New Zealand Student Visa

New Zealand is a top destination for international students seeking high-quality education in a safe, welcoming environment. To study in New Zealand, most international students will need to obtain a student visa. This guide outlines the different types of student visas available, eligibility criteria, required documents, and the application process.

Types of New Zealand Student Visa

Student Visa | Study for More Than 3 Months

This visa is for international students enrolling in a full-time course that lasts longer than three months. It allows students to stay in New Zealand for the duration of their study programme and may also permit limited work rights (up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays).

Key Features:

• Valid for the duration of your study programme
• Allows part-time work (up to 20 hours per week)
• Requires an offer of place from a New Zealand education provider

Visitor Visa (Visa-Required Countries) | Study a Short Course for Up to 3 Months

Students from visa-required countries who wish to study a short course (up to three months) can apply for a visitor visa. This visa does not allow for work while studying.

Key Features:

• Valid for up to 3 months
• No work rights
• Ideal for short-term language courses or exchange programmes

Visa-Waiver Countries | Study a Short Course for Up to 3 Months

Citizens from visa-waiver countries can enter New Zealand without a visa and study for up to three months. However, they must hold an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before travelling.

Key Features:

• Study for up to 3 months without a visa
• Requires an NZeTA
• No work rights

Working Holiday Visa | Study a Short Course for Up to 6 Months

The working holiday visa allows young people from eligible countries to work and travel in New Zealand. This visa also permits study for up to six months during the stay.

Key Features:

• Study for up to 6 months
• Allows part-time or full-time work
• Available to citizens of specific countries with age restrictions

Pathway Student Visa | Study Up to 3 Pre-Approved Programmes

The pathway student visa allows students to enrol in up to three consecutive study programmes with approved education providers, under a single visa.

Key Features:

• Valid for up to 5 years
• Covers up to three consecutive programmes
• Allows part-time work during study

Eligibility for the New Zealand Study Visa

To be eligible for a New Zealand student visa, applicants must:

• Have an offer of a place from a New Zealand education provider
• Show proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses
• Hold a valid passport
• Meet health and character requirements
• Provide evidence of onward travel (e.g., a return ticket)
• Have appropriate insurance coverage for the duration of their stay

Applicants are required to demonstrate their ability to support themselves financially throughout their study period. This includes covering tuition fees, accommodation costs, daily living expenses, and personal needs.

Required Study Visa Documents

When applying for a student visa, you will need to submit:

• Completed visa application form
• Valid passport
• Offer of place from a New Zealand education provider
• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, scholarship letters, etc.)
• Evidence of payment for tuition fees (if applicable)
• Medical and chest X-ray certificates (if required)
• Police clearance certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of onward travel
• Health and travel insurance details
• Recent passport-sized photographs

Student Dependent Visa

International students studying at the postgraduate level or in programmes that are part of the New Zealand Qualifications Framework may be eligible to bring dependents (spouses and children) on a dependent visa. This includes

• Spouses may be eligible for an open work visa
• Children can attend primary and secondary school as domestic students
• Proof of relationship and financial support required

New Zealand Student Visa Processing Times

Processing times for New Zealand student visas can vary depending on the applicant’s country of residence and the time of year. On average:

• Online applications: 4 to 6 weeks
• Paper applications: May take longer, depending on the embassy or consulate

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid delays, particularly during peak application periods.

Application Process

Step 1: Determine your eligibility

• Check if you meet the necessary requirements for a New Zealand Study Visa.
• Obtain an acceptance letter from a New Zealand University confirming your admission.
• Gather proof of financial support to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs.

Step 2: Prepare your application

• If you fulfil the eligibility criteria, start gathering all the required supporting documents, which may include:
  • Valid passport
  • Recent passport-sized photographs
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • Health and character certificates
  • Evidence of previous educational qualifications
  • Any additional documents requested by the New Zealand immigration authorities

Step 3: Submit your Study Visa application

• Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can proceed to submit your application.
• In most cases, you can submit your application electronically by providing scanned or electronic copies of the required documents.
• Pay the visa application fee, which is typically non-refundable.
• After submitting your application, it will be reviewed by the New Zealand immigration authorities.

Student Visa Support

If you have any questions about your visa to study in New Zealand, do not hesitate to contact StudyIn for a free counselling.