Requirements For Study Visa In New Zealand
From Canada, Australia, the European Union and other countries, you can get study visa which includes education at New Zealand universities. Generally this type of visa is granted to those who have good knowledge of English language and they can apply after completing their studies from their home country. If you are interested in pursuing higher education in New Zealand or are looking to immigrate to New Zealand permanently, you must be aware of the various requirements you need to fulfill.
Why Study in New Zealand A lot of people think that all the interesting or important places to visit are out of their reach financially. But this isn’t true and New Zealand definitely stands as a testimony to this claim. New Zealand is one such place where the scenic beauty and hospitality of the locals will leave you awestruck. But what makes New Zealand so popular with education seekers is its excellent quality universities on offer. Whether it is science, arts or commerce, there are numerous universities offering various prominent programs here.
One of the best way to get a successful future in New Zealand is to join New Zealand university, College or other institutions for masters, doctorate or other internationally recognized post Graduate degrees. If you have completed a Bachelor degree you may find it difficult to get job in your added field of study in any other country except New Zealand. There are some set of criteria which need to be fulfilled while applying for New Zealand Study Visa. You must ensure that you fulfill each and every criteria before applying the visa.
Requirements For Study Visa In New Zealand
Before you start your application, you need to plan your study, work out how you’ll support yourself in NZ and check which documents you need to provide with your application.
Find out how COVID-19 affects student visa holders and their education providers.
Student visa and COVID-19 information — Immigration NZ
Making study and travel plans before you apply
To qualify for a student visa, you’ll need:
- to be accepted for a course at an education institute approved by the Ministry of Education or the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
- money for your tuition fees or proof that you have a scholarship that pays your fees
- proof you have enough money to live on while you’re in NZ, and
- a ticket out of NZ or evidence that you enough money to buy one.
Fee Paying Student Visa — criteria
Pathway Student Visa — criteria
Note: The dependent children of people who already hold a work visa or a student visa do not need to be accepted for a course before they apply for a student visa.
Visa factsheet: Dependent Child Student Visa
Choosing a course
Find a programme of study or qualification that suits you.
Find primary, intermediate and secondary schools that teach international students.
If you’re applying for a Pathway Student Visa, you must study with a Pathway Education Provider.
Study fees
Most people who come to NZ to study pay full fees as international students.
Domestic students
If you qualify as a domestic student, your fees are usually less — but you’ll still need a student visa.
You’re a domestic student if, for example you’re:
- studying at primary or secondary school under a government-approved exchange programme
- studying at primary or secondary school in NZ because your parent or legal guardian is here on a student or work visa
- studying for a PhD.
Definition of a domestic student in New Zealand
Paying your living expenses
To support yourself while you study in NZ, you need to show you have one of the following:
- NZD$15,000 for your first year of study
- NZD$1250 for each month if your programme of study is less than 36 months
- a scholarship, such as a New Zealand Aid Programme scholarship, or
- a sponsor or family member who’s agreed to accept financial responsibility for you while you’re in NZ.
Health and character
To get a visa, you need to be healthy and of good character.
Health requirements for a student visa
Character requirements for a student visa
Health insurance
If you’re a fee paying student, you need approved medical and travel insurance. Contact your education provider to get help with arranging medical and travel insurance.
Students aged 9 or younger
International students who are 9 or younger must:
- have a parent or legal guardian living with them, or
- live in a school hostel approved by NZQA.
Visa factsheet: Guardian of a Student Visitor Visa
Documents to provide with your application
Your identity
You need to provide:
- a colour photo of your head and shoulders — or 2, if you apply using the printed form
- a passport that’s valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave NZ.
Other supporting documents
If you’ve been offered a place on a course of study, the institution you’ll study at gives you a document confirming your place. You must include this with your visa application.
You may also have to provide:
- medical certificates
- police certificates, and
- translations of any documents not in English.
Fee Paying Student Visa — criteria
Pathway Student Visa — criteria
Application fees
You also need to pay the correct application fee.
Fees, decision times and where to apply
