How to apply for a student visa in New Zealand

New Zealand is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, hospitable people and lively cities, making it a highly sought-after study destination. With access to some of the world's best universities, students can expect top-quality education and an enriching experience.

New Zealand also provides a range of visa options for international students. Although the application process may seem daunting, our guide simplifies it by offering all the necessary details.

Which study visa is right for you?

Before starting your application, refer to the table below to choose the best visa for your studies. If you are an Australian citizen/resident, you do not require a visa to study in New Zealand.

*no break between the three courses

This article will show you how to apply for a New Zealand fee-paying student visa, commonly known as the ‘student visa’.

What courses can I study on a New Zealand student visa?

A student visa allows you to enrol in any full-time course offered by an education provider approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. These education providers include:

• Universities
• Schools
• Private training establishment
• Te Pūkenga (New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology)
• English language schools

What does a New Zealand student visa allow?

A New Zealand student visa usually allows you to live and study in the country for the duration of your course, which can be up to 4 years. If you wish to bring your dependants along, they can apply for visas based on their relationship with you.

Work

Most international students in New Zealand can work while they study. Currently, work hours are limited to 20 hours a week during the term and unlimited during study breaks.

From 3 November 2025, eligible student visa holders will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during term time, and unlimited hours during study breaks.

The new rule also extends work rights to all tertiary students enrolled in approved exchange or study abroad programmes, including one-semester courses.

These changes apply to student visas granted on or after 3 November 2025. If you already hold a visa with a 20-hour work limit and wish to work up to 25 hours, you will need to apply for a variation of conditions or a new student visa.

Other rules for a New Zealand student visa

International students in New Zealand must:

• maintain satisfactory course attendance

• make satisfactory academic progress

• have a chest X-ray if you are from a country with a high incidence of TB, have spent more than 3 months in the last 5 years in a country with a high incidence of TB, or if you intend to stay for at least 12 months and you are applying for a student visa to be a PhD, MFAT-funded scholarship, or exchange student

• hold both medical and travel insurance for the length of their stay

A New Zealand student visa does not allow you to:

• receive social welfare (government) payments
• be self-employed
• study anywhere except the education provider stated on your visa

Be aware that every visa is unique. Visas are given on a case-by-case basis. Yours may include other conditions depending on your circumstances.

Getting ready for your New Zealand student visa application

Before you apply for your New Zealand student visa, you will need:

• a current passport, valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave New Zealand; and
• an offer of place from an approved education provider (or confirmation of enrolment/registration if you are a returning student)

Your offer of a place from an approved institution

You must have received an offer of a place on your chosen course before you begin your New Zealand student visa application. This is a formal statement from your education provider stating:

• the name of your course and the length of the course
• the hours and method of your studies (e.g. full-time or distance learning)
• confirmation of the fee amount paid
• the dates of your course’s scheduled holidays

It will also confirm that you have:

• the English language ability to study the course
• the academic skills to succeed in the course

If you are under 18, your offer of a place must also state that your accommodation complies with the local rules.

Insurance

International students must have full travel and medical insurance for the entire duration of their stay in New Zealand. In most cases, your education provider can help you obtain insurance through the Studentsafe Inbound University policy. If they do not provide this service, you can still ask for their assistance.

If you are a PhD student, insurance is not mandatory, but you have the option to purchase it if you wish.

When to apply for your New Zealand student visa

Immigration New Zealand advises international students to apply for their student visas 4 months in advance of their intended travel and recommends allowing a minimum of 8 weeks for visa processing.

Costs of your New Zealand student visa application

The application fee for a New Zealand student visa starts from NZD 750 and varies depending on your nationality, location and whether you are applying online or on paper. Check out the Immigration New Zealand website for more details.

International students also need to prove they have access to at least NZD 20,000 per academic year to support themselves while in New Zealand. If you will be studying for less than a year, you must prove you have no less than NZD 1,667 per month. Ways to prove this include:

• copies of bank statements
• documentation showing your living costs have been paid
• a completed sponsorship form
• a completed financial undertaking form

When your application has been approved in principle, you will also need to show evidence that you have enough money to pay your tuition fees by providing:

• bank statements or evidence of loans/grants/scholarships; or
• a letter from your education provider stating your fees have been paid (or that you don’t have to pay any fees)

We have helpful articles available about the student cost of living and tuition fees in New Zealand.

Your knowledge of English

Proficiency in English is not a requirement for your student visa application. However, verify with your chosen education provider if English language skills are necessary for admission to their course.

Other requirements for a New Zealand student visa

Biometrics

You may be required to provide passport-style photographs and fingerprints as part of your application.

Character

If you are 17 or older and you will spend a total of at least 24 months in New Zealand, you may need to provide police certificates to prove you are of good character.

Existing New Zealand student visa holders

If you already have a New Zealand student visa and are applying for another, you will need to provide evidence of your academic performance, progress and attendance.

Completing your New Zealand student visa application

You can apply for your New Zealand student visa online or on paper. Make sure you have your credit or debit card ready to pay the fees associated with your application if you opt to apply online.

For those of you who decide to apply on paper, you can find the address of your local receiving centre using the Immigration New Zealand website.

After you apply

About 80% of New Zealand student visa applications are processed within 6 weeks. However, all applications are different, and it may take longer depending on circumstances.

Entry permission

When you arrive in New Zealand, you must apply for entry permission at the border. You can do this by:

• presenting your visa documents to an immigration officer; or
• using an eGate or Smartgate.

Don’t forget

Check your visa dates and conditions when you receive it – these will tell you what you can and cannot do when you are in New Zealand. If you think there has been a mistake on your visa, you must contact Immigration New Zealand for it to be changed.

You can continue your research by reading more about how to apply to study in New Zealand. If you'd like to start looking for courses and universities in the country, use the simple search tool below.