The New Zealand student visa is the formal permission international students need to study in New Zealand for more than three months. It is issued by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), the government body that manages all visa applications. For most international students, the relevant permit is the Fee Paying Student Visa, which allows full-time study at an approved institution, part-time work during term, and multiple entries throughout the visa’s validity. This guide covers everything you need to know to apply for a New Zealand student visa in 2026, including eligibility, required documents, fees, processing times, and post-study work options.
Types of New Zealand Student Visa
Immigration New Zealand issues several categories of student visa depending on how you are funding your studies and the nature of your programme. Understanding which category applies to you is the first step before gathering documents.
| Visa Type | Who It Is For | Maximum Stay | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee Paying Student Visa | Most international students | Up to 4 years | Study full-time; work up to 25 hrs/week during term, full-time in holidays |
| Pathway Student Visa | Students on sequential approved pathway programmes | Up to 5 years | Study up to 3 consecutive approved courses with one approved Pathway Provider |
| Exchange Student Visa | Students on approved exchange programmes | Duration of exchange | Tuition fees typically waived by host institution |
| Foreign Government Supported Student Visa | Students with full government scholarships | Duration of study | Tuition and living costs covered by sponsoring government |
The Fee Paying Student Visa is the most widely used category. It covers students who are funding their own studies through savings, family support, a loan, or a partial scholarship. The Pathway Student Visa is designed for students who plan to complete two or three sequential programmes at the same approved provider under a single application, avoiding the need to apply again between courses.
For more information on options after completing your studies, see New Zealand work visa.
New Zealand Student Visa Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a New Zealand student visa, you must satisfy Immigration New Zealand across four main areas. Failing to meet any one of them is the most common reason applications are delayed or declined.
1. Offer of Place from an Approved Provider
You must hold a confirmed offer of place from an education provider that is approved by INZ. The institution must also be a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021. Your offer letter must state the name of the course, the duration, whether it is full-time or part-time, and the scheduled holiday dates if the course runs for more than one academic year.
If you are applying from outside New Zealand, a conditional offer of place is accepted at the initial application stage. INZ will assess your application and issue an Approval in Principle (AIP). You must provide an unconditional offer before the visa can be fully approved.
2. Financial Requirements
You must demonstrate that you can pay both your tuition fees and your living costs for the duration of your stay. INZ requires the following minimum living funds:
- Tertiary, English language, or other non-compulsory study — NZD 20,000 per year (for study of one year or more), or NZD 1,667 per month (for study shorter than one year)
- Primary, intermediate, or secondary school (Years 1 to 13) — NZD 17,000 per year, or NZD 1,417 per month
Acceptable evidence includes bank statements, fixed deposits (typically at least six months old), a financial undertaking from a third-party guarantor using the INZ 1014 form, or an education loan sanction letter. Students from China, India, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam are able to use the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS), an INZ-operated scheme run through ANZ Bank New Zealand, which transfers approved living funds to students on a monthly basis once they arrive.
Unless you hold an exemption, you must also show that tuition fees for one year or one programme (whichever is shorter) have been paid, or will be paid before the full visa is issued.
3. Health and Character
Most applicants do not need to provide a full medical certificate unless INZ specifically requests one. However, a chest X-ray is required if you are from, or have spent significant time in, a country with a high prevalence of tuberculosis. A medical examination may also be required for stays of 24 months or more in certain circumstances. INZ will inform you after submission if either is needed.
A police certificate is required if you are aged 17 or over and will be in New Zealand for more than 24 months, counting any time you have already spent there.
4. Genuine Intention
INZ assesses whether your reason for study is genuine. This includes evaluating whether the course is appropriate for your academic background, whether you can realistically complete it, and whether you intend to comply with your visa conditions. Your education provider makes a formal declaration on your offer of place confirming that they have assessed your English language ability and academic capability.
Required Documents for the New Zealand Student Visa
The table below lists the documents typically required. Some are mandatory for all applicants; others are conditional depending on your nationality, age, course length, and individual circumstances. Always verify the exact requirements for your country of residence using the INZ online tool before applying.
| Document | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Offer of Place / Enrolment Confirmation | Required | Must be from an NZQA-approved provider; conditional offers accepted for offshore applicants |
| Valid Passport | Required | Must be valid for the entire duration of study |
| Tuition Fee Payment Receipt | Required (or deferred to AIP) | Proof of payment for one year or one programme, whichever is shorter; can be deferred if applying from offshore |
| Proof of Living Funds | Required | NZD 20,000 per year (tertiary); NZD 17,000 per year (primary/secondary); or NZD 1,667/month for courses under one year |
| Medical and Travel Insurance | Required | Must meet the requirements of your education provider; must cover the full duration of stay |
| Chest X-ray | Conditional | Required if from or having spent time in a country with high TB prevalence |
| Medical Examination | Conditional | Required for stays of 24 months or more in certain circumstances; INZ advises on this after submission |
| Police Certificate | Conditional | Required if aged 17 or over and staying more than 24 months (including prior NZ time) |
| English Language Evidence | Conditional | Required for some applicants; provided by your education provider via their declaration on the offer of place |
| Parental Consent / Guardian Details | Conditional | Required for applicants under 10 years old not living in an NZQA-approved hostel |
All applications must be submitted online through the Immigration Online portal at immigration.govt.nz. Paper applications are no longer accepted for the Fee Paying Student Visa. See the official INZ Fee Paying Student Visa page for the most current checklist.
New Zealand Student Visa Application Process
The application process follows a standard sequence. Applying at least three months before your intended travel date is strongly recommended by INZ, particularly because application volumes peak at certain times of year and some supporting documents such as police certificates have limited validity.
- Apply to an NZQA-approved New Zealand education provider and receive your offer of place.
- Gather all required supporting documents, including proof of funds, insurance, and identification.
- Create an account on the Immigration Online portal at immigration.govt.nz.
- Complete the online application form and upload all supporting documents.
- Pay the visa application fee of NZD 850 at the time of submission.
- Attend a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre if required. INZ will contact you with instructions after submission.
- If applying from outside New Zealand and deferring tuition fee payment, receive your Approval in Principle (AIP). You will typically have 10 to 15 days to provide the unconditional offer and fee payment confirmation.
- Receive your visa decision electronically. Your visa will be linked to your passport.
Once your visa is approved, you can travel to and from New Zealand until the visa expiry date. You cannot add your partner or dependent children to your application, but they can apply for their own visas based on their relationship to you. Further information on bringing family members is available on the INZ website.
New Zealand Student Visa Fees and Processing Times
The following table summarises the current fees and expected processing times as of 2026. Always confirm the most recent fee amounts on the official INZ website before applying, as fees are subject to change.
| Item | Fee | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee Paying Student Visa (online) | NZD 850 | 2 to 10 weeks (80% within 10 weeks) | Online only; paper applications no longer accepted |
| Pathway Student Visa (online) | NZD 850 | 80% within 5 weeks | For sequential study at approved Pathway providers |
| Exchange Student Visa | NZD 340 | Varies | For approved student exchange programmes only |
| Biometric collection | Varies by country | Scheduled separately at a Visa Application Centre | Required for most nationalities; INZ notifies you after submission |
| Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS) | No INZ charge | Not applicable | ANZ Bank scheme for students from China, India, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam; bank charges may apply |
Processing times can vary based on the volume of applications received, the type of institution you are studying at, and the completeness of your submission. Applications with missing documents or unclear financial evidence are a common cause of delay. During peak periods — typically before the start of the academic year in February and July — wait times may extend beyond the standard range.
Work Rights on a New Zealand Student Visa
The new zealand student visa includes part-time work rights for eligible students. From November 2025, students on the Fee Paying Student Visa can work up to 25 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled holidays, subject to the conditions stated on their individual visa. This applies to most full-time tertiary students.
Work rights are not automatic for all visa holders. Students enrolled in English language programmes and those studying at primary or secondary school level may have different or more restricted conditions. Check your visa label or the INZ online portal to confirm what conditions apply to you specifically.
Post-Study Work Options After a New Zealand Student Visa
New Zealand offers structured post-study work pathways for graduates. The most significant is the Post Study Work Visa, which allows graduates to work in any role for any employer:
- Graduates who complete a qualification at NZQF Level 7 (bachelor’s degree) or higher are eligible for an open Post Study Work Visa of up to three years.
- Graduates who complete a qualification below Level 7 may be eligible for a Post Study Work Visa of up to one year, subject to certain conditions.
New Zealand is also scheduled to introduce a Short Term Graduate Work Visa from late 2026, aimed at international students who complete their studies in the country. Details of this new category had not been finalised at the time of writing; monitor the INZ website for announcements.
For students with qualifications in high-demand fields, there are pathways from post-study work to skilled residence. See New Zealand permanent residency for an overview of residency pathways from study.
New Zealand Student Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a New Zealand student visa?
For the Fee Paying Student Visa, INZ processes 80% of applications within 10 weeks. For the Pathway Student Visa, 80% of applications are completed within 5 weeks. These are averages; individual cases may take longer depending on the completeness of the application, the type of provider, and application volumes at the time of submission. Applying at least three months before your intended travel date is recommended.
How much money do I need to show for a New Zealand student visa?
For tertiary-level study of one year or more, you must show NZD 20,000 per year in living funds. For shorter courses, the requirement is NZD 1,667 per month of study. For primary or secondary school students, the amounts are NZD 17,000 per year or NZD 1,417 per month. These figures are in addition to tuition fees, which must also be demonstrated separately.
Can I work while studying in New Zealand on a student visa?
Yes, in most cases. Students on the Fee Paying Student Visa are permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled holidays. This updated limit came into effect in November 2025 (previously 20 hours). Work rights are subject to the conditions on your specific visa and do not apply to all student visa categories.
Do I need IELTS to apply for a New Zealand student visa?
INZ does not require you to submit an IELTS or other standardised language test score directly as part of the visa application. Instead, your education provider makes a formal declaration that they have assessed your English language ability and are satisfied you can complete the course. Individual universities and institutions may have their own English proficiency requirements for admission; check directly with your chosen provider.
Can I bring my family to New Zealand on a student visa?
You cannot include your partner or dependent children in your own visa application, but they may be eligible to apply for their own visas. Partners of eligible students may apply for a Visitor Visa or, in some cases, a work visa. Dependent children may be able to study as domestic students at a New Zealand primary or secondary school under a separate Student Visa for Dependent Children. Eligibility depends on the length and level of the primary student’s course.
What happens if my visa application is approved in principle (AIP)?
An Approval in Principle means INZ has assessed your application favourably but is waiting for outstanding documents, most commonly an unconditional offer of place and confirmation of tuition fee payment. You will normally have 10 days to provide these, or 15 days if using the Funds Transfer Scheme. If you need more time, contact your INZ case officer before the deadline.
Does the New Zealand student visa count toward residency?
Time spent in New Zealand on a student visa does not count toward the residency requirements under most skilled migrant pathways. However, completing a qualifying qualification in New Zealand and then taking up skilled employment on a Post Study Work Visa can count toward residency applications. See New Zealand permanent residency for details on residency requirements.
For information on how your destination country’s passport affects your travel options, see passport rankings.
Also See
- Types Of New Zealand Visa
- What Is The Cost Of Living In New Zealand?
- Tax Filing In New Zealand For International Students – A Comprehensive Guideline
- How to Migrate to New Zealand as a Student, Professional and Entrepreneur
- How to Apply for a New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa?
- How to Apply for New Zealand Investor Visa
- How to Apply for New Zealand Tourist Visa