What Is A Student Visa?

A Student Visa is: an endorsement you need in your passport to facilitate your travel to New Zealand for the purpose of study; and

  • an endorsement you need in your passport if you are in New Zealand and wish to travel overseas and return to New Zealand for the purpose of study; and
  • an endorsement showing you have permission to travel to New Zealand and may be granted a Student Permit when you arrive; and
  • able to be issued for a single (one journey) or multiple (more than one journey) entry.

What Is A Student Permit?

A Student Permit is:

  • an endorsement in your passport which allows you to study in New Zealand. It will state the expiry date and give the conditions of your permit.

The conditions of your Student Permit will include details about:

  • your course of study; and
  • the educational institution; and
  • the location of the institution in New Zealand; and
  • any other restrictions (such as not being allowed to work).

Who Needs A Student Visa?

You will need to apply for a Student Visa if:

  • you are outside of New Zealand, and are coming to New Zealand to study full time for longer than three months (Your spouse or partner and children who wish to accompany you may apply for a Visitor or Student Visa).

Potential students entering as visitors to New Zealand from visa free countries may apply for a Student Permit once an educational institute has accepted them.

Who Needs A Student Permit?

You may apply for a Student Permit if:

  • you are a visitor or a worker in New Zealand and wish to study full time; or
  • you need to extend your Student Permit for further study or training; or
  • your spouse is in New Zealand on another type of temporary permit i.e., Work Permit; or
  • you are a child and wish to study while your family is in New Zealand.
  
   
 
   
 

 
   
 
   
 

What Courses Can I Study?

Your course of study and educational institution must be approved for foreign students.The educational institution will advise you if their courses are approved. If you have any queries you will need to contact the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

Can I Study Part Time?

If you are a visitor or worker in New Zealand and wish to study part time, you may apply for a Variation of Conditions to study.
You will need to show evidence that you:

  • are enrolled in the course; and
  • have paid the fees for non New Zealand students; and
  • have paid the Variation of Conditions fee.

Can I work?

You may apply for authority to work under the following circumstances:

  • to fulfil course requirements; or
  • up to 15 hours per week for tertiary students undertaking a long term course of study; or
  • during the Christmas and New Year holiday period; or
  • on completing your course of study; or
  • as a postgraduate student.

How Do I Apply For A Student Visa Or Permit?

Student Visa and Permit requirements are found on the Application to Study in New Zealand Form.

Do I Need A Medical Certificate?

You must be of an acceptable standard of health. This is to ensure that you are:

  • not likely to be a danger to public health; and
  • not likely to be a burden on the health services; and
  • fit for the purposes of entry.

If you intend to study a course which is 24 months or longer you will need to provide a medical and x-ray certificate. Your medical and x-ray certificate must not be more than three months old at the time your application is lodged.

If there is an indication of any medical condition which could mean you may not meet the provisions above, you may be required to provide a medical and x-ray certificate if the intention is to stay in New Zealand less than 24 months.

In some countries, the New Zealand Immigration Service selects medical panels of registered medical practitioners and/or radiologists. If you are resident in one of these countries, a panel member must complete your medical and x-ray certificate forms.

You may either refer to the list of countries using panel doctors or consult the nearest branch of the New Zealand Immigration Service for details of the appropriate panel doctor for your area.

Do I Need A Police Certificate?

If you are 17 years of age and over and intend to stay in New Zealand for a total of more than two years, you must provide a police certificate to show you are of good character. In order to prove you are of good character, you must supply the following:

  • a police certificate from your country of citizenship; and
  • police certificates from any country you have lived for five years or more since reaching the age of 17 years.

Your police certificate must not be more than six months old at the time your application is lodged. Information on how to obtain a police certificate from most countries is in the Obtaining A Police Certificate booklet.

Medical Insurance

Most students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly-funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health. We make it mandatory that you have medical insurance for the duration of your stay in New Zealand.

Where Can I Get More Information And Advice?

Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service.