New Zealand Student Visa Guide

A New Zealand student visa lets you live in the country and study full-time at an approved school, college, university or training provider for more than 3 months. If your course is longer than 3 months and you’re not a New Zealand or Australian citizen or resident, you generally need a student visa.

With this visa, you can:

• Study your chosen full-time course

• Stay in New Zealand for the duration of the course (often with a small extra period at the end)

• Get limited work rights (more on that below)

• In some cases, move on to a post-study work visa later

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What types of visas let you study in New Zealand?

To study in New Zealand, there are several visa options:

1. Fee paying student visa

• For international students paying full tuition (self, family, loan or partial scholarship)

• Let’s you study full-time at an approved provider

2. Pathway student visa

• Let’s you study up to 3 courses in a row (for example, English + diploma + degree) on a single visa

• Often includes part-time work rights up to the allowed hours per week and full-time in holidays, depending on the course

3. Short courses on Visitor Visa / NZeTA

• If your course is less than 3 months, you may be able to use a visitor visa or NZeTA, instead of a student visa

Eligibility and requirements for New Zealand student visa

Eligibility can vary slightly by category, but in general, to get a New Zealand student visa you need to:

1. Offer of place

• You must have a confirmed offer of admission from an approved (NZQA-recognised) education provider.

2. Proof of funds / living costs

Immigration New Zealand requires you to show enough money for tuition and living costs:

For tertiary or English language study:

• NZD 20,000 per year, if studying for 1 year or more

• NZD 1,667 per month, if your course is shorter

3. Genuine student and study plan

• You must show you are genuinely coming to study in New Zealand, with a logical course choice that fits your background and future goals

• A weak or copied Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a common reason for refusal, so keep it personal and honest

4. English language ability

• Most universities and many visa pathways require proof of English, often through IELTS Academic

• Your university will specify the exact band scores; Immigration NZ also expects that you’ll be able to study successfully in English

5. Health, character and insurance

• Medical exams (for longer stays), chest X-ray (if relevant)

• Police clearance to show good character

• Proof of medical and travel insurance for the full study period

Why is IELTS important if you want to study in New Zealand?

If you want to study in New Zealand with IELTS, you’re already on the right track. Here’s why IELTS matters:

1. University admission: Most New Zealand universities, institutes of technology and private training providers accept IELTS Academic as proof of English.

2. Visa support: Having a solid IELTS score makes it easier to show that you can follow lectures, write assignments and participate in group work, exactly what visa officers want to see from a genuine student.

3. Future work and PR: Strong English also helps when you apply for part-time jobs, graduate roles and, later, potential skilled migration.

What documents do you need for a New Zealand student visa?

Your exact checklist depends on your country and education provider, but commonly you’ll need:

1. Valid passport (usually valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay)

2. Offer of place from an approved New Zealand provider

3. Tuition fee evidence – fee receipt, scholarship letter or loan approval

4. Funds proof for living expenses (bank statements, fixed deposits, sponsor letters, Funds Transfer Scheme if applicable)

5. SOP / study plan explaining why you chose New Zealand, this course and this institution

6. English test scores (e.g., IELTS)

7. Medical examination and chest X-ray (for longer stays)

8. Police clearance certificate

9. Health & travel insurance documents

10. Accommodation details, especially if you’re under 18

New Zealand student visa application process

Here’s a simplified, student-friendly version of the official process:

1. Choose your course and provider

• Shortlist universities or institutes that match your goals

• Check their entry requirements and English test scores

2. Apply to study in New Zealand

• Submit your academic documents, IELTS score and other details to the university/college

• Receive your Offer of Place and fee payment instructions

3. Prepare your visa documents

• Gather your passport, offer letter, financial proofs, medicals, insurance and SOP

• Scan everything clearly if you’re applying online

4. Create an online account and fill the visa form

• Go to the Immigration New Zealand website and create your login

• Complete the student visa application form with accurate information

5. Pay the visa fee

• Fees vary by country and method (online vs paper), but you’ll see the amount during the application process

6. Submit biometrics / additional documents (if required)

• Some applicants may be called for biometrics or extra information. Respond quickly to avoid delays

7. Wait for a decision

• Student visa processing is busiest between October and March, so applying at least 3 months before your intended travel date is recommended

8. Receive your eVisa

• If approved, you’ll get an eVisa with your visa conditions – including your work rights. Check these carefully

If you want to study in New Zealand, understanding the New Zealand student visa is your first step, from IELTS scores and funds to work rights and post-study options, this blog gives you a clear and ready to apply roadmap.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)