New Zealand•Oceania4-8 weeks
Free
Up to 4 years
No
Not Required
Not Specified
No
Not Required
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 850 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.
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
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.
Education
high_school or higher
Min. Savings
20,000 EUR
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).
| Desc | Self-funded study visa for international learners enrolled at NZQA-approved primary, secondary, or t… | immigration.govt.nz |
| Official Info | https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/ | immigration.govt.nz |
| Work Auth | Part-time up to 25 hours per week during term; full-time during scheduled holidays | immigration.govt.nz |
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