Visas and permits for students

What does a Student Visa or Permit allow?

Having a New Zealand Student Visa or Permit allows a student from overseas to study in New Zealand for a set time at a specified institution as a full-time student.  In most cases we issue a one-year, renewable permit.

The main purpose of a Student Visa or Permit is to allow an international student to study full-time in New Zealand.  However, in some cases we may vary the conditions of a Student Permit to allow a student:

• to study part-time
• a limited opportunity to work while studying if the student’s course requires them to be here for more than one year. 

Who can get a Student Visa or Permit?

Most people can be considered for a visa or permit to study in New Zealand, provided they meet all the requirements. But, to protect the interests of New Zealanders we don’t issue visas to people involved in certain activities. 

How do I get a Student Visa or Permit?

We have a clear application process for students to follow so they can come to New Zealand to study. They’ll have to show us they’ve paid the foreign student fees. And they’ll also need to pay a fee to apply for a Student Visa or Permit.  Go to the fees finder to see what students need to pay.

What do students from overseas need to do to apply?

Or want to find out more about our general student requirements?

Help students who want to know…  

• How long can students study?
• Can students work while they’re studying?
• Can someone change their permit if they want to study?
• Can a student’s permit be revoked?
• Do distance learning students need a Student Visa or Permit  to sit exams in New Zealand?
• Can students study part-time on a Student Permit?
• How do we arrange a student exchange? 
• What students need to do if they’re already here studying and their plans change?