Study in New Zealand vs the USA: student visa compared
A side-by-side look at the student-visa requirements for New Zealand and the USA— 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 | New Zealand | the USA |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of funds (per year) | 20,000 NZD | — |
| Living cost (per month) | 1,667 NZD | 1,800 USD |
| Visa fee | 430 NZD | 185 USD |
| Typical processing time | ~8 weeks | ~8 weeks |
| Main intakes | Feb, Jul | Jan, Aug |
| Required documents | 6 | 7 |
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: New Zealand vs the USA
- New Zealand publishes a fixed proof-of-funds figure (€11,236/year), while the USA sets it via your admission document.
- New Zealand asks for fewer required documents (6).
Money figures normalised to euros at ECB rates for comparison; official requirements are set in each country's own currency.
Unique to New Zealand
- Offer of place
- Funds requirement
- Onward travel funds
- Medical & travel insurance
- Medical / chest X-ray
- Police certificate
Unique to the USA
- Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified school
- Proof of funds (per your I-20)
- I-901 SEVIS fee
- DS-160 + visa interview
- Health insurance
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Frequently asked questions
Which student visa is faster, New Zealand or the USA?
New Zealand typically processes faster (~8 weeks vs ~8). Embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in both.
Should I study in New Zealand or the USA?
It depends on your budget, course and goals. New Zealand publishes a fixed proof-of-funds figure (€11,236/year), while the USA sets it via your admission document. New Zealand asks for fewer required documents (6). Use each country's full requirements guide and the eligibility tools to decide.