Student visas in New Zealand
Discover a world of possibilities in New Zealand! With its vibrant culture, welcoming communities, beautiful environment, top-ranked universities and highly regarded education system, New Zealand offers international students an education experience like nowhere else on earth.
Just some of the reasons why you should consider studying in New Zealand.
- New Zealand universities are ranked in the top 2% of universities the world by QS World University Rankings.
- New Zealand is ranked the 4th most peaceful country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index 2024
- New Zealand is 1st in the world for preparing students for the future among English-speaking countries.
- New Zealand is ranked 1st in the world for work-life balance according to the Global Life Balance Index
The options for international students are endless. Younger students can start at primary or secondary school. English language courses are open and there is plenty of choice. The New Zealand government wants to attract international students willing to study undergraduate and post graduate qualifications. New Zealand qualifications are widely recognised and well regarded internationally. A New Zealand qualification may contribute towards becoming eligible for residence.
If you’re looking to study in New Zealand, here are a few tips:
- Research. Spend some time thinking about your life goals and what course of study may help you achieve those goals. A great place to look at available courses open to international student is the official New Zealand government website.
- Check eligibility for a student visa. Connect early with a trusted and experienced licensed immigration adviser. Malcolm Pacific Immigration has a specialist education team who can provide advice on student visas and help you select the course that is right for you. Get in touch sooner rather than later.
- Consider the costs. An overseas education costs more than just the course fees. You need to consider living expenses (e.g. accommodation, food, entertainment, clothing etc), flights to and from New Zealand, local transport, extra tuition and so on. Make sure you will have sufficient funds to cover the time you will be studying in New Zealand.
- Be wary of “overseas agents”. Make sure you deal with people who can be trusted and where you have some level of protection. There are agents who may sell you onto a course who do not have your best interests at the forefront of their mind but rather the commission they will earn. New Zealand Licensed Immigration Advisers are monitored by the Immigration Advisers Authority and must follow a code of conduct. You can check your adviser is licensed on the official New Zealand government website.
- Apply early. The processing of student visa applications can take longer than you might expect. This is because many people leave lodging the visa application until the last minute. Best practice is to apply 3 months before the course is due to start.
What is the student visa application process?
Step one.
Check eligibility. The education team at Malcolm Pacific Immigration can take care of this for you at no cost with a free assessment.
Step two.
Gather the documents required for the student visa application. Don’t take shortcuts on the paperwork because incomplete applications are the biggest reasons for delays or declines. If you need to complete immigration medicals do these early as some panel doctors are booked up weeks in advance. Documenting proof of funds is important. Immigration NZ will want to see you have sufficient funds to pay course fees, living expenses and what the source of those funds are.
Step three.
Apply for the student visa online. This might seem easy but sitting in front of the computer preparing your own student visa application is risky. Get it wrong and you have wasted time and money.
Step four.
The processing time for a student visa application will depend on several factors including resources at Immigration NZ, your course of study, the number of people who applied ahead of you for a visa and the time of year you apply. There are usually long queues before a school year or semester is due to start.
Decline rates can be high. You are investing in your future by studying in New Zealand. Invest in an expert to help you get the visa application right.
Special categories of student visas
There are several special categories of student visas and other visas for people who accompany students to New Zealand. We have set out the most popular special categories below. If your situation is not covered by any of these special categories contact our team of visa experts for advice. We can help assess if there are other visa categories that may apply to your situation.
Dependent children of temporary workers
If you are coming to New Zealand to work then your children may be regarded as “domestic students” and do not have to pay international student course fees. The exemption to course fees only applies to primary and secondary schooling but not tertiary studies. If your child is going to complete their schooling in New Zealand and then move onto tertiary studies you need to consider whether paying international course fees will be affordable. There is nothing worse than the surprise of unexpected costs for a higher education while the family hold temporary visas. You might not want your child’s studies interrupted so it pays to take advice early before it gets complicated.
Dependent children of international students
Your child may be able to study as a domestic student at primary or secondary schools if your student visa was granted to allow you to:
- Study under an exchange programme approved by the New Zealand government; or
- Study toward a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme at a New Zealand university; or
- Study as a person who was granted a New Zealand scholarship administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Guardian visas
A parent or legal guardian can apply for a visa to accompany their children aged 17 years or younger to New Zealand and, in limited circumstances, may even gain permission to work or study while the child is at school.
Pathway student visa
A pathway student visa allows holders to study up to three consecutive courses in New Zealand, on a single student visa. You must have a pathway student visa offer of place from an approved education provider and the required funds to pay your tuition fees.
Get started with a free assessment today
We are New Zealand’s largest and most experienced team of licensed immigration advisers. Our experts take away the stress and worry of navigating the complicated world of immigration. All you need to do is get in touch. Our team is on standby, ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my visitor visa when I am in NZ?
Yes.
If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa before your current one expires. It is recommended you lodge your application at least one month prior to your visa expiry date. To avoid problems ask one of our advisers to manage this application for you.
How long can I stay in New Zealand?
In most cases a person visiting New Zealand can apply to stay for up to a maximum 9 months from the first date of arrival. Then you are expected to leave and not apply to re-enter New Zealand within the next 9 months. There are of course exceptions that would allow someone to stay longer or less than 9 months. Everyone’s situation is unique, and it also depends on the type of visitor visa you hold. Take advice.
How much is the application fee for a New Zealand visitor visa?
The government visitor visa application fee starts at NZD 441 (which is subject to change without notice) for one person. The fee increases with each person added to the application as each person pays the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. In certain cases there are fee waivers depending on the nationality of the passport held.
Check out what application fee you would need to pay
What is the difference between a visitor visa and a tourist visa?
In New Zealand, there is no separate tourist visa. A visitor visa covers tourism, visiting family and friends, and in limited circumstances short-term business activities. A visitor visa allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to 9 months within an 18-month period, provided you meet the normal entry requirements. Malcolm Pacific Immigration can help you determine if a visitor visa is the right option for your travel plans and guide you through the application process.
Does my passport have to be valid for the entire time I am in New Zealand?
Yes. Normally a passport needs to be valid for 3 months beyond your date of departure. In some cases that is reduced to one month if your government has a representative in New Zealand who can issue or renew passports. Our advice is to make sure there is plenty of time left on your passport before you travel. If it is going to expire over the time you expect to be away renew it now. It is usually much easier, cheaper and faster to renew or replace your passport in your home country then trying to do it somewhere else.
How could Malcolm Pacific Immigration help with my visitor visa application?
Malcolm Pacific Immigration helps with your New Zealand visitor visa by making sure your application is complete, accurate, and meets all Immigration New Zealand requirements. Our advisers assess your eligibility, help you gather the right documents, and prepare a strong application to reduce delays or refusals. If needed, we can also assist with explanations for previous visa declines and guide you through any extra steps Immigration New Zealand may require. Contact our team for a free eligibility assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be able to work while studying in NZ?
Some international students can obtain the right to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during scheduled vacations. Some students can work if the job is part of the requirements of their course of study. This is a great way to gain local work experience, practice English and earn some pocket money, but not every course qualifies for work rights. At Malcolm Pacific Immigration we can advise you to make sure whether this concession applies to you.
What levels of education do student visas apply to?
Children from overseas may be educated in New Zealand from Primary, through Intermediate to Secondary levels, in either State-owned or Privately owned schools, subject to payment of fees and certain conditions that are in place to protect students and ensure a satisfactory education experience.
Schools that wish to offer places to overseas students must be approved to ensure quality pastoral care arrangements are in place to care for all of the child’s needs, both scholastic and residential.
Tertiary studies including university, polytechnic, some industry training and English language courses may qualify for student visas.
Can I bring my partner and children to New Zealand while I study?
In most cases a visitor visa would enable your partner and children to join you in New Zealand. In limited circumstances your partner may qualify for a work visa that will allow them to undertake any form of lawful employment for any employer. This work visa is dependent on what course of study you choose. Take advice.
Can I apply for residence after I finish my studies?
If you complete a New Zealand university degree and secure skilled employment this may lead towards an eligibility to become a resident of New Zealand. It’s not straightforward as factors such as pay rates, health and character tests, English language, whether a job is considered skilled and so forth are all part of the detailed assessment carried out by Immigration NZ when they assess a residence application. If residence is your goal talk to our team now.
Does my passport have to be valid for the entire time I am in New Zealand?
Yes. Normally a passport needs to be valid for 3 months beyond your date of departure. In some cases that is reduced to one month if your government has a representative in New Zealand who can issue or renew passports. Our advice is to make sure there is plenty of time left on your passport before you travel. If it is going to expire over the time you expect to be away renew it now. It is usually much easier, cheaper and faster to renew or replace your passport in your home country then trying to do it somewhere else.
How could Malcolm Pacific Immigration help with my student visa application?
Our Education team can help you select your course of study in New Zealand. We only work alongside quality providers and recommend courses that will lead to high quality qualifications. While the options are endless you need to make a choice what course of study you will invest into. We will help you to make a choice by only offering a limited range of courses that meet your goals and aspirations without overwhelming you with limitless options.
Malcolm Pacific Immigration helps with your New Zealand student visa by making sure your application is complete, accurate, and meets all Immigration New Zealand requirements. Our advisers assess your eligibility, help you gather the right documents, and prepare a strong application to reduce delays or refusals. If needed, we can also assist with explanations for previous visa declines and guide you through any extra steps Immigration New Zealand may require. Contact our team for a free eligibility assessment.
If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa before your current one expires. It is recommended you lodge your application at least one month prior to your visa expiry date. To avoid problems ask one of our advisers to manage this application for you.
How long can I stay in New Zealand?
In most cases a person studying in New Zealand can remain until they have completed their course. In some cases it is possible to move onto a work visa to gain local work experience. You might want to have some extra time to visit other parts of New Zealand at the end of your course. Everyone’s situation is unique, and it also depends on the type of student visa you hold and course of study. Take advice.
