When should overseas students apply for a Student Visa or Permit?

Students can apply for a Student Visa when they’re:

• living outside New Zealand and they have an offer of a place from a New Zealand education provider
• already in New Zealand on a Student Permit but they need to leave New Zealand and come back .

They can apply for a Student Permit when they’re:

• already in New Zealand and they have an offer of a place from a New Zealand education provider
• already in New Zealand on another permit, such as a Work Permit, and they wish to study full time. If they wish to study part time, they will need to apply for a Variation of Conditions to their current permit.