The New Zealand Government provides an opportunity to all Sri Lankan students to study in the country but as a prerequisite, you’ll have to obtain a student visa first. The visa you need will depend on the type of study you want to pursue, and how long you intend to stay in New Zealand.

If you are over 18 years and plan to Study in New Zealand for more than six months, here’s an overview of the types of student visa available for you:

S.no.

Types of student visa

Description

1

Fee-Paying Student Visa

Study full-time for up to four years and be able to work part-time

2

Exchange Student Visa

Study full-time for up to four years for an approved student exchange program

3

Foreign Government Supported Student Visa

Study full-time for up to four years on a foreign government loan or scholarship

4

Pathway Student Visa

Study up to five years for 3 consecutive courses on a single student visa and be able to work part-time

*For detailed information, please visit the New Zealand Government’s Immigration website

As a Sri Lankan student, you would most commonly require a Fee-Paying Student visa.

While studying in New Zealand, it’s important to maintain your Fee-Paying student status. This status relates to the purpose, or reason why you came to New Zealand.

Documentation required for New Zealand’s Fee-Paying student visa

To apply for a visa to New Zealand, you will generally need:

  • Your passport, which must be valid for at least three months after your period of stay in New Zealand

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

  • An offer of place from an educational institution approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority

  • A written guarantee from an institution or person that suitable accommodation is available to you in New Zealand (if you're under 18 years)

  • A return air ticket to your country, or evidence of sufficient funds to buy one

Some additional documentation may include:

  • Academic preparation documents such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates

  • Current application form – student visa application form

  • Visa application fee

  • Tuition fee receipt showing payment to date

  • Passport-sized photographs

You may also have to show evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses throughout your stay. You will need to show you have NZ$ 15,000 for a full year of study or NZ$1,250 per month*. This may include:

  • A scholarship program

  • Bank statements

  • Financial undertaking by a sponsor to cover accommodation and living costs

  • Evidence that you are leaving New Zealand after the completion of your course. This can be in the form of flight tickets, however, it is optional

  • A police certificate if you are aged 17 years or over and plan to study for more than 24 months. A police certificate is a document which is used as evidence of good character

  • An X-ray certificate - you will need to have a chest x-ray if you are staying in New Zealand for more than six months, or if you’re a citizen of a country with a relatively high incidence of tuberculosis, or if you’ve spent more than three months in the last five years in a country with a relatively high incidence of tuberculosis

  • Full medical examination

You may also have to appear for a personal interview at the New Zealand embassy or consulate.