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Student Visa Information
Here we share some general information about New Zealand Student Visa policy. This material is for information only. Contact one of our Licensed Immigration Advisers for personal immigration advice.
Student visas may have strict conditions that are set out on the visa document itself. Typically the conditions restrict the student to a particular course of study at an institution and can sometimes include work rights for part-time employment. These student visa conditions must be complied with. If you want any changes, take advice.
International Students
Fee-paying International Students are welcome in New Zealand. There are well-developed programmes and services designed to ensure the best possible experience for students of all ages while attending an approved education provider. The New Zealand government is focused on international students enrolling in high-quality tertiary education.
The student visa applicant must:
- Hold a formal offer of a place from an approved education provider, such as a State Institution or “Private Training Establishment” (PTE) (See special note, below).
- Pay full international fees.
- Have sufficient funds for support or be sponsored.
- Hold comprehensive Health Insurance.
- Satisfy Immigration New Zealand (INZ) that they are a genuine student (not using a student visa application for some other purpose).
- Be of good health and character.
Special note #1:
The only categories of educational providers who qualify to offer places to international students are those who have signed up to the "Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021" (The Code). These include registered schools, Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, Wānanga and Private Training Establishments (PTEs) that are registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authoity (NZQA) in Category 1, 2 or 3 (category 4 is excluded).
Special note #2:
Some international students can obtain the right to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during scheduled vacations. This is a great way to gain local work experience, practice English and earn some pocket money, but not every course qualifies you for work rights. Take expert student visa advice to make sure whether this concession applies to you.
Useful Student Visa Information
The Malcolm Pacific Immigration team of advisers and experts take away the stress and worry of navigating the complex world of New Zealand Student visas, policies, and immigration.
Helpful Student Visa Links
School Children
Children from overseas may be educated in New Zealand from Primary, through Intermediate to Secondary levels, in either State-owned or Privately owned schools, subject to payment of fees and certain conditions that are in place to protect students and ensure a satisfactory education experience.
Schools that wish to offer places to overseas students must be approved to ensure quality pastoral care arrangements are in place to care for all of the child’s needs, both scholastic and residential.
Guardian Visa
A parent or legal guardian can apply for a visa to accompany their children aged 17 years or younger to New Zealand and, in limited circumstances, may even gain permission to work or study while the child is at school.
Dependent Child Student Visa
A Dependent Child Student Visa allows dependent children to join their parent in New Zealand in limited circumstances. This visa allows children to study at a primary, intermediate or secondary school. A dependent child can be treated as a domestic student, meaning that you are not required to pay international tuition fees for them to attend a public school. This concession does not apply to tertiary study (international fees normally apply). To apply for a Dependent Child Student Visa, parents must hold an appropriate work or student visa.
English Language Schools
New Zealand is considered an excellent place to learn English and there are many institutions that offer courses. Including places where teaching English is combined with other courses and activities; there are over 600 choices! These range from facilities for younger people who want to combine a wonderful overseas experience with an improvement to their English, through to University-based courses designed to help serious students master English at a graduate level. Make sure your choice matches your objectives.
Tertiary Studies
New Zealand has many options for serious tertiary study. In recent years Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) have moved to ensure a quality experience for all students.
Pathway Student Visa
A Pathway Student Visa allows holders to study up to three consecutive courses in New Zealand, on a single student visa. You must have a Pathway Student Visa offer of place from an approved education provider and the required funds to pay your tuition fees.
Domestic Students
School-age children of persons in New Zealand on work visas can attend Primary, Intermediate or Secondary school as “Domestic Students”. They need to apply for a Student Visa but do not need to pay International Student Fees. This concession does NOT apply to Tertiary studies. At tertiary level, full international student fees will normally apply. Something to think carefully about when you are planning a move to New Zealand that includes older children.
The same courtesy also applies to certain persons in New Zealand as members of Diplomatic missions, or persons on Armed Service transfers and may also apply to certain post-graduate students.
Get Personal Student Visa Advice
The content on this page is for information only. If you would like personal immigration advice regarding attaining a New Zealand student visa, contact one of our Licensed Immigration Advisers today. The team at Malcolm Pacific Immigration can also help you with any resident visa or visitor visa enquiries.
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