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Student Visa New Zealand

Student Visa for English courses, training and study.

The Student Visa

For studying, learning a trade, going to school or English courses.

On this page you’ll find:

Studying and Training in New Zealand

There are many reasons to choose New Zealand for your studies or vocational training. The opportunity to experience the Kiwi lifestyle firsthand and explore the country’s unique natural environment attracts many students to New Zealand. A semester abroad or a school exchange year also allows students to gain new experiences in an English-speaking environment.

New Zealand’s education system is internationally recognised and offers high-quality study opportunities for students from around the world. In addition, holding a New Zealand qualification can improve your chances of living and working in the country long-term.

New Zealand is home to internationally renowned universities and training institutions that offer a wide range of programmes for international students. And it doesn’t always have to be a university degree – many vocational training institutions and language schools also welcome international students.

Anyone who wants to study or attend school in New Zealand for more than 3 months generally needs a Student Visa. To apply, you usually must show that you are already enrolled in an education program in New Zealand. This means you need an offer or enrolment confirmation from the relevant university or education provider.

School-age children of people holding another type of temporary visa may also be eligible for a special type of Student Visa that allows them to attend school as a domestic student, provided certain conditions are met.

You need a Student Visa if:

Your course lasts more than 3 months, and
You plan to complete a certified or academic program.

For shorter stays of up to 3 months, a Visitor Visa or an NZeTA is usually sufficient.

How long a Student Visa is valid depends on several factors. In most cases, the visa is granted only for the period for which your tuition fees have already been paid. This means that if you enrol in a long course and pay your fees in instalments over the total study period, your New Zealand Student Visa must be renewed regularly to continue your studies.

Whether and how much you are allowed to work during your studies depends on your type of course, the length of your programme and the education provider.

Many students are permitted to work part-time during the semester (normally up to 25 hours per week) and full-time during semester breaks.

Students enrolled in a Master by Research or PhD programme are usually allowed to work without restrictions.

To apply for a Student Visa, you must show that you have sufficient funds to cover your living costs and your tuition fees – if these have not already been paid.
You must also hold appropriate health insurance for the duration of your stay.

The New Zealand Education System

New Zealand’s education system distinguishes between two main types of post-school education:
an academic pathway offered at New Zealand universities, and a vocational, practice-oriented pathway offered in the Vocational and Technical sector.

Vocational Education

In New Zealand’s Vocational and Technical sector, both public institutions and private colleges offer vocational qualifications. Programs in this sector usually lead to a Certificate or Diploma.

Academic Education

New Zealand’s eight universities (all of which appear in the QS World University Ranking Top 500) offer academic qualifications ranging from one-semester Graduate Certificates to full PhD programmes.

If you wish to bring your partner or children with you while you study in New Zealand, there are several important points to consider. Unlike in some other countries, family members cannot be included in a New Zealand Student Visa and each person must hold their own visa for the duration of their stay.

Under certain conditions, partners and dependent children of students may be eligible for specific visa types. For example, partners of Master’s or PhD students may qualify for an open work visa with full work rights.

If you plan to bring your partner or children to New Zealand, it is important to seek personalised advice in advance to understand which visa options may apply.

Students who have completed a qualification in New Zealand may, under certain conditions, be able to apply for a Post-Study Work Visa. This graduate visa allows you to work in New Zealand for a limited period and gain practical local work experience.

Whether you can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa after your New Zealand studies – and how long you may work on it – depends on several factors. These include your specific qualification, your field of study, the length of your programme, and the date you began your studies in New Zealand.

Studying or completing a qualification in New Zealand can be an important first step toward gaining permanent residence. In most cases, this pathway begins with a temporary work visa after finishing your studies — for example a Post-Study Work Visa or an Accredited Employer Work Visa, — before you can apply for a Resident Visa in the next stage.
In some situations, however, it may also be possible for graduates to move directly to a Resident Visa.

Attending school in New Zealand

A school year in New Zealand is a unique experience for many young people: new friends, a different school system and daily life in an English-speaking environment.
Most international students attend a secondary school and live with host families (homestay).

Besides improving their English, the main focus is experiencing everyday life in New Zealand — classes, sports, leisure activities and travel are all part of it.
Parents or legal guardians can stay in New Zealand during this time on a Guardian Visitor Visa to accompany their child.

For accompanying parents: Guardian Visitor Visa

The Guardian Visitor Visa allows parents or legal guardians to accompany a child under 18 who is studying in New Zealand on a valid Student Visa.
This visa allows you to live in New Zealand while your child attends school and to provide care and accommodation. It is specifically designed for caregivers — usually parents, legal guardians or authorised custodians.
There is also an option to apply for part-time work rights (while the child is at school).

Your Student Visa – with Visapath

Have your Student Visa professionally prepared

What is the right pathway?

Is your stay in New Zealand not just a short-term study period, but also connected to family plans or a long-term strategy? Studying in New Zealand can help you work towards permanent residency. This pathway offers opportunities, but it can also involve challenges.

Whether you can bring your family members and whether your partner can obtain a work visa depends on several factors. It is important to choose the right pathway from the start and combine it strategically with the best visa options.

This is where we excel: Visapath works with you to develop the best solution for your individual situation.

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