Study in Norway vs New Zealand: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for Norway and New Zealand— the funds you must show, living costs, fees, processing time and document load. Figures are sourced from each country's official pages and date-verified.
| Factor | Norway | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 151,690 NOK | 20,000 NZD |
| Living cost (per month) | 12,641 NOK | 1,667 NZD |
| Visa fee | 6,300 NOK | 430 NZD |
| Typical processing time | ~12 weeks | ~8 weeks |
| Main intakes | Aug, Jan | Feb, Jul |
| Required documents | 5 | 6 |
Funds are shown in each country's own currency, so “lower” is only marked when currencies match. Always confirm current figures on the official sources below.
Verdict: Norway vs New Zealand
- New Zealand needs less money up front — about €11,236/year versus €13,190 for Norway (≈ €1,954 less).
- New Zealand is typically faster to process (~8 weeks vs ~12 for Norway).
- Norway asks for fewer required documents (5).
Money figures normalised to euros at ECB rates for comparison; official requirements are set in each country's own currency.
Unique to Norway
- Admission to an approved institution
- Housing
- Health insurance / membership
Unique to New Zealand
- Offer of place
- Onward travel funds
- Medical & travel insurance
- Medical / chest X-ray
- Police certificate
- Accommodation
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Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to study in Norway or New Zealand?
By proof of funds, New Zealand is cheaper — €11,236/year versus €13,190 (compared at ECB rates, 2026-06-20). Tuition and living costs vary too — see each country's full guide.
Which student visa is faster, Norway or New Zealand?
New Zealand typically processes faster (~8 weeks vs ~12). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in Norway or New Zealand?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. New Zealand needs less money up front — about €11,236/year versus €13,190 for Norway (≈ €1,954 less). New Zealand is typically faster to process (~8 weeks vs ~12 for Norway). Norway asks for fewer required documents (5). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.