New Zealand Student visas
Immigration New Zealand offers several student visa categories depending on your study plans, funding source, and personal circumstances.
What should I study in New Zealand?
Depending on the course of study, you can also work while you are studying, and potentially be granted an open work visa at conclusion of your studies so you can then actively seek full time work in New Zealand.
Different study pathways
There are many different pathways on which courses to study in New Zealand and the visas available to you and your family. At New Zealand Shores, we will ensure you are advised of the best pathway for you and your family to meet your long-term goals. We offer a complete end-to-end service for Students, from selection of an appropriate course, offer of place through to approval of your Student Visa and your family visas.
Types of New Zealand Student Visas
Fee Paying Student Visa
This is the standard student visa for international students paying their own tuition fees. It covers study at universities, polytechnics, private training establishments (PTEs), Wānanga, and English language schools. You must hold a confirmed offer of place from an NZQA-approved education provider and demonstrate that you can meet the financial, health, and character requirements. The visa is granted for the duration of your enrolled course.
Pathway Student Visa
The Pathway Student Visa allows you to study up to three consecutive programmes on a single visa, for up to five years. This is particularly useful if you plan to start with an English language course or foundation programme before moving into a degree. It saves time and money compared to applying for separate visas for each course. The Pathway Student Visa is only available through approved Pathway Education Providers — not all institutions participate.
Exchange Student Visa
For students on approved government-to-government or institutional exchange programmes. Tuition fees are typically covered by the exchange arrangement, and the visa is granted for the duration of the programme.
Dependent Child Student Visa
School-age children (generally aged 5 and over) of work or student visa holders can apply for a Dependent Child Student Visa to attend school in New Zealand. Whether your child qualifies as a domestic or international student — and whether tuition fees apply — depends on the type and conditions of the parent’s visa.
Foreign Government Supported Student Visa
For students whose tuition and living costs are funded by their home country’s government under an education agreement with New Zealand.
Short-Term Study (No Student Visa Required)
If you hold a visitor visa, work visa, or NZeTA, you can study for up to three months in any 12-month period without a student visa. Working Holiday Visa holders can study courses for up to six months.
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Student Visa Eligibility Requirements
To be granted a New Zealand student visa, you must satisfy Immigration New Zealand across four main areas: your offer of place, your finances, your health, and your character. A key consideration is also your 'genuine intent' : INZ assesses whether you genuinely intend to study. They consider your education and employment history, your reasons for choosing New Zealand, ties to your home country, and whether your chosen programme is consistent with your background and stated goals.
Offer of Place
You must hold a genuine offer of place from an NZQA-approved education provider for a full-time course.
Financial Requirements
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of your studies.
Health and Insurance
You must meet New Zealand’s health requirements. You must also arrange and maintain approved medical insurance.
Character
You must be of good character. This typically means providing police certificates from overseas.
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Are you eligible for a student visa?
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Authorised Agents
We are trusted authorised agents for some leading New Zealand Tertiary Institutes. Our staff are also licensed immigration advisers, so we know what it takes to have your Student Visa application approved by Immigration New Zealand. Contact us now to discuss your International Study options in New Zealand and the Student Visa options available to you.