A number of visas offer the opportunity to study in New Zealand, from short-term informal study to longer, full-time courses and exchange programmes.
Whatever you would like to study, our migration experts can help you identify the best visa options for your own unique circumstances.
Related news: Student visa changes from 27 October 2026
What visa will I need to study in New Zealand?
The most common New Zealand study visas are as follows:
- Fee Paying Student Visa
- This visa is suitable for most students intending to study full-time at a school, college, university or undertake full-time English language study, and who are paying course fees
- Pathway Student Visa
- This visa is ideal for students intending to undertake up to three courses consecutively and who have already secured a course and study pathway offer from a recognised provider in New Zealand
- Exchange Student Visa
- Students who have been accepted onto a recognised exchange programme may be able to study full-time in New Zealand for up to four years with this visa
- MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Student Visa
- This visa is specifically for students who have been granted a scholarship by either Education New Zealand or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)
Depending on their circumstances, some prospective students may find one of the following student visas to be a more appropriate alternative:
- Vocational Trainee Student Visa
- Student and Trainee Work Visa
- Foreign Government Supported Student Visa
- Occupational Registration Visitor Visa
What do New Zealand study visas offer?
All study visas give the holder the right to live and study in New Zealand, usually for as long as their course lasts. Some visas also give permission for the holder to work part-time (up to 25 hours a week during term since 3 November 2025, and full-time during scheduled holidays), providing that they remain enrolled on their course or training and are meeting attendance and achievement requirements.
The ability of student visa holders to travel to and from New Zealand while their visa is valid is dependent on the specific travel conditions attached to their visa, in particular whether they have ‘multiple entry travel conditions’. If granted, you should check your travel conditions carefully before leaving or making plans to leave New Zealand, even temporarily. Failure to do so may lead to being refused re-entry to New Zealand and/or cancellation of your visa.
To get a student visa you must show you have enough money to live on: NZD $20,000 a year for tertiary and English language study, or NZD $17,000 a year for school students. The student visa fee is NZD $750 (application fee plus immigration levy).
Once you have completed your studies in New Zealand, you may be able to apply for a Post Study Work Visa, which gives permission to live and work in New Zealand for up to three years and can be a step towards obtaining permanent residence.
Student visa requirements at a glance
| Requirement | What you need (as at October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Offer of place | An offer from a New Zealand education provider that is approved to enrol international students, for a course that meets the visa rules |
| Tuition fees | Evidence that your fees are paid, or that you can pay them (unless you hold a scholarship) |
| Living costs | NZD $20,000 a year for tertiary and English language study (NZD $1,667 a month for courses under a year), or NZD $17,000 a year for school students (NZD $1,417 a month) |
| Insurance | Acceptable medical and travel insurance for the whole time you study |
| Health and character | Medical certificates and police certificates, depending on your age, country and length of stay |
| Genuine student | Evidence that you genuinely intend to study, such as your study history, the reasons for your course choice and your plans after study |
| Visa fee | NZD $750 for a fee-paying student visa (application fee plus immigration levy) |
How to apply, step by step
- Choose your course and provider. Check that the course leads where you want to go. If you hope to work in New Zealand afterwards, check early whether your qualification will make you eligible for a Post Study Work Visa.
- Accept your offer of place and arrange to pay your tuition fees.
- Prepare your funds evidence. Bank statements should show the money has been held in your name (or your sponsor’s) and is genuinely available to you.
- Arrange insurance, medicals and police certificates if they are needed for your application.
- Apply online and upload your documents. Apply well before your course starts, as processing times vary through the year and are often longest before the main intakes.
After your studies
Many students use their New Zealand qualification as a step to work and residence:
- Post Study Work Visa: open work rights for up to 3 years, depending on your qualification. From 16 November 2026, eligibility is extended to some Level 7 graduate diploma holders who also hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Short-term Graduate Work Visa: from 16 November 2026, a new 6-month open work visa for Level 5 to 7 graduates who studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks and do not qualify for a Post Study Work Visa.
- Residence: since 24 August 2026 the Skilled Migrant Category gives more points for New Zealand bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
Student visa FAQs
How many hours can I work on a student visa?
If your visa allows work, you can work up to 25 hours a week during term (since 3 November 2025) and full-time in scheduled holidays. Students who held a visa with 20-hour work rights needed to apply for a variation of conditions to get the 25 hours. Check the work conditions printed on your visa.
Can I bring my partner and children?
Your partner and children can apply for visas based on their relationship to you. Whether your partner can work depends on what and where you are studying. School-age children usually need their own student visa, and in some situations they can study as domestic students. We can check what applies to your family.
Can I change my course or provider?
Your visa is linked to your course and provider. If you want to change either, you usually need to apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa before you change.
Can I apply from inside New Zealand?
Yes, if you hold a valid visa and meet the requirements. Apply before your current visa expires. If your current visa is about to expire while you wait, you may be granted an interim visa.
Does studying in New Zealand guarantee residence?
No. Study can improve your options, but residence depends on the job you get, your pay, your qualifications and the rules at the time you apply.
