New Zealand is an attractive destination for international students, offering top universities and a safe, student-friendly environment. But with tuition fees ranging from NZD 22,000 – 40,000 per year and living costs of NZD 15,000 – 20,000 annually, financing education can be a challenge. In 2025, many students are looking for flexible study loan providers that allow repayment breaks, long terms, or income-based repayment.
This guide covers the most flexible study loan providers in New Zealand (2025) for both domestic and international students.
Why Flexibility Matters in Education Loans
- Visa requirements – Proof of funds is needed for student visas.
- Upfront tuition payments – Many institutions ask for advance fees.
- Limited part-time work – International students often can’t cover all costs.
- Repayment stress – Flexible options ease the burden during and after studies.
Flexible Study Loan Providers in New Zealand (2025)
1. ANZ New Zealand
- Why it’s flexible: Tailors student banking and credit products.
- Highlights:
- Education-related lines of credit.
- Repayment holidays available.
- Discounts for existing ANZ customers.
- Best for: Students with guarantors in NZ.
2. BNZ (Bank of New Zealand)
- Why people like it: Offers student-friendly features.
- Highlights:
- Affordable overdrafts and loans.
- Repayment options adjustable to income.
- Online tools for planning.
- Best for: Students needing smaller, flexible loans.
3. Westpac NZ
- Why it’s strong: Known for hardship support and repayment flexibility.
- Highlights:
- Repayment pauses during financial stress.
- Larger loans for long-term study.
- Flexible repayment terms.
- Best for: Students needing safety nets during study.
4. ASB Bank
- Why it’s solid: Transparent and digital-first.
- Highlights:
- Fast online approval.
- No penalty for early repayment.
- Choice of weekly, fortnightly, or monthly schedules.
- Best for: Students preferring digital loan management.
5. SBI Global Ed-Vantage (India)
- Why it’s helpful: Supports Indian students abroad.
- Highlights:
- Up to INR 1.5 crore.
- Moratorium during study + 6 months post-course.
- Covers tuition, housing, and travel.
- Best for: Indian students heading to New Zealand.
6. HDFC Credila (India)
- Why it’s flexible: Longest repayment terms.
- Highlights:
- Up to 15 years repayment.
- Custom EMIs matched to income.
- Covers tuition + living + insurance.
- Best for: Students needing maximum repayment time.
7. Prodigy Finance
- Why it’s unique: No guarantor or collateral needed.
- Highlights:
- Approval based on future income potential.
- Tuition and partial living cost coverage.
- Available to students from 150+ countries.
- Best for: International graduate students.
Average Loan Costs in NZ (2025)
- NZ Banks: 7% – 11%.
- Indian lenders: 9% – 13%.
- International lenders: 8% – 15%.
- Repayment period: 5 – 15 years.
💡 Example: A NZD 40,000 loan at 9% over 10 years = ~NZD 500/month.
Tips for Students Seeking Flexibility
- Look for repayment holidays – Helps manage costs during tough times.
- Choose lenders with moratoriums – Delay repayment until after graduation.
- Compare home vs NZ lenders – Home-country loans may be cheaper.
- Avoid over-borrowing – Take only what you truly need.
- Ask about early repayment penalties – Flexible lenders won’t charge extra.
Final Thoughts
Flexible study loans make it easier for students in New Zealand to manage finances.
- NZ banks (ANZ, BNZ, Westpac, ASB) provide repayment breaks and digital tools.
- Indian lenders (SBI, HDFC) support international students with long-term repayment.
- Prodigy Finance is ideal for those without guarantors.
In 2025, students can borrow with less stress by choosing lenders who prioritize flexibility.