The MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Student Visa is specifically intended for individuals who have been offered a scholarship to study full-time by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) or Education New Zealand.
Who can apply for the MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Student Visa?
In order to be eligible for this visa, you must:
- have been offered a scholarship which has been funded by either MFAT or Education New Zealand
- have an offer of a study place study place at an approved educational institution
- demonstrate (through a travel ticket, funds or sponsorship) that you have the means to leave New Zealand when or before your visa expires
- meet standard health and good character requirements for New Zealand visas
If you already hold a Student Visa, you will be required to provide evidence that you are on track to pass your current course, and are meeting its attendance requirements.
What does the MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Student Visa offer?
With this visa, you can:
- live and study in New Zealand for the duration of your studies (up to four years), providing you continue to attend the place of study listed on your visa
- work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week during your studies, providing the specific scheme you are on and your visa conditions permit it
- you may also work full-time during the Christmas and New Year period, and during scheduled academic holidays
- travel to and from New Zealand freely
Your partner and any dependent children will be eligible to apply for visas of their own on the basis of your securing this visa. Your partner would typically be eligible to apply for a work visa, while any dependent children would be able to apply for student visas of their own.
How do I apply for the MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Student Visa?
Applications for this visa can be submitted online or on paper, and from inside or outside New Zealand. You should not apply until you have secured your scholarship and offer of place, and no earlier than 60 days before you are due to begin your course.
The fee to apply for this visa depends on your nationality and where you are applying from, and ranges from free to around NZD $750.
80% of applications for this visa are processed within three weeks.
