Student Visa NZ

To meet the New Zealand study requirements, you generally need a confirmed Offer of Place from an approved education provider, proof of identity (passport), medical and travel insurance, and evidence of sufficient funds (NZD 20,000 per year). You may also need to provide police certificates and medical clearances depending on the length of your stay.

Eligibility extends to international students who have been accepted into a full-time course at a New Zealand institution. You must meet health and character standards and prove you have the financial means to support yourself. Genuine intention to study is a critical factor for approval.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) does not set a mandatory IELTS requirement for the fee paying student visa NZ itself, but your education provider will. Most universities require an IELTS score (often 6.0 or higher), PTE, or TOEFL. Exceptions exist for students from English-speaking countries or those with prior English-medium education.

Interviews are not mandatory for every NZ student visa application, but INZ may request one if they need to verify your study intentions or financial background. It is rare but possible.

You must prove you have at least NZD 20,000 per year for tertiary study (or NZD 1,667 per month for shorter courses) to cover living expenses. This is in addition to your tuition fees and return airfare.

As of the latest update, the student visa New Zealand cost is approximately NZD 750. However, fees can vary based on your citizenship and location. Be aware that from January 1, 2026, Visa Application Centre (VAC) service fees are set to increase, so check the total payable amount before applying.

“Show money” refers to your proof or evidence of funds. You need to show liquid funds of NZD 20,000 per year plus prepaid tuition fees. Acceptable evidence includes 3 months of bank statements to justify the source, education loans, or a sponsorship letter from an eligible financial guarantor.

A key update effective for 2026 is the increase in work rights. Eligible students can now work up to 25 hours per week (increased from 20) during term time. Additionally, new Green List pathways in 2026 offer streamlined residence options for students graduating in high-demand fields like engineering, health, and IT.

AIP New Zealand student visa stands for “Approval in Principle.” It is a provisional approval status. It means INZ is satisfied with your application but needs one final document—usually the receipt of your tuition fee payment—to grant the actual visa label.

The average New Zealand student visa process takes about 5 to 6 weeks. However, during peak intake periods (October to February), delays can occur. We recommend applying at least 3 months before your course start date.

Under the new rules, most tertiary students studying full-time (Level 4 and above) can work up to 25 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during scheduled holidays. Master’s by Research and PhD students have no work hour restrictions.

Under New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), applicants must hold (or be offered) skilled employment with a median wage and achieve a total of 6 points. Points can be gained through an appropriate and recognised qualification, an eligible NZ occupational registration, or high income from skilled employment in NZ.

The main types include the Fee Paying Student Visa (for most international students), the Pathway Student Visa (covering up to 3 consecutive courses over 5 years), and the Exchange Student Visa.

A licensed immigration adviser for student visas is a professional holding a current licence from the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) with experience in New Zealand student visa applications. Under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, anyone providing personalised immigration advice in New Zealand — including guidance on student visa eligibility, documentation, and application preparation — must be licensed unless they fall within a specific statutory exemption.

Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd is a firm of Licensed Immigration Advisers based in Auckland. Our advisers assist international students with the full student visa process, from confirming eligibility and preparing documentation to liaising with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) on their behalf. You can verify the registration of any licensed adviser at iaa.govt.nz before engaging their services.

Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd is based at 71 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland, and provides consultations in person, by video call, and by phone for students located anywhere in New Zealand or internationally. Our licensed advisers assist students applying to institutions across all New Zealand regions.

When selecting any immigration adviser for a student visa, confirm their current IAA licence number and verify it on the public register at iaa.govt.nz. An adviser who cannot provide a verifiable licence number is not authorised to provide immigration advice.

You are entitled to apply for a New Zealand student visa yourself. However, the application requires careful preparation across several areas, and errors in documentation are among the most common reasons for delays or declines.

A student visa application requires, among other things: an Offer of Place from a New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)-approved institution; evidence of sufficient funds — currently and mostly NZD $20,000 per year for living costs, plus full tuition fees and return airfare; health and character documentation including a medical examination if your course exceeds 12 months; and evidence that your primary purpose is genuine study.

A Licensed Immigration Adviser can assess your eligibility before you apply, identify any documentation gaps, ensure your financial evidence meets INZ’s genuine funds requirements, and provide advice on post-study work rights and onward pathways relevant to your study programme. This is particularly valuable for students with complex financial circumstances, previous visa history, or health considerations.

Note: offshore education agents advising on student visa applications from outside New Zealand are exempt from the IAA licensing requirement for student visa advice only. For advice on any other visa type — including work rights, partner visas, or residence — a current IAA licence is required regardless of where the adviser is located.

Yes. All immigration advisers at Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd hold current IAA licences and are bound by the Licensed Immigration Advisers Code of Conduct 2014. This means they are required to provide you with a written service agreement before commencing work, give you a frank and honest assessment of your situation, declare any conflicts of interest, and maintain your confidentiality throughout the engagement.

We encourage all prospective clients to verify our advisers’ licence status independently on the IAA public register at iaa.govt.nz before engaging our services. This is standard practice and something every reputable licensed adviser will support.

NZD 20,000 per year for tertiary study (or NZD 1,667 per month for shorter courses). School students (Years 1–13) require NZD 17,000 per year. This is in addition to tuition fees and outward travel.

Visa application fees are set by Immigration New Zealand and subject to change. Check the current fee on the INZ website (immigration.govt.nz) before applying.

Immigration New Zealand advises applicants to allow a minimum of 8 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before your course start date, especially during peak intake periods (October to March).

Immigration New Zealand does not set a mandatory English language requirement for the student visa itself, but your education provider will. Most universities require IELTS Academic 6.0 or equivalent. Students from English-speaking countries or with prior English-medium education may be exempt from the provider’s language requirement.

Yes, if your visa conditions allow it. From 3 November 2025, eligible students can work up to 25 hours per week during term time. PhD and Research Masters students have no work hour limit. Work rights are not automatic — check the conditions recorded on your eVisa.

AIP is a provisional approval issued by INZ when it is satisfied with your application but requires your tuition fee receipt before granting the visa. You typically have 10 days (or 15 days if using the Funds Transfer Scheme) to submit the receipt.

You will generally need to apply for a new student visa, not a variation of conditions. Exceptions apply only where the change is beyond your control — for example, if your provider closes. Always check with a Licensed Immigration Adviser before making changes.

The Pathway Student Visa lets you study up to three consecutive programmes — such as English language, then a diploma, then a degree — on a single visa valid for up to five years. It is only available at approved Pathway Education Providers.

Yes, if you have completed an eligible New Zealand qualification. The PSWV grants open work rights without restrictions on employer or role. Not all qualifications qualify — confirm eligibility before starting your programme.

You can apply yourself. However, a Licensed Immigration Adviser can assess your eligibility, identify documentation gaps, and advise on post-study pathways — which is especially valuable for students with complex financial circumstances, prior visa history, or health considerations. Anyone providing personalised immigration advice in New Zealand must be licensed under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. Verify any adviser’s licence at iaa.govt.nz before engaging their services.