponsors must complete the Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry (INZ 1025) and provide:
- Bank statements
- Income proof
- Tax documents
3. Financial Undertaking by Guarantors (Overseas or NZ-based)
Guarantors must complete the Financial Undertaking for a Student Form (INZ 1014) and show verifiable financial evidence.
4. Scholarships and Government Funding
- Scholarship award letters from the New Zealand government, universities, or other recognised organisations are acceptable as proof.
5. Education Loans
- Must be sanctioned or disbursed by a recognised bank.
- Include loan sanction letters, disbursal schedules, and bank statements showing loan release.
Acceptable Evidence of Funds
Primary Evidence (Most Reliable)
- Official bank statements (minimum last 3–6 months)
- Fixed deposit certificates with maturity details
- Scholarship confirmation letters
- Education loan sanction letters
Secondary Evidence (Supporting Proof)
- Payslips and salary certificates
- Income tax returns
- Employer letters verifying income
- Business ownership and financial documents
- Property rental income agreements
Note: Cash savings, informal loans, or unverified deposits are not acceptable. INZ carefully checks for sudden large deposits without proof.
Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS) for Some Countries
Students from certain countries (including India, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines) may be required to use the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS).
How FTS Works:
- You transfer your living cost funds (e.g., NZD $20,000) to an ANZ Bank account in New Zealand.
- The money is locked in this account and released monthly (around NZD $1,667).
- This guarantees INZ that your living expenses are covered throughout your studies.
FTS is mandatory for high-risk applicants but can also strengthen your visa application even if not compulsory.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Unexplained large deposits – Sudden transfers raise suspicion unless backed by genuine documentation.
- Using multiple sponsors without relationship proof – INZ prefers direct family sponsorship with clear financial links.
- Submitting old bank statements – Always provide recent statements (preferably updated within 1 week of lodgement).
- Fake or unverified documents – Submitting fraudulent evidence leads to visa refusal and future bans.
- Relying only on part-time work plans – INZ expects funds before you arrive, not based on future earnings.
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Financial Documents
- Calculate your total requirement
- Tuition fees (per year) + Living costs (NZD $20,000) + Outward travel (approx. NZD $2,000)
- Identify your funding source
- Personal, sponsor, guarantor, loan, or scholarship
- Collect official evidence
- Bank statements, loan letters, scholarship certificates
- Fill INZ sponsorship or undertaking forms (if applicable)
- Ensure documents are recent and verifiable
- Submit all evidence with your visa application
Example Scenarios
- Undergraduate student (1 year program):
Tuition: NZD $30,000
Living cost: NZD $20,000
Travel: NZD $2,000
Total funds required = NZD $52,000 - Master’s student (2 years):
Tuition: NZD $35,000 per year × 2 = NZD $70,000
Living cost: NZD $40,000 (2 years)
Travel: NZD $2,000
Total funds required = NZD $112,000
FAQs
1. Do I need to show funds for the entire course duration?
Usually, INZ requires proof for the first year of study, but tuition fees for longer programs must still be planned.
2. Can my parents or relatives sponsor me?
Yes, but they must complete sponsorship or financial undertaking forms and provide proof of income and relationship.
3. Are fixed deposits accepted as proof?
Yes, if they are withdrawable and supported by official bank certificates.
4. Can scholarships cover my fund requirement?
Yes, if the scholarship letter clearly states tuition and/or living expenses are covered.
5. What if I cannot meet the funds requirement?
Your visa is likely to be refused. It’s better to arrange verified funds before applying.
Final Thoughts
The New Zealand student visa fund requirements in 2025 are designed to ensure that international students have a safe and stable study experience. Meeting these requirements requires careful financial planning, transparent documentation, and timely submission of evidence.
At Boomerang International, we guide students step-by-step through the process, from calculating required funds to preparing sponsorship documents and navigating the Funds Transfer Scheme. With the right support, your dream of studying in New Zealand can become a reality.
