U6.1 Programmes of study lasting longer than 3 months

1. People who require a visa to visit New Zealand and who wish to come to New Zealand to study full-time for a period longer than three months, must hold a student visa.
2. Potential students who are nationals of countries to whom a visitor visa waiver applies (see E2.1) may enter New Zealand as visitors and apply for a student visa after their arrival.

U6.1.1 Definition of 'full-time study'

1. For private training establishments full-time study is generally considered to be enrolment in:
   1. a programme of study that requires attendance for a minimum of 20 hours per week; or
   2. at least three papers, or equivalent, per semester if the offered programme of study is at Level 7 or above on the New Zealand Qualification Framework.
2. For other tertiary institutions enrolment in at least three papers, or equivalent, per semester is indicative of full-time study.
3. Any programme of study that does not meet (a) or (b) above is usually considered to be part-time (see U7.20).
4. The final decision on whether or not a student may be considered to be undertaking full-time study rests with immigration officers.

Effective 02/12/2013