Immigration Categories > Student

Students

The New Zealand Government encourages international students to study in New Zealand. Those students who complete a NZ qualification which meets residence criteria, may apply for residence on completion of their studies

If you are coming to New Zealand to study for more than three months, you will need a student visa or permit. To get a visa or permit to study in New Zealand you must meet the requirements for international students and the course you intend to undertake must also meet requirements.

All applicants have to meet the Immigration health and character requirements.

Student Visa / Permit

you need to have an offer of a place from a New Zealand education provider
the name of the course and the minimum time required for completing it, and
proof that the course and course provider meet New Zealand’s requirements for international students, and
the amount of the fee for the complete course, or if the course is longer than one year, the annual fee, and
whether you have to pay course fees and whether the fees are domestic or foreign fees, and
whether you are studying full-time or part-time.

Your course must be approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)

Partner or Child of a New Zealand permit holder

As a partner or child of someone living either temporarily or permanently in New Zealand, you can apply for a student visa or permit. The length of time you can stay here on a student permit will depend on factors such as whether your partner or parent is a New Zealand citizen or resident, or a permit holder.

Partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident – you may be issued with a student visa or permit for the course you’ve enrolled in.
Entering New Zealand to marry – you may be issued with a student visa or permit for the course you’ve enrolled in

Exchange Student

offered a place in an approved exchange scheme
meet health and character requirements
a bona fide exchange participant.
have been accepted into an approved student exchange scheme
have onward travel arrangements when your exchange scheme has finished.

What happens next?

you may be issued with a student visa or permit for the period of your partner’s or parent’s work permit
You won’t need guarantees to cover your accommodation and living costs, provided your partner or parent has the income to cover them or has met this requirement in their own application.
you won’t have to provide evidence of enrolment or paid your course fees if you’re a primary or secondary school student
If you’re a tertiary student you’ll need to meet our general requirements as an international student, including paying foreign student fees.