How to get a student visa in New Zealand

New Zealand offers several types of student visas tailored to different study durations and purposes. Here's a breakdown based on the latest official information: 

1. Fee-Paying Student Visa 

This is the most common student visa for international students studying full-time at an approved education provider in New Zealand. It is suitable for students enrolled in schools, universities, English language courses, or vocational programmes. 

Duration: Usually granted for the length of the course, up to four years.  
Work rights: Students may generally work up to 20 hours per week during study periods and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on their course and visa conditions. 

2. Exchange Student Visa 

This visa is designed for students participating in an approved student exchange programme between institutions. Applicants are typically not required to pay tuition fees to the New Zealand institution under the exchange arrangement. 

Duration: Valid for the duration of the approved exchange programme.  
Work rights: Usually allows the same work rights as a fee-paying student visa, including part-time work during study and full-time work during holidays if eligible. 

3. Pathway Student Visa 

The Pathway Student Visa allows international students to study up to three consecutive courses on a single visa with approved education providers. It is commonly used by students progressing from English language studies into higher education programmes. 

Duration: Up to five years, depending on the pathway programme.  
Work rights: Students may be allowed to work if each course within the pathway meets the required work eligibility conditions. 

4. Dependent Child Student Visa 

This visa allows dependent children of eligible work or student visa holders to study at primary or secondary schools in New Zealand. 

Duration: Usually matches the duration of the parent or guardian’s visa.  
Work rights: Work rights do not apply to this visa category. 

5. Working holiday visa 

This visa allows eligible young people from countries with a working holiday agreement with New Zealand to travel, work, and undertake short-term study during their stay. The main purpose of this visa is holiday and cultural exchange, with study being secondary. 

Duration: Usually valid for 12 to 36 months depending on the applicant’s nationality. Study is generally limited to up to six months. 
Work rights: Visa holders are generally allowed to work during their stay under the conditions of their visa. 

6. NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa 

This visa is for students who have been awarded an official scholarship funded by the government of New Zealand. It supports students undertaking approved full-time study programmes. 

Duration: Based on the length and conditions of the scholarship programme.  
Work rights: Students are generally allowed to work under conditions specified in their visa. 

7. Foreign Government Supported Student Visa 

This visa is intended for students whose studies are funded or supported by a foreign government. Applicants must usually provide evidence of official sponsorship or financial support. 

Duration: Usually granted for the duration of the approved study programme.  
Work rights: May vary depending on visa conditions and the type of study being undertaken. 

8. English Language Student Visa 

This visa is for international students enrolled in approved English language courses in New Zealand. It is commonly used by students improving their English skills before entering higher education. 

Duration: Depends on the length of the English language course.  
Work rights: Some students may be eligible to work part-time if their course meets specific visa requirements. 

9. Vocational Trainee Student Visa 

The Vocational Trainee Student Visa is designed for individuals undertaking industry training or practical work-based training programmes in New Zealand. 

Duration: Usually granted for the duration of the training programme.  
Work rights: Visa holders are generally limited to the approved training or practical experience included in the programme. 

10. Trafficking Child Victim Student Visa 

This visa supports child victims of trafficking who are studying in New Zealand while receiving protection and support services. 

Duration: Depends on individual circumstances and immigration decisions.  
Work rights: Generally, not applied to this visa category.  

• A valid passport or another recognised identity document  
• A recent passport-sized photograph  
• An official offer of a place from an approved education provider in New Zealand  
• Proof that your tuition fees have been paid, will be paid, or are not required  
• Financial evidence showing you can support yourself during your stay  
• Documents confirming the source of your funds is genuine and verifiable  
• Where sponsorship applies, a sponsor’s sharing ID.  
• A completed Financial Undertaking for a Student form if a guarantor is supporting your application  
• Evidence that practical or workplace training is included in your course, if relevant  
• Proof of parental or legal guardian responsibility if travelling with an accompanying adult  
• Written consent from a parent or guardian, and approval from the education provider, for applicants under 18 intending to work  
• Details of your course schedule and official holiday periods 
• Chest X-ray certificates, where requested 
• Medical examination records, if required  
• Police clearance certificates, where applicable  
• Evidence of onward travel arrangements or enough funds to purchase a return ticket  
• Certified English translations of medical or police documents that are not originally issued in English 

1. Choose a course and receive an offer of place from an approved education provider in New Zealand 
2. Gather all required supporting documents, including financial and academic evidence 
3. Complete the student visa application online through the official immigration portal 
4. Pay the required visa application fee and any additional charges, if applicable 
5. Submit medical examinations, chest X-rays, or police certificates if requested 
6. Wait for your application to be processed and respond to any additional information requests from immigration authorities 
7. Receive your student visa decision and carefully review your visa conditions and work rights 
8. Prepare important documents to carry when travelling, including your passport, visa approval, and enrolment details 
9. Arrive in New Zealand and complete enrolment with your education provider 
10. Follow all visa conditions during your stay, including study attendance and work limitations 
11. Apply for a visa extension or post-study visa if you plan to continue studying or remain in the country after your course ends 

As visa requirements can change over time, make sure to check the official New Zealand immigration website for the most up-to-date information before applying. 

Can 

• Study full-time at an approved education provider 
• Work part-time during your studies if your visa conditions allow it 
• Work full-time during scheduled course holidays in some cases 
• Take part in volunteer work, as long as you do not receive payment or other compensation. 
• Travel in and out of the country if your visa includes multiple-entry conditions 
• Apply for another visa, such as a post-study work visa, if eligible 

Cannot 

• Be self-employed 
• Work more hours than your visa conditions permit 
• Study at a different institution or course without approval where required 
• Stay in the country after your visa expires 
• Rely on public funds or benefits that are not available to international students 
• Ignore attendance or academic requirements set by your education provider