New Zealand Student Visa: Easy Guide to Student Visas NZ

Name: Student Visa NZ
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New Zealand Student Visa

A New Zealand student visa provides international students with the chance to study full-time at recognised institutions, gain valuable practical experience during their studies, and work towards a pathway to permanent residency through a post-study work visa. Making the right choices in your course, university, and education or immigration adviser is essential to fully explore your opportunities for studying, working, and ultimately settling in New Zealand. Here are some of the top streamlined student visa options designed to align with your long-term goals.

1. Fee Paying Student Visa- Offshore

International students outside New Zealand can apply for this visa to study full-time at approved institutions, including diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs. To qualify, applicants must pay full tuition fees or at least one year’s fees for courses lasting one year or more. The visa allows students to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions and, in some cases, the provider’s category, especially for English language courses. Additionally, this visa may offer valuable work experience opportunities when the student is on Post Study Work Visa and serves as a pathway to extend your stay or explore permanent residency in New Zealand.

2. Fee Paying Student Visa- Onshore

You apply for this visa when you are already in New Zealand on a different visa. The processing time may be shorter than the offshore Fee Paying Student Visa as some conditions like health and character may be already covered in your current visa.

Like the offshore type, Fee Paying Student Visa- Onshore allows you to study full-time in an approved institution (education provider) for up to 4 years. You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and go full-time during scheduled holidays (as per your visa conditions).

3. Green List Course Student Visa

The Green List Course Student Visa refers to a Student Visa for international students pursuing programs listed under New Zealand’s Green List. These courses are aligned with key skill shortage areas, addressing critical workforce and economic needs. Designed to attract skilled talent, this visa enables students to undertake full-time studies in high-demand fields. To be eligible, applicants must secure admission to an approved institution and enroll in a Green List program. Beyond education, this visa offers numerous benefits, including opportunities to gain hands-on experience in essential sectors, work part-time during studies, and transition to full-time employment through a Post Study Work Visa. It also serves as a pathway to permanent residency, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a long-term future in New Zealand.

4. Pathway Student Visa

If you’re planning to study multiple courses in New Zealand (e.g., English language + diploma + degree), the pathway student visa is perfect for you. This visa covers up to three consecutive programmes for five years. It simplifies studying in New Zealand with a single student visa that doesn’t require reapplying between courses.

The fee-paying student visa is the most common option for international students seeking to study in New Zealand, whether applying onshore or offshore, including those enrolled in courses related to Green List occupations.

How to get student Visa / New Zealand Student Visa Requirements

Student visa process

Visa Documentation

To avoid rejection on your NZ student visa application, it’s important to get the documents right. Here is a list of essential documents required to get a student visa:

A confirmed offer of place from an approved New Zealand educational institution.
Evidence you’ve paid your tuition fees (or received a scholarship).
Proof you have enough money to support yourself (NZD 20,000 per year for undergraduate or postgraduate study or NZD 1,667 per month if your course is for less than a year).
A return ticket to your home country or proof you can purchase one.
Proof of good health. You may get asked for medical and X-ray certificates. Requirements vary by nationality and length of stay.
Police certificates confirming good character (for 17 years and older who will stay in NZ for more than 24 months).
Medical and travel insurance coverage for your entire stay.
Proof of Identity requires a photo and a copy of your passport for online visa applications (two photos and a certified copy or original passport for paper applications).

This is only an overview of important documents required to get a student visa for New Zealand. To get detailed information about all the documents required for completing the student visa application, please contact our team of licensed immigration advisers.

New Zealand Student Visa Fees and Processing Times

Different student visas have different fees. The cost of a fee paying student visa is NZD 750 right now and could change in the future. You may also have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. If you choose the paper application, you also have to pay receiving centre fees.

The processing time for the fee paying student visa in New Zealand is 5 weeks for most applications. It’s important to start your student visa application at least 3 months before the start of your course. The processing time might increase in the peak months (October to March).

English Language Requirements

Immigration New Zealand has not set any English language requirements for the fee paying student visa. However, education providers generally have English language requirements for most programmes.

Universities usually accept test scores from exams like IELTS (Academic), TOEFL, or IELTS (Academic) equivalent English proficiency tests like PTE, Cambridge English proficiency, etc. English-speaking countries like Canada, Ireland, Singapore, the UK, and the US are usually exempted from proving English proficiency. Also, if you’ve completed earlier studies in the English medium, you may be exempted from proving English proficiency.

Advantages and Disadvantages of studying in other countries

When it comes to attracting international students, there are both advantages and disadvantages for each of the key countries competing in the international student market.

USA – The United States is well known for its high-quality education system and world-renowned universities, and has a large number of students from across the globe. However, it can be expensive for international students to study there due to tuition fees and living costs that are comparatively much higher than in other countries.
Canada – Canada offers attractive tuition fees and living costs, but its visa system can be challenging for some potential students to navigate. Additionally, while it has an abundance of highly regarded universities, they may not necessarily be well-known on the global stage.
Australia – Australia has long been an attractive destination for international students seeking quality education at a reasonable cost – particularly popular among those interested in studying engineering or medicine. It also enjoys a favourable climate and strong support services available to help foreign students assimilate into life down under. On the downside, however, Australia’s visa requirements may be difficult for some applicants.
UK – The United Kingdom offers a great range of career pathways after graduating as well as access to some of the best universities in the world – not just in terms of academic excellence but also in terms of prestige. However, the UK’s stringent visa policies can make it difficult for potential students from certain countries. Additionally, its high cost of living presents another barrier for prospective candidates looking to study there.
Germany – Germany is becoming increasingly recognized for offering quality education with low tuition fees and relatively affordable living costs when compared with other European countries such as the UK or France. This affordability makes Germany an attractive option; however, language requirements can act as a deterrent since most courses are taught exclusively in German.
Asia – Finally, Asian countries like China and Japan have seen their popularity grow among international students due to their rich cultural heritages combined with excellent educational systems – although tuition prices may vary from one university to another depending on each institution’s individual criteria. Furthermore, different countries may impose restrictions on who can apply based on their country of origin or previous educational qualifications.

Get Help with your Student Visa application to Study in New Zealand

Migrating to New Zealand is possible if you have the benefit of knowing the right pathway. Study Pathway is one of the most popular and widely used options. If you do decide to study in New Zealand; contact us and leave the rest to us. Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd. is one of the top immigration adviser services in Auckland and New Zealand. We have worked with hundreds of students to date, assisting them with obtaining a student visa to study in New Zealand. Our team of experts, which comprises a Licensed Immigration Adviser team, works closely with each client, providing them personalized support throughout. So, contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd. and let us help you with your New Zealand student visa.

Offshore
Student Visa

Onshore
Student Visa

Renew
Student Visa

Exchange
Students

Student & Trainee Visa

Pathway
Student Visa

Dependent
Student Visa

FAQ’s

What are the requirements for student visa in New Zealand?

You must first get a letter of acceptance from an educational institute in New Zealand followed by an offer of place. Once you get this, you can then apply for a Student Visa. You will have to provide credible evidence to show that you have the funds to pay for the tuition fees & living expenses in New Zealand. Besides some other supporting evidence, you may also be required to provide a medical certificate.

How much does NZ study cost?

The cost of studying in New Zealand varies from NZ$ 21,000 to NZ$ 49,000 depending on whether you want to do an under-graduate, graduate or post-graduate course and whether you select a university, polytechnic or private institute. Over and above this, you will need money for accommodation and living expenses – travel, food, gas, water, internet & electricity bills.

Can a student in New Zealand get PR?

There are pathways for getting NZ residence especially if your qualifications leads to an occupation which is on New Zealand’s Green List.

Which student visa applications will be prioritised?

INZ will prioritise visa applications from students already in New Zealand who are applying for a second or subsequent international student visa with a new provider or for a different course.

Why are these applications being prioritised?

Students changing their course and/or provider must have a visa with updated study conditions before starting their new course, making this a high priority for processing.

How will other student visa applications be processed?

All other international student visa applications will continue to be processed in date order, as per standard procedure.

What does this mean for students applying from overseas?

Overseas student visa applications will be processed in the usual sequence based on submission dates, with no changes to current processing times.

Where can I find more information about my application?

For more details on your specific visa application status, visit INZ’s official website or contact our support team on Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd.

What is the AIP in a New Zealand Student Visa?

An Approval in Principle (AIP) is a conditional visa approval. It means Immigration New Zealand has reviewed your application and conditionally approved your visa, pending final checks (like medical or police certificates, proof of tuition fee payment, etc.). This is not equivalent to a student visa. The AIP letter mentions what other document you have to provide to Immigration New Zealand to get a student visa.

What is the minimum IELTS score required for a New Zealand Student Visa?

Immigration New Zealand has not set any English language requirements for the fee paying student visa. However, education providers generally have English language requirements for most programmes.

Your IELTS (Academic) score depends on your course and institution. For most universities, like the University of Auckland, you’ll need:

Undergraduate courses: Overall 6.0, with no band below 5.5.
Postgraduate courses: Overall 6.5, with no band below 6.0.

Some education providers might accept lower scores. Always check your desired institution’s English requirements before applying for admission.

New Zealand universities may offer English language waivers under specific conditions for international students.

Is it difficult to get a New Zealand Student Visa?

Not if you’re prepared. New Zealand welcomes international students, but Immigration New Zealand is strict on documentation. Common reasons for rejection include: insufficient funds, unclear study plans, lack of genuine intentions, missing health or character certificate, etc. Follow guidelines closely to reduce the chances of rejection.

How much minimum funds are required for a New Zealand student visa?

You must show you have NZD 20,000 per year for undergraduate or postgraduate study or NZD 1,667 per month if your course is for less than a year.

Can I work on a Student Visa in NZ?

You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and go full-time during scheduled holidays (as per your visa conditions). Talk to a Licensed Immigration Adviser to know which courses (qualifications) are eligible for work rights in New Zealand, and if they are aligned with the Green List of Occupations.