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Student Visa
VisasNew ZealandStudent Visa
New ZealandNew Zealand•Oceania
Open

Student Visa

Study

At a Glance

Processing Time

8 weeks

Application Fee

Free

Stay Duration

Up to 4 years (matched to course duration)

Renewable

No

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

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 $850, 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.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Post Study Work Visa
New Zealand flagNew Zealand

Post Study Work Visa

Validity3 years
Processing5 weeks
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY 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 EUR

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 eligible 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

1

Identify the specific student visa type required for your study duration and goals.

2

Secure an offer of place from an approved education provider.

3

Prepare all necessary supporting documents (financial, health, character).

4

Submit the application online via the Immigration New Zealand website.

5

Pay the applicable visa fee (typically NZD $750 - $850).

6

Monitor application status and provide additional information if requested.

Verified Claims (3)

Last verified May 31, 2026
FeesNZD $850 (plus NZD $100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy where applicable)immigration.govt.nz
Max StayUp to 4 years (matched to course duration)immigration.govt.nz
Work AuthUp to 20 hours per week during term; full-time during scheduled vacations (PhD/research masters: no …immigration.govt.nz

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