Proof of Funds for a New Zealand Student Visa
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) wants proof that you can pay your tuition, live in New Zealand and buy a ticket home. Here is how much, and which documents count.
How Much Money You Need
These amounts are for study after school, such as a university degree.
Living Money Needed (NZD)
Undergraduate
NZD 20,000 for each year of study, plus tuition
If your study is shorter than 1 year: NZD 1,667 for each month.
Graduate
NZD 20,000 for each year of study, plus tuition
If your study is shorter than 1 year: NZD 1,667 for each month.
What You Must Cover
Add these three parts together.
- Tuition: your fee for 1 course, or for 1 year of study if that is shorter
- Living money: NZD 20,000 for each year of study
- Outward travel: a paid ticket home, or money to buy one
Important Notes
- Tuition is extra to the living money.
- Money for a ticket home is extra to the living money.
- If you already paid for a place to live, such as a homestay (living with a local family), that money can be taken off the living money.
- Pregnant students need NZD 9,000 for maternity health and medical costs.
Documents INZ Accepts
INZ accepts these as primary evidence of money.
- •
Show the account holder's name
- •
Show the last 3 months of transactions
- •
Explain large deposits over NZD 2,000
- •
The money must have been in the deposit for at least 3 months
- •
From a government-owned bank (a nationalised bank) or a big international bank
- •
Backed by things you own, such as property (security against fixed assets)
- •
Saying what backs the loan, the repayment pause (moratorium), the interest and the repayments
Other Accepted Proof
- Money saved in a provident fund (a work savings account) that you can take out, with proof of the job it comes from
- A Financial Undertaking for a Student (INZ 1014) from a guarantor (the person who pays for you)
- Your sponsor's sharing ID, if a New Zealand citizen or resident sponsors you
Rules for Your Documents
INZ checks that the money is real and really yours to use.
Rules for All Money Documents
Source
The money must come from a source INZ can confirm.
Access
It must be genuinely available for you to use in New Zealand.
Translation
Translate documents not in English. It helps prevent delays.
Rules for Each Document
| Document Type | Requirements | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|
| Bank statements |
| Last 3 months |
| Fixed deposits |
| At least 3 months |
| Guarantor's proof |
| Last 3 months |
Special Rules
- •
India: public sector banks: Documents from these public sector (government-owned) banks generally help INZ decide faster: State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank. INZ usually does not ask how you will repay loans from them.
- •
India: private banks: Loans from scheduled private sector banks take longer to check. Include how you will repay.
- •
Who can support you: Citizens of India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal or Bhutan applying from any of those countries: only your partner, parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents or parents-in-law can sponsor you. Pakistan: a sponsor must be a New Zealand citizen or resident, and family or a friend.
When You Send Your Money Documents
Money documents are part of your online visa application.
Steps
1Get your offer
Timing: Before you apply for the visa
Your offer shows your tuition fee.
2Pay tuition or plan to
Timing: Before or after your approval in principle (AIP) letter
Pay and get a receipt, or use an AIP if you apply from outside New Zealand. An AIP letter from INZ says you meet the visa rules, but you must still pay tuition.
3Upload your money documents
Timing: When you apply online
Bank statements, loan letters or the guarantor form.
4Do what the AIP letter asks
Timing: Usually within 10 days, or 15 days if you use the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS)
Send the tuition receipt and any FTS bank confirmation.
Time Limits
- Visa decision8 in 10 decisions within 7 weeks
- FTS bank contactWithin 3 working days of applying to the bank
- AIP deadlineUsually 10 days, or 15 days with the FTS
Tips
Pay tuition first if you can. A receipt helps your visa get decided faster.
Send clear documents, not piles of extra documents.
Keep the money in the account after you apply. INZ may ask to see a newer bank statement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These mistakes slow down or stop many visa applications.
Common Error
Large deposits (over NZD 2,000) with no reason given.
How to Avoid
Explain where the money came from and add proof.
Common Error
Sending a screenshot of a bank transfer for tuition.
How to Avoid
Send the receipt or letter from your school or university.
Common Error
Using a loan from a non-bank lender (NBFC, a non-banking financial company) or a non-scheduled bank.
How to Avoid
Avoid these. If you still use one, show how you will repay.
Common Error
Not sending the tuition receipt in time after your AIP letter.
How to Avoid
Pay and send the receipt before the AIP deadline.
More Pitfalls
New account with no history
If your account is new, show where the money came from, for example with a tax return or a payslip.
Forgetting the ticket
Money for a ticket home is extra to your living money.
Tip
If you already paid your tuition, send bank statements dated after you paid.
Helpful Resources
Pages from INZ and our own guides.
Qogent document check
We can review your money documents before you apply.
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