New Zealand•OceaniaStudent Visa
At a Glance
8 weeks
NZD $750
Up to 4 years (matched to course duration)
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Temporary study permit for international students with an offer from an approved NZ education provider, allowing up to 20 hours/week of work during term.
Governed by the Immigration Act 2009 and INZ ops manual (U3 series), the New Zealand Student Visa is the main pathway for foreign nationals undertaking full-time study of more than three months. It requires an offer of place from an approved provider, evidence of funds, and (for most fee-paying students) compliant medical and travel insurance.
The application fee is NZD $750 (NZD $485 fee + NZD $265 immigration levy), plus the NZD $100 IVL for most applicants. Visas are issued for up to 4 years, matched to course length. Students on qualifying full-time programmes (NZQF Level 4+ or 24+ teaching weeks) may work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during scheduled vacations; PhD and research masters students have no hourly cap. Processing takes at least 8 weeks.
This visa is ideal for genuine learners with an approved offer of place who can show NZD $20,000 per year for living costs, comply with attendance and insurance rules, and intend to study and then depart or move to a Post Study Work Visa.
Cost Breakdown
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
New ZealandRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Valid offer of place from an approved education provider
Proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
Evidence of full medical and travel insurance
Valid passport and acceptable photo
Evidence of good health and character
KEY CRITERIA
Education
high_school or higher
Min. Savings
20,000 NZD
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport.
Offer of place from an approved education provider.
Proof of funds (bank statements, scholarship, or financial guarantee).
Evidence of tuition fee payment.
Medical and chest X-ray certificates (if required).
Police certificate (if required).
Proof of medical and travel insurance.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Access to high-quality tertiary education across NZ universities, polytechnics, and approved private providers.
- Permission to work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during scheduled vacations on qualifying programmes.
- PhD and research masters students may work without an hourly limit.
- Direct pathway to the Post Study Work Visa for graduates of qualifying qualifications.
- Stays granted for up to 4 years and matched to course length, minimising mid-study renewals.
Worth Knowing
- Must show NZD $20,000 per year (or NZD $1,667 per month for sub-1-year programmes) for living costs, plus outward travel.
- Most fee-paying students must hold compliant medical and travel insurance for the full duration of study.
- Work rights depend on programme level and length; English-language and lower-level courses may carry stricter limits.
- Processing typically takes at least 8 weeks, so applications should be lodged about three months before travel.
- Must maintain satisfactory academic progress and attendance to keep the visa valid.
- No offer of place from an INZ-approved education provider.
- Insufficient verifiable funds (under NZD $20,000/year) or unverified third-party sponsorship.
- Failure to meet health, character, or genuine-intentions-to-study assessments.
Application Process
Identify the specific student visa type required for your study duration and goals.
Secure an offer of place from an approved education provider.
Prepare all necessary supporting documents (financial, health, character).
Submit the application online via the Immigration New Zealand website.
Pay the applicable visa fee (NZD $750
NZD $485 application fee + NZD $265 immigration levy).
Monitor application status and provide additional information if requested.
Related visas
More visas in New Zealand
Study visas in other countries
- Study Permit
Canada
- Student Visa
United Kingdom
- Student Permit
Fiji
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