New Zealand Student Visa

Studying in New Zealand
 
If you are coming to New Zealand to study for more than three months, you will need a student visa or permit. New Zealand's educational institutions are well regarded throughout the world and offer all levels of education, from secondary school qualifications and certificates to English language accreditation to doctoral degrees.


Who can qualify?

People who do not need a student visa or permit

You don’t need a visa or permit if you are a citizen of New Zealand or Australia, you hold a New Zealand residence permit, or you are the holder of a current Australian permanent residence visa including a current Australian resident return visa.


People on short courses

Those enrolled to study a single short course of less than three calendar months duration, approved or exempted by NZQA, do not require a student visa and can apply for a visitor visa. However if you wish to study two or more short courses of study or training (whether simultaneously or one following the other), you require a student visa or permit.
 

Exchange students

Successful candidates of an approved exchange scheme may apply for a student visa for the duration of your exchange, provided you meet our health and character requirements and are a bona fide exchange participant.
 
If you have a current work, visitor’s or student permit and would like to extend your time in New Zealand, you are advised to apply for Working Holidaymaker Extension Permit. The circumstances under which your work permit application will be considered are: type and duration of work undertaken by the applicant in the current stay period; the state of the job market (I.e. a permit is generally granted when it is deemed that a New Zealand citizen or resident is not available for the job).

For more information on visas including application fees, please visit the Study in New Zealand Website