Examples for students
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 in the Armed Services. 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 permit to be in New Zealand. You don’t need a student visa or permit 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. |
You may be issued with a student visa or permit, unless you are exempt from having to hold one. |
| 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 or permit 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 or permit to allow you to work. |
Need to apply for a student visa? Find out how.
Page Last Updated: 09 Jul 2004