New Zealand Student Visa Guide for International Students

To study in New Zealand, most international students will need a student visa issued by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The visa type you need depends on the length and nature of your study programme.

This guide covers the main visa options, eligibility requirements, required documents, financial evidence, work rights, and the application process, so you can plan your journey with confidence.

Types of New Zealand Student Visa

Fee Paying Student Visa | Study for More Than 3 Months

The Fee Paying Student Visa is the most common visa for international students in New Zealand. It is for students enrolling full-time in a course lasting more than three months at an approved New Zealand education provider.

Key features:

• Valid for up to four years of full-time study
• Work rights of up to 25 hours per week during term time (from November 2025)
• Full-time work permitted during scheduled university holidays
• Requires an official Offer of Place from a recognised New Zealand institution
• All applications submitted online through Immigration New Zealand’s Immigration Online system

Pathway Student Visa | Study Up to 3 Consecutive Programmes

The Pathway Student Visa allows students to study up to three consecutive programmes at approved Pathway Education Providers on a single visa, without needing to apply for a new visa between courses.

Key features:

• Valid for up to five years
• Covers up to three consecutive study programmes
• Ideal for students planning a foundation-to-degree or diploma-to-master’s pathway
• Work rights equivalent to the Fee Paying Student Visa
• Only available with approved Pathway Education Providers

Visitor Visa | Short Courses Up to 3 Months (Visa-Required Countries)

Students from visa-required countries who wish to study a short course of up to three months may be able to do so on a Visitor Visa. This visa does not include work rights.

Key features:

• Valid for up to three months of study
• No work rights permitted
• Suitable for short-term English language courses or exchange programmes

NZeTA | Short Courses Up to 3 Months (Visa-Waiver Countries)

Citizens of visa-waiver countries do not need a student visa to study in New Zealand for up to three months. However, they must hold a valid New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travelling.

Key features:

• No student visa required for study of up to three months
• NZeTA required before departure
• No work rights

Working Holiday Visa | Study Up to 6 Months

The Working Holiday Visa is available to young people aged 18 to 30 (or 18 to 35 for citizens of a small number of eligible countries) from countries that hold a working holiday agreement with New Zealand. It permits study of up to six months alongside work and travel.

Key features:

• Allows study for up to six months
• Full work rights, part-time or full-time
• Age restrictions apply, and eligibility is country-specific

New Zealand Student Visa Eligibility

To be eligible for a New Zealand student visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold an official Offer of Place from a recognised New Zealand education provider
• Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses (see financial requirements below)
• Hold a valid passport
• Meet INZ’s health requirements
• Meet INZ’s character requirements
• Provide evidence of onward travel or funds to purchase an outward ticket
• Hold health and travel insurance for the duration of their stay
• Be able to demonstrate genuine intention to study

The Genuine Student Requirement

Immigration New Zealand assesses all student visa applications to determine whether the applicant is a genuine student. This means INZ will consider whether your stated reason for studying in New Zealand is credible, whether the programme is consistent with your academic background and career goals, and whether you intend to comply with your visa conditions.

Including a well-written cover letter or statement of purpose with your application is strongly recommended, as it gives INZ the context to assess your genuine intent.

Financial Requirements for a New Zealand Student Visa

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself throughout your studies. The minimum financial evidence required is:

• NZD $20,000 per year for living costs (or NZD $1,667 per month for study of under one year), in addition to evidence that your tuition fees are covered
• Acceptable evidence includes: recent bank statements (no more than one week old at the time of application), covering at least three months of transaction history; fixed deposit certificates; scholarship award letters; or a signed financial undertaking from an eligible guarantor

The Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS)

Students from India, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines may be required to use the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS), operated by ANZ Bank New Zealand. Under the FTS, NZD $20,000 is transferred to a locked ANZ New Zealand account before arrival and released to the student in monthly instalments of approximately NZD $1,667.

This is the preferred method of demonstrating financial capacity for eligible applicants and is regarded by INZ as the most credible form of financial evidence.

Required Documents for a New Zealand Student Visa

When applying for a student visa, you will need to submit the following:

• Valid passport (must remain valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from New Zealand)
• Official Offer of Place from a recognised New Zealand education provider
• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, scholarship letters, FTS confirmation, or financial undertaking)
• Evidence of tuition fee payment, or confirmation fees will be paid upon Approval in Principle (AIP)
• Health and travel insurance details
• Medical certificate and chest X-ray certificate from an INZ-approved doctor, if you have spent three or more months in a country with a high tuberculosis (TB) incidence
• Police clearance certificate for every country in which you have lived for five years or more since turning 17
• Evidence of onward travel (return ticket or proof of sufficient funds to purchase one)
• A cover letter or statement of purpose explaining your reasons for studying in New Zealand
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD), submitted from 24 hours before departure

Student Dependent Visa

International students studying at postgraduate level, or in programmes listed on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF), may be eligible to bring their immediate family members to New Zealand on a dependent visa.

• Spouses and partners of eligible students may qualify for an open work visa, allowing them to work for any employer in New Zealand
• Dependent children aged 19 and under can attend New Zealand primary and secondary schools as domestic students
• Proof of relationship, financial capacity, and the student’s visa status are required

Eligibility for bringing dependants varies depending on your course level and duration. StudyIn can advise on whether you are likely to qualify as part of your free consultation.

Work Rights for International Students in New Zealand

International students studying on a New Zealand student visa are entitled to work part-time during their studies. Work rights as of November 2025 are as follows:

• During term time: Up to 25 hours per week for eligible tertiary, English language, and secondary school students
• During scheduled university holidays: Full-time work permitted
• PhD and Master’s by research students: May work unlimited hours

Important: If your existing student visa has a 20-hour work limit and you wish to work up to 25 hours per week, you will need to apply to INZ for a variation of conditions. The additional five hours are not added automatically.

Work experience that forms a required part of your study programme does not count towards the weekly work limit. International students are not permitted to be self-employed.

How to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa

Step 1: Secure your Offer of Place

Before you can apply for a student visa, you must have received an official Offer of Place from a recognised New Zealand education provider. This is a formal document confirming your acceptance onto your chosen programme.

Step 2: Gather your supporting documents

Prepare all required documents as listed above. Ensure your bank statements are no more than one week old at the time of application, and that all certificates and transcripts are official and translated into English where required.

Step 3: Submit your application online

All New Zealand student visa applications are submitted online through Immigration New Zealand’s Immigration Online system. Paper applications are no longer accepted. Create an account, select the correct visa type, complete all sections accurately, upload your supporting documents, and pay the visa application fee online.

Step 4: Await a decision

INZ will review your application and may contact you for additional information or to attend an interview. For applications submitted well in advance of your start date, INZ may issue an Approval in Principle (AIP), allowing you to confirm travel and study arrangements while final processing is completed.

Step 5: Receive your eVisa and travel

If approved, your visa will be issued as an eVisa linked electronically to your passport. Once your eVisa is confirmed, you can finalise your travel arrangements and complete your New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) from 24 hours before departure.

Visa Fees and Processing Times

The New Zealand student visa application fee is typically around NZD $750, though fees may vary depending on your country of residence. Additional costs may apply for medical examinations and biometric appointments where required.

Processing times average four to six weeks (approximately 20–30 working days). Peak application periods are November to March and June to August, when processing times may be longer. INZ recommends applying at least three months before your intended travel date. Applying earlier, when possible, is advisable.

Student Visa Support

If you have questions about your New Zealand student visa or would like support with your application, arrange a free consultation with StudyIn today. Our advisors can guide you through every step of the process.

FAQs

What visa do I need to study in New Zealand?

Most international students will need a Fee Paying Student Visa for full-time study lasting more than three months. If you plan to study across multiple linked programmes, the Pathway Student Visa may be more suitable. For short courses of up to three months, you may be able to study on a Visitor Visa or NZeTA, depending on your nationality.

How much does a New Zealand student visa cost?

The standard student visa application fee is approximately NZD $750. Additional costs may apply for medical examinations and biometrics, depending on your country of origin and circumstances.

How long does a New Zealand student visa take to process?

Processing typically takes four to six weeks (20–30 working days). During peak periods (November to March and June to August), it can take longer. INZ recommends applying at least three months before your intended travel date.

How much money do I need for a New Zealand student visa?

You must demonstrate a minimum of NZD $20,000 per year for living costs, plus evidence that your tuition fees are covered. Acceptable evidence includes recent bank statements, scholarship letters, fixed deposits, or the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS) for eligible nationalities.

Can I work on a New Zealand student visa?

Yes. From November 2025, eligible students can work up to 25 hours per week during term time, and full-time during scheduled university holidays. PhD and Master’s by research students may work unlimited hours. If your existing visa shows a 20-hour limit, you will need to apply for a variation of conditions to access the additional hours.

Can I bring my family to New Zealand on a student visa?

Postgraduate students and students on NZQCF-listed programmes may be eligible to bring dependants. Spouses and partners may qualify for an open work visa, and dependent children aged 19 and under can study in New Zealand as domestic students. Eligibility depends on your course level and duration.

What is the Genuine Student requirement in New Zealand?

Immigration New Zealand assesses whether your intention to study in New Zealand is genuine. This includes reviewing whether your chosen programme is consistent with your academic history and career goals. Including a well-written cover letter or statement of purpose with your application is strongly recommended.

Can I apply for a New Zealand student visa on paper?

No. Since August 2025, all New Zealand student visa applications must be submitted online through Immigration New Zealand’s Immigration Online system. Paper applications are no longer accepted.

What happens after I finish my studies in New Zealand?

Eligible graduates can apply for a Post Study Work Visa, allowing them to remain in New Zealand and work for up to three years depending on their qualification level. This can also serve as a stepping stone towards New Zealand residency. Visit our dedicated post-study work visa guide for full details.