Purpose
A student visa for New Zealand lets international students study full-time at approved institutions. It attracts genuine students to boost the economy and education system, fosters global connections, and develops student skills for successful careers.
General Visa Conditions
- Study Full-Time: Enrol in a full-time course at an approved educational institution in New Zealand.
- Financial Support: Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and accommodation costs.
- Health Insurance: Maintain medical and travel insurance for your stay in New Zealand.
- Good Character: Provide police certificates from your home country to demonstrate good character.
- Health Requirements: Undergo a medical examination, if required, to prove good health.
- Working Rights:
- School Students: Typically, do not have working rights.
- Polytech and University Students: May have limited work rights (usually up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during scheduled vacations and holidays).
- PhD Students: Eligible for unlimited work rights.
- Course Duration: Visa duration corresponds to the length of the enrolled course.
Various Types of Student Visas
- Fee-paying Student Visa for New Zealand allows international students to study full-time at approved educational institutions by paying tuition fees.
- Dependent Child Student Visa allows the dependent children of eligible temporary visa holders to study at primary or secondary schools in New Zealand. This visa enables them to live with their parents in New Zealand and receive a quality education during their stay.
- Pathway Student Visa allows international students to study up to three consecutive courses with approved education providers on a single visa. This visa streamlines the process for students pursuing a clear study pathway, making it easier to transition between different levels of study within New Zealand.
FAQs
Your partner and dependent children may be able to join you in New Zealand, but they will need to apply for their visas (such as a visitor visa or dependent child student visa).
Yes, you can apply to extend your student visa if you intend to continue studying in New Zealand. You will need to provide updated evidence of your enrolment and financial support.
Studying in New Zealand can be a pathway to permanent residency. Completing a qualification in New Zealand can earn you points or make you eligible for Skilled Migrant Residence. However, you must meet additional criteria, such as obtaining a job offer in a relevant field.
If you started your study on or after May 12, 2024, and your course falls under Appendix 13 of the immigration instructions, your post-study work visa typically comes with a condition to work in a study-related occupation. However, if your study is at or above the bachelor’s degree level, your work visa does not have any specific occupation-related conditions.
Not all courses below the bachelor’s degree level qualify for post-study work rights in New Zealand. Only certain qualifications listed under Appendix 13 of the immigration instructions are eligible for a post-study work visa.
If your student visa application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. You may have the option to appeal the decision, reapply to address the issues raised or seek advice from an immigration advisor.
There is no specific age limit for applying for a student visa in New Zealand. Applicants of all ages can apply, provided they meet the visa requirements and demonstrate genuine intentions to study.
Yes, you can transfer to a different course or institution, but you must notify Immigration New Zealand and obtain approval before making any changes. Failure to do so could result in your visa being cancelled.