New Zealand student visa requirements

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 the Fee Paying Student Visa, you must enrol 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:

The Pathway Student 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, the Exchange Student 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 organisation 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:

The Foreign Government Supported Student 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 

Fulfilling the health and character criteria is essential for securing a New Zealand student visa. Important factors to consider 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.  

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 

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 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.