New Zealand student visa bank balance for Nepali students: how much money to show

Written by the NEC counselling team. Last updated: 14 November 2026.

Quick answer

For a New Zealand student visa you must show living costs of NZ$20,000 a year (or NZ$1,667 a month if your course is shorter than a year), plus proof that your tuition is paid. Students from Nepal can be asked to use the Funds Transfer Scheme.

How much money do you need?

• Tertiary and English-language study: NZ$20,000 per year if you study for 1 year or more, or NZ$1,667 per month if the study is shorter than a year.
• School years 1 to 13: NZ$17,000 per year or NZ$1,417 per month.

For example, a 6-month course comes to about NZ$10,000 (6 months at NZ$1,667).

Tuition fees

You must meet one of these: tuition paid in full for 1 year or 1 programme (whichever is shorter), money to pay tuition if you apply from outside New Zealand with an approval in principle, or a fee exemption confirmed by your provider. A payment receipt or provider confirmation is accepted. Bank transfer screenshots and education agent receipts are not.

Which documents show your funds?

• Bank statements that show the account holder's name and the last 3 months of transactions
• Fixed-term deposit certificates held for at least 3 months
• A scholarship award letter
• Education loan sanction and disbursal letters from a qualifying bank
• Provident fund evidence that can be withdrawn

Immigration New Zealand may also ask where your money came from, for example for deposits over NZ$2,000. Keep income and sale documents ready.

The Funds Transfer Scheme, step by step

The scheme is available to students from China, India, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. It is not required for everyone. Immigration New Zealand tells you if you need it, after you receive an approval in principle letter.

1. Get your approval in principle letter. Immigration New Zealand tells you whether you must use the scheme.
2. Apply to one bank only, ANZ or BNZ, using the online form.
3. The bank contacts you within three business days.
4. Transfer your living-cost funds into a savings account in New Zealand and tell the bank.
5. The bank confirms receipt to Immigration New Zealand. Your visa is finalised after the bank confirms your funds and you give a receipt for paid tuition.
6. After you arrive, visit a branch to activate your accounts. The bank then pays a monthly amount into your everyday account.

Tuition fees do not count toward the NZ$20,000. Using the scheme does not guarantee approval.

Frequently asked questions

Can my education agent's receipt prove I paid tuition? No. Immigration New Zealand does not accept agent receipts or bank transfer screenshots. Use a payment receipt or confirmation from your provider.

Do I always have to use the Funds Transfer Scheme? No. Immigration New Zealand tells you if you need to.

How old can the bank statements be? They must show the last 3 months of transactions.

Talk to a counsellor (free)

Want us to check your funds and documents before you apply? Book a free session. applynec.com/contact

Sources

Checked on 14 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm with Immigration New Zealand before you apply.

• Immigration New Zealand: Student fund requirements
• Immigration New Zealand: Funds Transfer Scheme