When you need an NZ student visa

You need a student visa if you want to study full time in New Zealand for more than 3 months.

Approved study programmes only

You can only study programmes that the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has approved for international students.

Find a course — New Zealand Education

When you need a visa

If you’re coming to NZ to study for more than 3 months, you’ll need a student visa — unless you’re an:

  • NZ citizen or resident
  • Australian citizen
  • Australian permanent resident visa holder — without conditions.

If your partner has a work or study visa they can support you for a visitor visa. This allows you to study in NZ for up to 3 months.

Bringing family if you have a work visa — Immigration NZ

If your course is longer that 3 months, you’ll need to apply for a student visa through the normal process.

Which student visa to apply for

Studying for less than 3 months

For shorter courses you may be able to study on a visitor visa or work visa.

Studying on a visitor visa

You may be able to study on a visitor visa if your:

  • course is 3 months or less, or
  • plan is to study part time for up to 9 months, as long as you apply to vary the conditions of your visa first.

Studying on a work visa

You may be able to study on a work visa if your:

  • course is 3 months or less, or
  • employer needs you to do some study as part of your job.

Explore visa options to study — Immigration NZ

Education providers

You need to know your obligations under the law when enrolling international students.

Assist students — Immigration NZ

Which student visa to apply for

There are 3 main visas that let you study full time in New Zealand.

There are also student visas for people from specific countries or people coming here to study for a specific reason.

Explore visa options to study — Immigration NZ

Fee Paying Student visa

  • Study for 1 approved course.
  • Length of visa is up to 4 years.
  • Work part time while studying and full time during holiday breaks.

Fee Paying Student Visa — Immigration NZ

Pathway Student Visa

  • Study up to 3 approved courses in a row — for example, secondary school followed by a bachelor’s degree.
  • Up to 5 years in total across all courses.
  • Work part time while studying and full time during holiday breaks.

Pathway Student Visa — Immigration NZ

Dependent Child Student Visa

  • Study at primary or secondary school.
  • Visa is for the same length as parent’s visa.
  • Dependent child aged 19 or under.
  • Parent must have student or work visa that allows them to support the visa.

If the child wants to study at a tertiary provider, they’ll need to apply for the Fee Paying Student Visa instead.

Dependent Child Student Visa — Immigration NZ

What full-time study means

You’re studying full time if you:

  • attend primary or secondary school
  • enrol for at least 3 papers (or equivalent) each semester at a tertiary institution such as a university or polytechnic
  • study on a course at a private training establishment (PTE).

A PTE course is full time if it’s:

  • for at least 20 hours a week, or
  • Level 7 or above on the New Zealand Qualification Framework and you take at least 3 papers (or equivalent) each semester.

About the New Zealand qualifications and credentials framework — NZQA

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact one of the following agencies.

Utility links and page information

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