New Zealand student visa requirements

Importance of obtaining the right visa

Ensuring you have the correct student visa is vital for a successful academic journey. It grants you legal permission to study in New Zealand, and each visa type has specific conditions. Getting the right one guarantees you can meet all your academic and personal goals.

New Zealand offers various types of student visas, tailored to your educational needs. Here, we explore the most common ones:

Fee paying student visa

Eligibility and Conditions: To qualify for this visa, you must enroll in a full-time course in New Zealand and pay the complete tuition fee. The visa allows you to:

• Study full-time at your chosen institution.

• Work part-time, up to 20 hours per week, while studying or full-time during holidays (depending on your visa conditions).

• Live independently if you meet the age requirements or come with your parents or legal guardian.

Duration and extensions: The visa's duration aligns with your course length, so it typically is valid for around 4 years. You may need to renew it annually, and the process involves providing evidence of your academic performance, progress, and class attendance.

Pathway student visa

Eligibility and conditions: This visa is for students pursuing a series of up to three different courses, one after another, for a maximum of five years. Key conditions include:

• Holding an offer of a Pathway Student Visa place.

• Having sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees.

• Balancing part-time work, up to 20 hours a week, with your studies.

• Meeting prerequisites for subsequent courses within your study pathway.

Exchange student visa

Eligibility and conditions: If you're part of an approved student exchange scheme and plan to study full-time in New Zealand, this visa is your gateway. It is valid for up to 4 years and the visa allows you to:

• Engage in full-time study within a school-to-school exchange, an exchange program organization scheme, or a tertiary exchange.

• Work part-time, up to 20 hours per week, while studying (or full-time during holidays) based on your age and course duration.

• Benefit from not paying tuition fees, as you're considered a domestic student.

Foreign government supported student visa

Eligibility and Conditions: This visa is designed for students with foreign government loans or scholarships, enabling study in New Zealand for more than three months and up to 4 years. Key conditions include:

• Enrolling in full-time courses, including schools, tertiary studies, and English language programs.

• Balancing part-time work, up to 20 hours per week, with your studies.

• Meeting age-related living arrangements or travelling with a parent or legal guardian.

• Applying only if your country has an education agreement with New Zealand.

Get into your course of choice

To be eligible for a New Zealand student visa, you must be accepted for a course at an education institution approved by the Ministry of Education or the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). This requires:

• A letter of acceptance from a New Zealand education provider, specifying the minimum course duration, total tuition fee, and whether the tuition fee is in domestic or foreign currency. The course must be approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

• Academic preparation documents such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates may also be required.

Have sufficient funds or financial undertaking

You'll need to demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support your education and living expenses in New Zealand. This includes:

• Having the necessary funds to cover your tuition fees or proof of a scholarship that covers your fees.

• Providing evidence of adequate financial means to sustain yourself during your stay in New Zealand.

• A ticket out of New Zealand or evidence that you have enough funds to purchase one.

Health and character requirements

Meeting health and character requirements is crucial for obtaining a New Zealand student visa. Key considerations include:

• Undergoing a chest X-ray conducted by an approved doctor or radiologist (referred to as a panel physician).

• A comprehensive medical examination by an approved doctor (panel physician), with medical certificates that are less than three months old at the time of application.

• Additional medical examinations or chest X-rays may be required based on factors like your student status, country of origin, residence history, and intended duration of stay in New Zealand.

• Proof of good character, such as a police certificate.

Core documentation

• A valid passport.

• An offer letter from a New Zealand education provider.

Financial proof

To validate your financial readiness, include:

• A tuition fee receipt indicating payments made to date.

• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover living expenses throughout your stay in New Zealand, which is typically NZ$15,000 for a full year of study or NZ$1,250 per month. This can be demonstrated through:

• Bank statements.

• A financial undertaking by a sponsor to cover accommodation and living costs.

• Proof of participation in a scholarship program.

Health and character documentation

Ensure you include:

• A police certificate if you are 17 years or older and plan to study for over 24 months. It should be from your country of citizenship, and any nation you’ve stayed in for longer than 5 years since you turned 17. The police certificate serves as evidence of good character. Police certificates must be less than 6 months old when you lodge your application with Immigration New Zealand.

• An X-ray certificate, mandatory if:

• You intend to stay in New Zealand for more than six months.

• You are a citizen of a country with a high incidence of tuberculosis.

• You've spent more than three months in the last five years in a country with a high incidence of tuberculosis.

You can learn more about other visa requirements here.

The application process for a New Zealand student visa can vary depending on the specific visa you require. At IDP, we understand that managing this process can be complex, so we're here to assist you every step of the way. For more detailed information on visa types and specific requirements, please refer to the New Zealand Government's Immigration website.

Post-application steps

After submitting your visa application, there are a few important steps to follow:

Tracking your application

You can easily check the progress of your visa application by visiting the New Zealand Government's Visa Application Status page.

Receiving visa approval

If your application is successful, you will typically receive an eVisa if you applied online. Ensure you either print a copy or store it on your mobile phone. This eVisa will be required for verification at the border when you arrive in New Zealand.

Visa Declined?

In the event that your visa application is declined, don't lose hope. You have the option to reapply after addressing any issues that may have led to the initial rejection.

To maintain your New Zealand student visa, you must adhere to certain requirements:

• Your performance in the enrolled course.

• Progress made during your studies.

• Proof of regular class attendance

• Reporting any changes to immigration

Working while studying in New Zealand

Please be aware that some visas may restrict or prohibit working, particularly if you hold a full-time study visa. To understand the specific restrictions and conditions that apply to your visa, it's essential to review the terms during the application process.

For more information on studying in New Zealand

For comprehensive information, please visit our dedicated Study in New Zealand page. At IDP, we are committed to providing you with all the resources and guidance you need to make your academic journey in New Zealand a success. Chat with us today.