Before you apply for a student visa

Be prepared before you start your NZ Student Visa application — find out what you need to do and what documents you need to provide.

Make study and travel plans before you apply

To qualify for a student visa, you’ll need:

an offer of place from an approved education provider
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
full medical and travel insurance
a ticket out of NZ or evidence that you have enough money to buy one.

For information about what the visa lets you to do, for example, travel or work — go to Immigration NZ ’s website:

Fee Paying Student Visa
Pathway Student Visa

Note: If you have a work visa or student visa, your dependent children do not need to be accepted for a course before they apply for a student visa.

Studying less than 3 months

You only need a student visa if you are studying over 3 months. If the length of your study is less than 3 months you can get a visitor visa instead.

Choose a course

New students need to have an offer of place from an approved education provider. However, if you’re a returning student — you need to have confirmation of enrolment.

Find a programme of study or qualification that you want to do.

Find primary, intermediate and secondary schools that teach international students.

Pathway Student Visa

If you’re applying for a Pathway Student Visa, you must study with a Pathway Education Provider.

Education in NZ

Find out about NZ ’s education system and how it works.

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
at primary or secondary school in NZ because your parent or legal guardian is here on a student or work visa
for a PhD .

Paying your living expenses

In your student visa application, you need to:

show you have enough money to support yourself while you study in New Zealand
include proof of where this money has come from.

Immigration New Zealand have checklists and other information to help you to prepare your application.

Health and character

To get a visa, you need to be healthy and of good character.

Medical and travel insurance

If you’re a fee-paying student, you need approved medical and travel insurance for the length of your stay.

Contact your education provider to get help with arranging medical and travel insurance.

Students aged 9 or under

International students who are aged 9 or under must either:

have a parent or legal guardian living with them, or
live in a school hostel approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority ( NZQA ).

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 .

Application fees

Find the application fee amount and how you can pay.

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact one of the following agencies.

Immigration New Zealand Contact and agency details
Ministry of Education Contact and agency details
New Zealand Qualifications Authority Contact and agency details
Education New Zealand Contact and agency details