Every Nepali student planning to study in New Zealand needs a student visa, and the entire application process runs through the ADEPT online system. Unlike some countries where you submit paper applications at an embassy, New Zealand has moved the process almost entirely online — which is convenient, but means you need to get every document right before you upload it.
We have guided hundreds of Nepali students through this process at Study Abroad from Nepal. The visa itself is straightforward if your documentation is complete. Where students run into problems is usually with financial proof, medical requirements, or incomplete paperwork. This guide walks you through every step so you know exactly what to prepare and when.
If you are still deciding whether New Zealand is right for you, start with our complete guide to studying in New Zealand from Nepal.
What Is the ADEPT System?
ADEPT stands for Application, Decision, and Evidence Processing Tool. It is New Zealand Immigration's online portal where you create an account, fill in your application, upload supporting documents, pay the visa fee, and track your application status.
The system allows you to save your application progress and return to it later. Once submitted, you can log in at any time to check the status. Immigration New Zealand may also request additional documents through ADEPT, so we recommend checking regularly after submission.
Step-by-Step Visa Application Process
Step 1: Secure Your Offer of Place
Before applying for a visa, you must have a confirmed offer of place from a recognized New Zealand education provider. The institution must be on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) register. Your offer letter or enrollment confirmation is the foundation of your visa application.
Step 2: Pay Tuition Fees
Most New Zealand institutions require you to pay a tuition deposit or full first-year fees before they issue the documents needed for your visa application. Keep the payment receipt — you will need to upload it as evidence.
Step 3: Arrange Financial Proof
Immigration New Zealand requires evidence that you can support yourself financially. The minimum requirement is:
- NZD 20,000 per year for living costs
- Full tuition fees for the first year (or evidence of a scholarship)
- Return airfare to Nepal
At the current exchange rate of approximately NPR 80 per NZD, the NZD 20,000 living cost requirement translates to roughly NPR 16 lakh. Add tuition of NZD 30,000 (NPR 24 lakh) and your total first-year financial proof is approximately NPR 42 lakh.
Step 4: The Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS)
New Zealand offers a unique financial arrangement called the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS). Under this scheme, you transfer NZD 20,000 to a designated New Zealand bank account controlled by Immigration New Zealand before you arrive. The funds are then released to you monthly throughout your stay.
The FTS serves two purposes: it satisfies the financial requirement for your visa application, and it ensures you have a steady income stream once you arrive. Many Nepali students prefer this option because it simplifies the financial proof process.
Step 5: Medical and Police Requirements
Medical examination: You need a general medical certificate and a chest X-ray from a doctor approved by Immigration New Zealand. Nepal is in a tuberculosis-risk zone, so the chest X-ray is mandatory. Find a panel physician through the Immigration NZ website.
Police clearance: You need a police clearance certificate from Nepal Police. Apply through the OPCR portal (opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np) for the fastest processing — typically 2-3 working days online.
Step 6: Submit Your Application via ADEPT
Create an account on the ADEPT system and complete the online application form. You will need to upload:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond your planned stay)
- Offer of place or enrollment confirmation
- Tuition payment receipt
- Financial proof (bank statements, FTS confirmation, or scholarship letter)
- Medical certificate and chest X-ray results
- Police clearance certificate
- English proficiency results (IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Academic certificates (SLC/SEE, +2, bachelor's as applicable)
The visa application fee is NZD 330-350 (approximately NPR 26,400-28,000), payable online through ADEPT.
Step 7: Biometrics at VFS Global
After submitting your application online, book a biometrics appointment at VFS Global in Kathmandu. You will provide your fingerprints and a photograph. Book this appointment as soon as your online application is submitted — slots can fill up during peak seasons.
Step 8: Wait for Decision
Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks from the date of your complete application. Immigration NZ may request additional documents during this period — check your ADEPT account regularly. Once approved, you will receive your visa electronically.
Required Documents Checklist
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Minimum 6 months validity beyond planned stay |
| Offer of Place | From NZQA-registered institution |
| Tuition Payment Receipt | Deposit or full first-year payment |
| Financial Proof | NZD 20,000/yr living + tuition + airfare |
| Medical Certificate | From panel physician + chest X-ray |
| Police Clearance | From Nepal Police (OPCR portal) |
| English Proficiency | IELTS 6.0+, PTE, or TOEFL |
| Academic Certificates | SLC/SEE, +2, bachelor's (as applicable) |
| Photographs | Passport-sized, recent |
English Language Requirements
| Program Level | IELTS Minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) | PTE and TOEFL also accepted |
| Postgraduate | 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) | Cambridge English accepted |
| Nursing / Teaching | 7.0+ | Higher requirement for regulated professions |
Visa Application Fee
The New Zealand student visa application fee is NZD 330-350, approximately NPR 26,400-28,000 at the current exchange rate. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is declined. Budget for this alongside your other costs.
Common Reasons for Visa Refusal
Based on our experience with Nepali students, the most common reasons for New Zealand student visa refusal are:
- Insufficient financial proof: Not meeting the NZD 20,000 living cost minimum, or bank statements showing sudden large deposits rather than steady fund flow.
- Incomplete documentation: Missing medical certificates, expired police clearances, or academic documents without proper translations.
- Unclear study purpose: Immigration officers assess whether your chosen course logically follows your academic history and career goals. A sudden switch from one field to an unrelated area raises flags.
- Medical issues: Tuberculosis screening is particularly important for Nepali applicants. Ensure your chest X-ray is clear before applying.
Timeline for Nepali Students
| Stage | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| University application and offer | 2-6 weeks |
| Tuition payment and document gathering | 2-4 weeks |
| Medical and police clearance | 1-2 weeks |
| ADEPT submission and biometrics | 1 week |
| Visa processing | 4-6 weeks |
| Total | 10-19 weeks (roughly 3-5 months) |
We recommend starting your application process at least 4-5 months before your intended course start date.
After Your Visa Is Approved
Once you receive your visa, you should:
- Book your flight to New Zealand
- Arrange airport pickup and initial accommodation through your university
- Carry all original documents with you (passport, offer letter, financial proof, medical certificates)
- Complete your FTS transfer if you have not already
- Familiarize yourself with your work rights as a student
Next Steps
Ready to start your New Zealand journey? Explore our detailed guides:
- Cost of studying in New Zealand — Full NZD and NPR breakdown
- New Zealand scholarships for Nepali students — Manaaki NZ and university awards
- Top New Zealand universities — University profiles and requirements
- Work rights in New Zealand — 20 hrs/week + 3-year post-study visa