Kia ora, future scholar! New Zealand student visas are our bread and butter, and we’re stoked to help you start your journey. It’s one of the best ways to set up toward building your life in here.

Who the Student Visa Is For

A New Zealand student visa is designed for:

• International students enrolling full-time at a university, polytechnic, or recognised training provider
• Applicants accepted into an approved education provider listed by Immigration NZ
• Students studying a wide range of courses — from degrees and diplomas to English language training programmes
• People aiming for a study-to-residence pathway, where completing your education in New Zealand opens doors to work visas and eventually residence

Many students start with short-term English language programmes, while others jump straight into multi-year degrees. Whether you’re here for six months or six years, the student visa is your ticket to learning, living, and thriving in Aotearoa.

What You’ll Usually Need to Apply

To qualify, you’ll typically be asked for:

• An Offer of Place from an approved New Zealand school, university, or training provider
• Proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses (currently NZD $20,000+ per year for living costs, plus tuition fees)
• A valid passport with enough time left on it for your studies
• Recent visa photos meeting Immigration NZ’s specifications
• Health and character documents, such as medical exams and police clearance certificates
• Approved accommodation and insurance if you’re under 18, to make sure you’re safe and supported

???? Tip: Proof of funds doesn’t just mean a bank statement. Immigration NZ may accept sponsorships, scholarships, or evidence of regular family support.

What the Visa Lets You Do

A New Zealand student visa opens up valuable opportunities beyond the classroom:

• Study full-time at your chosen institution, with access to world-class facilities and teaching
• Work up to 20 hours per week during the semester to help cover living costs
• Work full-time during scheduled breaks, giving you extra income and work experience
• Apply for a Post-Study Work Visa after graduation, which lets you work in New Zealand for up to three years (depending on your qualification)
• Bring your partner and dependent children with you in some cases, so you don’t have to put family life on hold

This combination of study and work makes New Zealand a global favourite for international students looking for quality education and career opportunities.

The Different Types of Student Visas

Not all student visas are the same. Here are the most common options:

• Fee-Paying Student Visa
  For international students paying their own way. Valid for up to four years.
• Scholarship Student Visa
  For students supported by a New Zealand Government or university scholarship. Proof of funding is simplified.
• Exchange Student Visa
  For students enrolled in approved exchange programmes between NZ and overseas schools or universities.
• Pathway Student Visa
  Lets you study up to three consecutive courses on a single visa, often used by students moving from English language study → foundation courses → degree-level study.

Processing Times & Costs

Processing times vary, but most student visas take around 4–8 weeks to be assessed. Offshore applications can take longer depending on demand.

Costs to expect:

• Visa application fee: NZD $375–$430 (varies by country)
• Medical exams: $250–$400
• Police certificates: varies by country
• Tuition fees: average NZD $22,000–$35,000 per year (higher for medicine/engineering)
• Living costs: Immigration NZ expects evidence of at least $20,000 per year

We’ll help you prepare your budget and avoid hidden costs that catch many students by surprise.

Pathway to Residence

For many international students, studying in New Zealand is the first step toward a long-term future here. The typical journey looks like this:

1. Study on a Student Visa (degree, diploma, or training programme)
2. Post-Study Work Visa — work in NZ for 1–3 years after graduation
3. Skilled Migrant or Accredited Employer Work Visa — continue working and earning points toward residence
4. Residence Visa — settle permanently in New Zealand
5. Citizenship — after holding residence for the required time, you may become eligible to apply for citizenship

This makes a student visa not just an education investment, but a life pathway.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We see a lot of students trip up on:

• Insufficient funds evidence: showing bank balances without proving where the money comes from
• Incomplete documents: missing medicals or police checks can delay applications by months
• Choosing unapproved providers: not every school or training centre is Immigration NZ-approved
• Misunderstanding work rights: working more than 20 hours per week during study can breach visa conditions
• Relying on bad advice: friends or unlicensed agents can unintentionally give misleading information

We’ll make sure your application is watertight, so you avoid these pitfalls.

How We Can Help

We don’t just hand you a checklist. We guide you through the entire process with a personal touch:

• Helping you choose the right course and school for your career goals
• Connecting you with trusted education providers across New Zealand
• Preparing and organising your documents, forms, and evidence
• Clarifying financial, health, and character requirements so you know exactly what’s needed
• Submitting your application with confidence
• Supporting you through life after study, including your Post-Study Work Visa and pathway to residence

We’ve been through this journey ourselves and know how life-changing it can be.