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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