International students studying in New Zealand for more than 3 months need a Student Visa, issued by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). This guide walks through eligibility, financial proof, the application process, and work rights — for what happens after graduation, see our separate guide to New Zealand's Post-Study Work Visa.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a New Zealand Student Visa, you must:
- Hold an Offer of Place from an NZQA-recognised education provider
- Show evidence of funds to cover tuition and living costs
- Meet health and character requirements, including a medical exam and police certificate for longer stays
- Show evidence of onward travel or return (or a valid reason for staying)
- Hold valid health insurance, generally recommended and required by most institutions
Financial Requirements
| Requirement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Living costs | Approx. NZD 20,000–22,000 per year (updated periodically by INZ) |
| Tuition | Full first-year tuition fee, or proof it's already paid/covered by scholarship |
| Format | Bank statements, scholarship letter, or a sponsor's affidavit |
INZ updates the living cost threshold periodically — always check the current figure on the official Immigration New Zealand site before applying.
Application Process
Step 1: Receive Your Offer of Place
Accept an offer from an NZQA-recognised school, institute, or university.
Step 2: Apply Online via Immigration New Zealand
Submit your application through INZ's online portal.
| Document | Detail |
|---|---|
| Offer of Place | From your NZ institution |
| Proof of funds | Bank statements or sponsor documents |
| Passport | Valid for your intended stay |
| Medical certificate | Required for courses over 12 months or under certain conditions |
| Police certificate | Required for stays over 24 months |
| English test result | IELTS/TOEFL, if required by your programme |
Step 3: Biometrics
Provide fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre, if required for your nationality.
Step 4: Processing
| Application Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard | 4–8 weeks (varies by season and nationality) |
Step 5: Visa Grant and Arrival
Once approved, your visa is linked electronically to your passport. Enter New Zealand and begin your programme.
English Requirements for New Zealand Universities
| Level | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) |
| Postgraduate | IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) |
| Competitive programmes (Auckland, Otago Medicine/Law) | IELTS 7.0+ |
Both IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT are widely accepted across New Zealand's eight universities and NZQA-approved institutes.
Work Rights on a New Zealand Student Visa
| Status | Hours |
|---|---|
| Most degree-level students | Up to 20 hours/week during term |
| Official scheduled holidays | Full-time work permitted |
| Postgraduate research students (Master's by research, PhD) | Full-time work permitted throughout |
After Graduation
Graduates from a Bachelor's degree or higher can generally apply for the Post-Study Work Visa, giving open work rights for up to 3 years depending on qualification level — see our dedicated guide on New Zealand's Post-Study Work Visa and residency pathway for the full breakdown.
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