New Zealand•Oceania3 weeks
Free
Up to 4 years
No
Not Required
Not Specified
No
Not Required
Up-to-4-year New Zealand student visa for participants in approved school, EPO, or tertiary exchange schemes — no tuition payable.
Issued by Immigration New Zealand under the Immigration Act 2009, the Exchange Student Visa lets international students accepted into an approved exchange scheme — school-to-school, exchange programme organisation, or tertiary exchange — study full-time in New Zealand without paying tuition, as part of a recognised cultural-academic exchange.
The visa costs NZD 850 and processes 80% within 3 weeks, with stays of up to 4 years tied to the exchange length. Tertiary exchange students may work up to 25 hours per week during term and full-time in scheduled holidays where the course is worth 120 credits. Applicants must apply online from outside New Zealand, prove sufficient funds, and meet health and character standards.
This visa is ideal for secondary or tertiary students placed in an approved New Zealand exchange scheme who want immersive cultural study without tuition costs.
Accepted into an approved student exchange scheme.
Offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider, or a letter from an exchange programme organisation confirming you are an exchange student.
Outside New Zealand at the time of application.
Meet health requirements (chest X-ray if staying over 6 months from a non-low-incidence TB country; medical certificate if staying over 12 months).
Meet character requirements (police certificates required if total NZ stay will be 24 months or longer and you are 17+).
Genuine reason for coming to New Zealand and genuine intent to leave at end of stay.
Evidence of sufficient funds, or an acceptable sponsor or guarantor (Financial Undertaking).
Evidence of outward travel arrangements (ticket or funds for one).
Written permission to work from the education provider, EPO, and parents/guardian if aged 16-17 and study includes work rights.
Education
high_school or higher
Valid passport or certificate of identity.
One acceptable passport-sized photograph.
Evidence of an offer of place from an approved education provider.
Letter from the exchange programme organisation confirming acceptance.
Evidence of sufficient funds to live on while in New Zealand.
Evidence of outward travel (ticket or funds to purchase one).
Medical and chest X-ray certificates (if required).
Police certificates (if required).
| Application Steps | Secure an offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider (or an exchange programme o… | immigration.govt.nz |
| Application Portal | https://apply.immigration.govt.nz/ | immigration.govt.nz |
| Official Info | https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/visa-factsheet/exchange-student-v… | immigration.govt.nz |
| Processing Time | 80% within 3 weeks | immigration.govt.nz |
| Requirements | Accepted into an approved student exchange scheme.; Offer of place from an approved New Zealand educ… | immigration.govt.nz |
| Spouse Can Work | restricted | immigration.govt.nz |
| Work Auth | Tertiary exchange students may work up to 25 hours/week during term and full-time in scheduled holid… | immigration.govt.nz |
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