Age Limit For Student Visa In New Zealand

Age Limit For Student Visa In New Zealand

If you had asked me the question, “How old must you be in order to move to New Zealand?” before I got involved with applying for a student visa for myself and my kids, I would’ve answered you with a blank stare.  Most of us who plan to migrate should also have an idea on the minimum age limit or guidelines set by the country they intend to move to. Why is this important?  Answering that question might help one to determine if one has reached a certain age to apply for student visa.

While studying abroad on a student visa to New Zealand and UK, you can be eligible for the study in any field. Here we will discuss about the age limit for student visa in New Zealand. If you are a full-time student of an institution based in New Zealand or registered with a Recognised Private Education Authority, then you are eligible to apply for NZ Visa under the prescribed conditions.    

An important prerequisite that students must satisfy is to be above the age limit of 16 years. There could be a three-month upper age limit for student visa in New Zealand and exceptions are made in rare cases. You should be aware of this cutoff age if you are looking to study in New Zealand. If you have crossed the said upper age limit then it is not possible for you to get admission in any of the accredited schools or institutions there. For example, if you are more than 18 years of age then you would not be permitted to participate in the studies till your program is complete. One more thing to note over here is that special considerations can be made for students who are approaching the upper tail end of this cutoff age limit under very exceptional circumstances such as physical disabilities.

New Zealand Study Visa


If you are planning to study in New Zealand full time and the course is for longer than 3 months, you will need a student visa. There are no age limits to getting a student visa in New Zealand.

You can study full-time at the course stated on your visa- this includes schools, tertiary (study after secondary school), and English language study. You can also work part-time up to 20 hours a week while studying or full-time in the holidays, depending on your visa. You can live by yourself above a certain age; otherwise, you will need to come with your parent or legal guardian.

If you want to bring your partner or children with you, they can apply for visas based on their relationship with you. Your Student Visa is normally for the same length of time as the study you have paid for. You can apply for this visa if you are a distance learning or correspondence student who is studying outside New Zealand and you need to visit New Zealand for more than 3 months to attend your education provider, for example, to do the practical study or sit exams.


Student Visa Requirements

  • an offer of place from an educational institution approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority;
  • a written guarantee from an institution or person that suitable accommodation is available to you in New Zealand (if you are under 18 years);
  • evidence of sufficient funds to live on while you are studying;
  • money for your tuition fees or proof that you have a scholarship that pays your fees;
  • a return air ticket to your country, or evidence of sufficient funds to buy one

If you are spending 6 months or more in New Zealand, you may need to be screened for tuberculosis.

If you are over 17 and intend to be in New Zealand for over 2 years, you will need to provide a police certificate to show that you are of good character.

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