Planning to study in New Zealand is an exciting step, but choosing the right programme and preparing a well-supported student visa application requires careful planning.
New Zealand Education Advisors Ltd (NZEA) supports international students from course selection and institution applications through to pre-departure preparation and continued support after arriving in New Zealand.
What Is a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa?
A Fee Paying Student Visa allows eligible international students to undertake approved full-time study in New Zealand. This may include study at a school, university, institute of technology, polytechnic or private training establishment.
Applicants must have an offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider. The visa is normally issued for the period of study for which tuition fees have been paid, although the visa may be shorter if the applicant’s passport expires earlier.
A Fee Paying Student Visa may be granted for up to four years, depending on the programme, tuition-fee payment, passport validity and the applicant’s circumstances.
New Zealand Student Visa Requirements
Requirements vary depending on the applicant, programme and intended length of study. Applicants will generally need to provide:
- An offer of place: Evidence of acceptance into an approved programme from an approved New Zealand education provider.
- Tuition-fee evidence: Evidence that the required tuition fees have been paid, can be paid, are covered by a scholarship or are not required.
- Living-cost evidence: Evidence of sufficient and genuinely available funds, an acceptable sponsor or an eligible financial guarantor.
- Genuine study intentions: A credible explanation of why the programme was selected and how it relates to the applicant’s education, experience and future plans.
- Health requirements: A chest X-ray, medical examination or other health information where required.
- Character requirements: Police certificates or other character information where applicable.
- Medical and travel insurance: Acceptable insurance covering the required period of study and stay.
- Outward-travel evidence: A travel ticket or additional funds sufficient to purchase one.
- A valid passport: The passport should normally remain valid for at least three months after the applicant intends to leave New Zealand.
Student Visa Financial Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate that they can pay their tuition fees and support themselves during their stay in New Zealand.
| Type of Study | Current Living-Cost Requirement |
|---|---|
| Tertiary, English-language or other non-compulsory study lasting one year or longer | NZD $20,000 for each year |
| Tertiary, English-language or other non-compulsory study lasting less than one year | NZD $1,667 for each month |
| Compulsory school education lasting one year or longer | NZD $17,000 for each year |
| Compulsory school education lasting less than one year | NZD $1,417 for each month |
Funds may be demonstrated through eligible bank deposits, education loans, scholarships, acceptable sponsorship or other evidence accepted by Immigration New Zealand.
Applicants must also demonstrate that the funds come from a genuine, explainable and verifiable source and will be accessible while they are in New Zealand.
The Student Visa Process With NZEA
-
Discuss your study plans
NZEA’s education counsellors learn about your academic background, budget, preferred field and future objectives. -
Select an appropriate programme
We help you compare suitable programmes and New Zealand education providers based on your circumstances. -
Apply for admission
NZEA assists with the institution application and helps you obtain the appropriate offer of place. -
Receive licensed immigration advice
Where personalised visa advice is required, the Licensed Immigration Adviser assesses your circumstances and explains the applicable requirements. -
Prepare the visa evidence
The required identity, financial, academic, health, character and genuine-intention evidence is identified and reviewed. -
Submit the student visa application
The completed application is submitted online by the applicant or through the Licensed Immigration Adviser under the agreed service. -
Respond to additional requests
If Immigration New Zealand requests further information, the Licensed Immigration Adviser can provide advice within the agreed scope of service. -
Prepare for New Zealand
After approval, NZEA provides pre-departure guidance and continued support as you begin your New Zealand education journey.
New Zealand Student Visa Application Fee
The Immigration New Zealand application charge for a Fee Paying Student Visa currently starts from NZD $850. The final government charge may depend on the applicant’s citizenship, location and application circumstances.
Immigration New Zealand charges are separate from any professional fees charged for Licensed Immigration Adviser services. Medical examinations, police certificates, translations, courier costs and other third-party expenses are also generally separate.
View NZEA’s Licensed Immigration Adviser professional fee schedule for indicative service fees.
How Long Does a Student Visa Take?
Student visa processing times vary according to the education provider, the time of year, the completeness of the application, the checks required and the complexity of the applicant’s circumstances.
Immigration New Zealand does not guarantee processing timeframes. International students are encouraged to apply approximately three months before their intended travel date wherever possible.
Applications submitted during peak periods may take longer. Students should avoid booking non-refundable travel until their visa has been approved.
Work Rights on a New Zealand Student Visa
Eligible students may be permitted to work for up to 25 hours per week while studying. Some students may also be permitted to work full-time during eligible scheduled holidays.
Work rights are not automatic for every student. Your individual work conditions will be recorded in your eVisa or visa approval letter and must be checked before starting employment.
After Your Student Visa Is Granted
After receiving your student visa, carefully check the conditions recorded in your eVisa. These may relate to:
- The education provider and programme you may attend.
- The location and duration of your study.
- Your permitted working hours.
- Full-time work during eligible scheduled holidays.
- Travel and re-entry to New Zealand.
- Medical and travel insurance.
- Academic progress and attendance.
You may need a new student visa or a variation of conditions if you change your programme, education provider, study location or other important circumstances.
If further study requires a new visa, apply before your current visa expires. Immigration New Zealand generally recommends applying for a further student visa at least four weeks before expiry.
Options After Completing Your Studies
Certain graduates may be eligible for a Post Study Work Visa after completing an eligible New Zealand qualification. Eligibility depends on the qualification, study completed, application timing and current immigration requirements.
A Post Study Work Visa may allow eligible graduates to remain and work in New Zealand for up to three years, depending on what they studied. It is not automatically available after every New Zealand programme.
Completing a qualification or receiving a Post Study Work Visa does not guarantee employment or New Zealand residence.
Can Students Bring Their Family to New Zealand?
Student visa holders cannot include partners or dependent children within their own Fee Paying Student Visa application. Family members must apply for separate visas.
A student may generally support visitor visa applications for their partner or dependent children. Depending on the qualification being studied, the student may also be able to support a work visa for their partner or student visas for eligible dependent children.
Family eligibility can depend on the programme’s qualification level, subject area and current Immigration New Zealand settings. Personalised advice should be obtained before making financial or travel commitments.
Issues That Can Affect a Student Visa Application
Immigration New Zealand considers every application individually. Issues that may cause delays, additional questions or an unfavourable decision can include:
- Missing or inconsistent documents: Required evidence is absent, unclear, contradictory or incomplete.
- Unclear source of funds: Large deposits, loans, transfers or sponsorship arrangements have not been adequately explained or verified.
- Insufficient accessible funds: The evidence does not demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition, living costs and outward travel.
- An unexplained study plan: The programme appears inconsistent with previous education, employment or stated career objectives without a credible explanation.
- Unexplained education or employment gaps: Important periods in the applicant’s history are missing or not supported by evidence.
- Health or character concerns: Required medical or police information is missing, incomplete or raises matters requiring further assessment.
- Previous immigration history: Earlier visa refusals, overstays or compliance issues have not been accurately disclosed and explained.
- Questions about genuine intentions: The evidence does not clearly demonstrate that study is the applicant’s genuine primary purpose.
- Incorrect or misleading information: Information in the application is inaccurate, inconsistent or withheld.
- A passport nearing expiry: The passport may limit the period for which the visa can be granted.
Submitting complete information does not guarantee visa approval, but it allows Immigration New Zealand to assess the application using the correct evidence.
New Zealand Student Visa FAQs
Do I need to pay my tuition fees before applying?
If you apply from outside New Zealand, you may choose to wait until Immigration New Zealand approves your application in principle before paying your tuition fees.
This can increase the processing time because the visa cannot be issued until acceptable evidence of payment is provided. Applicants applying from within New Zealand will generally need to provide evidence that the required tuition fees have been paid.
How long can I stay in New Zealand on a student visa?
The visa is normally issued for the period of study for which tuition has been paid. A Fee Paying Student Visa can be issued for up to four years, but may be shorter depending on tuition payment, passport expiry and individual circumstances.
Can I work while studying in New Zealand?
Eligible students may be permitted to work for up to 25 hours each week during study and full-time during eligible scheduled holidays. Always check the conditions stated in your eVisa before starting work.
How long does a New Zealand student visa take?
Processing times vary according to the education provider, application volume, checks required and complexity of the application. Immigration New Zealand recommends applying approximately three months before intended travel where possible.
What are the student visa financial requirements?
Students undertaking tertiary, English-language or other non-compulsory study currently need to demonstrate NZD $20,000 for each year, or NZD $1,667 per month for shorter study.
School students undertaking compulsory education currently need NZD $17,000 per year or NZD $1,417 per month. Additional funds or arrangements are required for tuition and outward travel.
Do I need medical and travel insurance?
Most international students must hold acceptable medical and travel insurance from the beginning of their course until their student visa expires. The education provider will explain the required insurance cover or may arrange it.
Can I bring my family to New Zealand?
Your partner and dependent children must apply for their own visas. Visitor visas may be available, while eligibility for partner work rights or dependent-child student visas depends on the qualification you are studying and current immigration requirements.
Can I travel outside New Zealand on a student visa?
A Fee Paying Student Visa may allow travel in and out of New Zealand until its expiry. Check that your visa has the appropriate travel conditions and that your passport and visa will remain valid when you return.
What student visa conditions must I follow?
Conditions may relate to your programme, education provider, attendance, academic progress, work rights, insurance and travel. Your specific conditions are recorded in your eVisa and must be followed throughout your stay.
How can I qualify for a Post Study Work Visa?
You must complete an eligible New Zealand qualification and satisfy the applicable study-duration, financial, health, character and application-timing requirements. Eligibility should be checked before selecting a programme if post-study work is an important objective.
