If you are not sure that you need a student visa, or you want to check whether you can get one, these examples may give you a better idea.

Your situation	Would I qualify, if I meet all the other requirements?
You’re coming to New Zealand to complete the last two years of your medical degree. You have a confirmed place at a New Zealand university School of Medicine.	Yes.
You’ve been studying by distance learning with a New Zealand university and you’re required to come to New Zealand to prepare for and sit your exams.	Yes. If you have an offer of a place and if your stay will be less than three months, you can apply for a visitor visa.
You want to undertake an eight-week course at a New Zealand polytechnic.	You may be eligible to apply for a visitor visa.
You are coming to New Zealand to complete religious studies to allow you to be ordained and you have an offer of a place with a recognised provider of religious studies.	Yes.
You’re a parent or guardian of a student who has been accepted for the school year at a New Zealand primary school.	You may be eligible to apply for a visitor visa.
Your partner is in New Zealand as  part of military personnel . You have a place at a New Zealand private training establishment.	You need a student visa but you don’t need to prove you’ve paid course fees.
You’re an Australian citizen wishing to undertake a two-year course at a New Zealand polytechnic.	Australian citizens aren’t required to have a visa to be in New Zealand. You don’t need a student visa to study here.
You are 16 years-old and your parent is in New Zealand working in your country’s diplomatic corps. You want to study at a New Zealand high school.	If you hold a Diplomatic, Official or Consular visa as an officially recognised dependant of a seconded diplomatic, official or consular officers, you must obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Protocol Division before you can study in New Zealand.
You’re a partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident, and you’re enrolled at a New Zealand wananga.	You can apply for a student visa that will allow you to stay in New Zealand for the length of your course.
You have a place at a New Zealand polytechnic course that combines part-time study and part-time work over two years of study.	You will need to apply for a change in the conditions of your student visa to allow you to work.

 

 

Need to apply for a student visa? Find out how.