U3.20 Sufficient funds for maintenance while in New Zealand

1. Applicants must provide evidence to satisfy a visa or immigration officer that they have sufficient funds available to maintain themselves throughout the period of their stay in New Zealand. Evidence may include but is not limited to:
   1. a notice of the award of a full scholarship; or
   2. the form Financial Undertaking for a Student (which covers a stay in New Zealand of 12 months only) completed either:
      • before the student's arrival in New Zealand, by a sponsor who is in New Zealand, the applicant's home country or a third country, or
      • after the student's arrival in New Zealand, by a New Zealand citizen or resident; or
   3. funds held by or on behalf of the student.
2. When determining whether a student has sufficient funds to maintain themselves throughout their stay in New Zealand, visa and immigration officers may consider the period of time for which funds have been held by the student and/or their ability to access funds for the period that they are in New Zealand.

U3.20.1 Amount of funds required for students taking courses lasting less than 36 weeks

Students taking courses lasting less than 36 weeks must provide:

1. evidence that funds of the amount required for ordinary visitors have been deposited in New Zealand, or
2. a letter from an educational institution confirming that accommodation and other living expenses are included as part of a prepaid package.

   Note: This evidence may be sighted after the application has been approved in principle.

U3.20.5 Funds or sponsorship required for students taking courses lasting 36 weeks or longer

Students taking courses lasting 36 weeks or longer must provide evidence to satisfy a visa or immigration officer that:

1. they have NZ$10, 000.00 per year available to maintain themselves during their stay in New Zealand (travellers' cheques or bank documents in the student's name are acceptable); or
2. (if they are citizens of Samoa and Tonga), a written guarantee of maintenance from a relative in New Zealand who is either a New Zealand citizen or resident.

Effective 01/05/2003