Visas for studying in New Zealand
Learn about studying visa options, who can apply, and the rules for studying, working, and travelling in New Zealand.
New Zealand offers many visa options for studying. Different visas have different eligibility criteria and conditions, including rules about study, work, and travel.
Student visas
If you want to study for more than 3 months in New Zealand, you will need an
Search the full list of student visas available on our visa look up tool.
Fee Paying Student Visa
The most common student visa for international students is the Fee Paying Student Visa. With this visa you can study full-time in New Zealand up to 4 years. You will need to pay the full cost of your courses and enrol with an approved education provider.
Dependent Child Student Visa
If you have an appropriate work or student visa, you can apply for this visa to bring your dependent children aged 19 and younger to study as domestic students at a New Zealand primary or secondary school.
English Language Student Visa
Apply for this visa to study an English language course full-time in New Zealand. You will need to pay the full cost of your courses and enrol with an approved education provider.
Pathway Student Visa
You can study up to 3 courses, 1 after the other, on this visa. You must have a Pathway Student Visa offer of place and the funds to pay for your tuition fees and living costs.
Other student visas
You can explore the other student visas we have available in the visa lookup tool.
Other visas that allow you to study in New Zealand
Explore other visas that can allow you to study in New Zealand.
Temporary visas and NZeTA
If you have a visitor visa, work visa or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), you can study up to 3 months in any 12-month period.
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
Working holiday visas
If you are on a working holiday visa, you can study 1 or more courses for up to 6 months in New Zealand. For example, you could study English, do a Study Abroad programme, or a short training course.
You must be coming mainly to holiday — study should be a secondary intention.
Note
You do not need a student visa to study in New Zealand if you are an Australian citizen.
Applying for a student visa
Once you have decided which student visa you would like to apply for you will need to apply to study with your chosen education provider.
Getting an offer of place from your education provider
Once you have decided the subject you want to study and where you would like to study, you must apply for your place to study with that education provider.
If you are accepted by an education provider, they will give you an
Applying for your student visa online
When you apply for a student visa, we recommend applying 3 months ahead of intended travel dates to ensure your application is processed on time.
To apply, you must:
- submit a complete online application
- include all supporting documents to avoid delays, and
- follow application guidance carefully.
Getting help with your visa application
Declare any assistance you receive
You must declare any assistance received with your visa application and any assistance used to obtain an offer of place.
Use this form if you have authorised another person to submit an online application on your behalf for a student visa.
Processing during peak periods for student visas
Application volumes are highest from November to March and June to August. Applying at least 3 months before travel gives the best chance of receiving a visa on time.
Early applications can be approved in principle, allowing students to make travel and study plans before the visa is formally granted.
Why some applications are processed faster than others
During study
While you are studying you must meet all your visa conditions.
Check or change your student visa conditions
Working on a student visa
Work rights depend on the conditions of your visa.
Working after study
If you are a graduate with a New Zealand bachelor’s degree or higher, you can be eligible for post-study work visas. Some non-degree qualifications in areas of skill shortage can also qualify for post-study work.
Staying to work after finishing your study
Further information
Information for studying in New Zealand.
Studying in New Zealand — New Zealand Education
Studying from overseas — New Zealand Education
Setting up your life in New Zealand
Living in New Zealand — New Zealand Education
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