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New Zealand Student Visas

Anyone enrolling as an international student on a course lasting three months or more in New Zealand will need a student visa. Here are the key things to know.

What visa will I need to study?
If the course you want to study is less than three months long, and you hold an NZ visitor’s visa, then you do not need to get a student visa to study. If your course is three months or longer, you will need a Fee Paying Student Visa. This visa allows you to study full time in New Zealand for up to four years.
Is there an age limit?
No, there are no age limits to getting a student visa in New Zealand.
Can I still get a student visa if I’ve already used my working holiday visa for New Zealand?
Yes, your working holiday visa status has no impact on a student visa application, assuming you didn’t break any Immigration rules during your WHV (such as overstaying or working when your visa didn’t allow you to). If you had any such issues during or after your WHV please tell Study Options as soon as possible so we can assess your case.
Can I work on a student visa?
Yes, from November 2025, students studying at tertiary level can work up to 25 hours each week.
How much does it cost to apply for a student visa?
Student visa applications submitted via the online system currently cost from NZ$850. Fees are subject to change each year, so please check www.immigration.govt.nz before making your application.
How do I apply?

The best way to apply is to submit your student visa application online, at: https://online.immigration.govt.nz/ You can, alternatively, complete a paper application form, which is also available from the INZ website, but online applications are preferred (and are processed more quickly).

Immigration New Zealand provides lots of information for applicants, including a checklist of the supporting documents required for first-time student visa applicants, at https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/

Will I have to show any evidence of my finances?
Yes, you’ll need to prove you have enough money to live on while you study. INZ will want to see evidence that you have access to NZ$20,000 per year as a university student – this can be shown using bank statements, evidence of a scholarship, or by your family completing a financial undertaking form to guarantee your living costs. You’ll also need to show that you have enough money to buy a ticket home from New Zealand.
Will I need to provide any character documents?
All applicants for New Zealand visas need to be of ‘good character’. This generally means you have no criminal convictions. If you intend to be in New Zealand for more than 24 months you will need to include police clearances from each country for which you have citizenship in your visa application. You will also need to provide police clearances for every country you have lived in for five years or more since you turned 17. Find out more at www.immigration.govt.nz/who-provides-police-cert

It’s also recommended that you include a cover letter or statement of purpose with your application, explaining why you want to study in New Zealand. This will help Immigration New Zealand determine whether or not you are a genuine student, which is one of their key criteria when assessing applications.

Will I need to provide health documents?
All student visa applicants must meet acceptable health requirements, but fee paying students do not usually need to complete medical checks, unless they are a citizen of, or have spent at least three months in a country that does not have a low incidence of TB. If either of these apply, a chest X-ray certificate is likely to be needed. This must be completed by a radiologist who has been approved by INZ. Check whether you will need to include health documentation at www.immigration.govt.nz/xray-or-medical-exam
How long does a student visa take to get?
Immigration New Zealand recommends you allow four weeks (20 working days) for processing, but at busy points of the year assessments can take longer. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as you are able to.
How soon can I travel to New Zealand once I get my student visa?
The visa is valid immediately upon issuing, so once you have your visa you can use it to enter New Zealand. Please DON’T book any travel that cannot be easily amended until you have been granted a visa for New Zealand.
How long will my visa last?
The visa is valid for the duration of your course if it is up to 12 months long, or for approximately 12 months for courses that are longer than a year. For courses that last longer than a year, you will be required to renew your visa through the Immigration New Zealand online system for further years of study. This is a process that the team at your university’s International Office will help you with.
Can I apply for another visa when my course finishes?
Yes, if you meet New Zealand Immigration policy. For information about other visa options, visit www.immigration.govt.nz
What are my obligations on this visa?
You must hold comprehensive health insurance for the duration of your stay, as only residents and holders of two year or longer work permits are eligible for publicly funded health and disability services. You also have a legal obligation to be in New Zealand on a valid visa at all times. If you fail to do this you may be declined a permit to remain in or a visa to travel to the country in the future.
What will I need to apply?

The full requirements are given on checklists available at https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/ but an outline list of documents is as follows:

  • The completed application form
  • A valid passport (you will need to upload the identity page)
  • The application fee (NZ$850)
  • An unconditional offer of place to study at a university in New Zealand
  • Receipt showing payment of one year’s tuition fees
  • Evidence of sufficient funds for living costs (NZ$20,000)
  • Evidence of sufficient funds to purchase an outward ticket (this is in addition to the living cost requirement above)
  • Evidence of your health and character, if required
  • A cover letter or statement of purpose explaining why you want to study in New Zealand and providing more information about you

All information is correct as at October 2025 but is subject to change.
Check Immigration New Zealand’s website for the latest information, at www.immigration.govt.nz

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