New Zealand offers student visas to international students who wish to pursue academic studies, vocational training, or other educational opportunities within the country. These visas allow students to live and study in New Zealand for the duration of their course, with opportunities for part-time work and post-study pathways.
Types of Student Visas
- Fee-Paying Student Visa: The standard visa for international students paying full tuition fees.
- Exchange Student Visa: For students participating in an approved student exchange program.
- Foreign Government Supported Student Visa: For students receiving financial support from their home government.
- Pathway Student Visa: Allows students to study up to 3 consecutive programs of study with one or more education providers on a single visa.
- Dependent Child Student Visa: For school-age children of work or student visa holders.
Details Breakdown
Purpose: For international students who are paying full tuition fees for their studies in New Zealand.
Duration: Up to 4 years, depending on the length of the course.
Work Rights: Can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks if the course duration is at least two years or the qualification is at least Level 7 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).
Eligibility Criteria:
- Offer of Place: Must have an offer of a place from an approved education provider in New Zealand.
- Tuition Fees: Must pay full tuition fees for the course.
- Sufficient Funds: Must have sufficient funds to support oneself during the stay, including tuition, living expenses, and return travel.
- Insurance: Must have appropriate and valid medical and travel insurance for the duration of the stay.
- Good Health and Character: Must meet health and character requirements.
Purpose: Allows students to undertake up to three consecutive programs of study with an approved Pathway education provider on a single visa.
Duration: Up to 5 years.
Work Rights: Similar work rights as the Fee Paying Student Visa, based on the level of study.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Offer of Place: Must have an offer of a place for a series of courses from an approved Pathway education provider.
- Progression Plan: Must have a clear study pathway and meet the entry requirements for subsequent courses.
- Sufficient Funds: Must have sufficient funds to cover the initial course fees and living expenses.
- Insurance: Must have appropriate medical and travel insurance.
- Good Health and Character: Must meet health and character requirements.
Purpose: For students participating in an approved student exchange program.
Duration: Generally matches the duration of the exchange program.
Work Rights: May work part-time up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks, depending on the level of study.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Approved Exchange Program: Must be part of an approved student exchange program.
- Acceptance: Must be accepted into the program by both the sending and receiving organizations.
- Sufficient Funds: Must demonstrate access to sufficient funds for the stay.
- Insurance: Must have comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
- Good Health and Character: Must meet health and character requirements.
Purpose: For students funded by a foreign government to study in New Zealand.
Duration: Generally aligned with the length of the sponsored study program.
Work Rights: Can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks, depending on the level of study.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Government Sponsorship: Must have financial support from a foreign government.
- Offer of Place: Must have an offer of a place from a recognized New Zealand education provider.
- Sufficient Funds: Proof of sufficient funds as provided by the government sponsor.
- Insurance: Must have medical and travel insurance.
- Good Health and Character: Must meet health and character requirements.
Purpose: For children of eligible work visa holders, students, or New Zealand citizens/residents to study in New Zealand.
Duration: Generally matches the duration of the parent’s visa or until the child turns 19.
Work Rights: Not applicable as this visa is for school-age children.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Parental Status: Parent must hold a valid work visa, student visa, or be a New Zealand citizen/resident.
- Age: Generally for children under 19 years old.
- Dependent Status: Must be financially dependent on the parent.
- School Enrollment: Must be enrolled in a primary or secondary school in New Zealand.
General Eligibility Criteria
- Acceptance: An offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider.
- Tuition Fees: Proof of payment or sufficient funds to pay tuition fees.
- Living Expenses: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover living costs while in New Zealand (usually NZD 15,000 for the first year).
- Medical Insurance: Proof of comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
- Character and Health: Meeting character and health requirements.
Required Documents
- Valid Passport
- Offer of Place: From a recognized education provider.
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements, financial undertaking, or scholarship letter.
- Medical Insurance: Proof of coverage.
- Medical Certificates: If applicable, based on the duration of stay.
- Police Clearance: If applicable, for students over a certain age and staying longer than 24 months.
Application Process
- Choose the Right Visa: Determine which student visa is appropriate based on your study plans.
- Gather Documents: Collect all necessary documentation.
- Submit Application: Apply online through the Immigration New Zealand website or submit a paper application.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the applicable visa application fee.
- Wait for Processing: The processing time can vary, typically from a few weeks to several months.
- Receive Decision: Immigration New Zealand will notify you of the decision.
Cost
| Visa Type | Application Fee (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Fee-Paying Student Visa | 330 – 530 |
| Exchange Student Visa | 330 – 530 |
| Foreign Government Supported Student | 330 – 530 |
| Pathway Student Visa | 330 – 530 |
| Dependent Child Student Visa | 330 – 530 |
*Note: The fee may vary based on the application method and location.
Visa Processing Time
- Typical Processing Time: 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the type of visa and the individual circumstances.
Key Points to Remember
- Sufficient Funds: Ensure you have enough funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
- Medical and Travel Insurance: Required for all students.
- Conditions of Visa: Adhere to the visa conditions, such as working restrictions and maintaining enrollment.
- Renewal and Extension: Understand the process for extending your visa if you plan to continue studying.
Conclusion
New Zealand provides a range of student visa options to cater to different study needs. International students must meet specific requirements and follow the application process carefully to ensure a smooth entry and stay in the country. By understanding the types of visas available and their respective criteria, students can choose the best pathway to achieve their educational goals in New Zealand.
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Note: The information provided in this article is general, subject to frequent change and does not constitute any legal advice. For any specific study visa and legal advice you can rely on, please contact the consultants/advisors, lawyers and members of our expert team.