New Zealand•OceaniaFee Paying Student Visa
At a Glance
4-8 weeks
NZD $750
Up to 4 years
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Self-funded study visa for international learners enrolled at NZQA-approved primary, secondary, or tertiary providers in New Zealand.
Issued by Immigration New Zealand under the Immigration Act 2009, the Fee Paying Student Visa lets international learners study full-time at primary, secondary, vocational, or tertiary level after securing an offer of place from an NZQA-approved provider. Applicants must be self-funded or hold a partial scholarship and meet health, character, and genuine-intent requirements.
The visa runs for the length of paid study, up to 4 years per grant. The NZD 750 application is processed in about 8 weeks for 80% of cases (closer to 4 weeks at universities). Holders can work up to 25 hours per week in term and full-time during holidays, subject to course conditions, and must show NZD 20,000 per year in living-cost funds plus insurance. Partners and dependants apply separately.
This visa is ideal for self-funded international students in an NZQA-approved course of three months or more who want part-time work rights and a pathway to a Post-Study Work Visa.
Cost Breakdown
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
New ZealandRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must have an offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider.
Must have sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or hold a scholarship.
Must have sufficient funds for living expenses (approx. NZD $20,000 per year).
Must have full medical and travel insurance.
Must meet health and character requirements.
Must be a genuine student with intent to leave at the end of the stay.
KEY CRITERIA
Education
high_school or higher
Min. Savings
20,000 NZD
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport.
Offer of place from an approved education provider.
Evidence of tuition fee payment or scholarship.
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, loan documents, or financial undertaking).
Evidence of medical and travel insurance.
Medical and chest X-ray certificates (if required).
Police clearance certificate (for applicants 17+).
Evidence of genuine intent (e.g., Statement of Purpose).
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Permits full-time study at primary, secondary, vocational, or tertiary levels via NZQA-approved providers
- Allows part-time work up to 25 hours per week in term and full-time during scheduled holidays
- Visa can be issued for the length of paid study, up to 4 years per grant
- Provides pathway to the Post-Study Work Visa for qualifying qualifications
- Allows travel in and out of New Zealand for the visa duration
- Single NZD 850 application fee with no separate Immigration Levy for student visas
Worth Knowing
- Work rights are conditional on course type and may require written permission
- Must show NZD 20,000 per year (NZD 17,000 for school-age) in living-cost funds plus insurance
- Visa duration tied to length of paid study and remaining passport validity
- Partners and dependants must apply separately on relationship-based visas
- Processing varies by provider: ~4 weeks at universities, up to 3 months at polytechnics
- No offer of place from an NZQA-approved education provider
- Cannot evidence tuition payment (or exemption) plus living-cost funds and insurance
- Failure to meet New Zealand health and character requirements
Application Process
Apply to and receive an offer of place from an NZQA-approved institution.
Gather all required financial, health, and identity documents.
Submit the application online via the Immigration New Zealand portal.
Pay the visa application fee and immigration levy (NZD $750).
Complete biometrics and health checks if requested.
Wait for processing (80% within 8 weeks).
Related visas
More visas in New Zealand
Study visas in other countries
- Student Visa
United States
- Study Permit
Canada
- Student Visa
Solomon Islands
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