Before you apply for a New Zealand student visa
Be prepared before you start your NZ Student Visa application — find out what you need to do and what documents you need to provide. Apply Global Opportunities will help you to fulfil your dreams!
Make study and travel plans before you apply
To qualify for a student visa, you’ll need:
- an offer of place from an approved education provider
- money for your tuition fees or proof that you have a scholarship that pays your fees
- proof you have enough money to live on while you’re in NZ
- full medical and travel insurance
- a ticket out of NZ or evidence that you have enough money to buy one.
For information about what the visa lets you to do, for example, travel or work — go to Immigration NZ’s website:
Note: If you have a work visa or student visa, your dependent children do not need to be accepted for a course before they apply for a student visa.
Studying less than 3 months
You only need a student visa if you are studying over 3 months. If the length of your study is less than 3 months you can get a visitor visa instead.
Choose a course
New students need to have an offer of place from an approved education provider. However, if you’re a returning student — you need to have confirmation of enrolment.
Find a programme of study or qualification that you want to do.
Find primary, intermediate and secondary schools that teach international students.
Pathway Student Visa
If you’re applying for a Pathway Student Visa, you must study with a Pathway Education Provider.
Education in NZ
Find out about NZ’s education system and how it works.
Study fees
Most people who come to NZ to study pay full fees as international students.
Domestic students
If you qualify as a domestic student, your fees are usually less — but you’ll still need a student visa.
You’re a domestic student if, for example you’re studying:
- at primary or secondary school under a government–approved exchange programme
- at primary or secondary school in NZ because your parent or legal guardian is here on a student or work visa
- for a PhD.
Paying your living expenses
In your student visa application, you need to:
- show you have enough money to support yourself while you study in New Zealand
- include proof of where this money has come from.
Immigration New Zealand have checklists and other information to help you to prepare your application.
Health and character
To get a visa, you need to be healthy and of good character.
Health requirements for a student visa
Character requirements for a student visa
Medical and travel insurance
If you’re a fee-paying student, you need approved medical and travel insurance for the length of your stay.
Contact your education provider to get help with arranging medical and travel insurance.
Students aged 9 or under
International students who are aged 9 or under must either:
- have a parent or legal guardian living with them, or
- live in a school hostel approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
Documents to provide with your application
Your identity
You need to provide:
- a colour photo of your head and shoulders — or 2, if you apply using the printed form
- a passport that’s valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave NZ.
Other supporting documents
When an institution offers you a place on their course, they will give you an ‘offer of place’ letter. You must include this with your visa application.
You may also need to provide:
- medical certificates
- police certificates, and
- translations of any documents not in English.
Study in New Zealand – Your Pathway to a Bright Future! 
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New Zealand is one of the top destinations for international students, offering world-class education, globally recognized degrees, and a high quality of life. With its diverse culture, student-friendly environment, and strong post-study work opportunities, it’s an excellent choice for students aiming for a successful future.
Why Study in New Zealand?
✅ Globally Recognized Universities – Institutions like the University of Auckland, University of Otago, and Victoria University rank among the best worldwide.
✅ Affordable Tuition Fees – Compared to other popular study destinations, New Zealand offers quality education at a lower cost.
✅ Post-Study Work & PR Opportunities – Students can apply for a post-study work visa and later transition to permanent residency.
✅ Safe & Multicultural Society – New Zealand is one of the safest countries, with a welcoming and diverse community.
✅ Practical & Research-Oriented Education – The education system focuses on innovation, hands-on experience, and real-world application.
Top Universities in New Zealand
🏆 University of Auckland
🏆 University of Otago
🏆 Victoria University of Wellington
🏆 University of Canterbury
🏆 Massey University
🏆 Lincoln University
🏆 Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Study Visa Requirements
📌 Valid Passport
📌 Offer Letter from a Recognized Institution
📌 Proof of Sufficient Funds (for tuition & living expenses)
📌 Health & Travel Insurance
📌 English Language Proficiency (IELTS/PTE)
📌 Medical & Police Clearance Certificates
Post-Study Work Opportunities
🎓 After completing studies, students can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (up to 3 years), depending on their qualification level.
🌟 High-demand sectors include IT, Healthcare, Engineering, Business, and more.
How We Can Help?
At Apply Global Opportunities, we provide expert guidance on university selection, application processing, visa documentation, scholarships, and career pathways. Our experienced consultants ensure a smooth and stress-free journey to studying in New Zealand!
📞 Contact us today and take the first step toward your dream career in New Zealand!
Fee Paying Student Visa
Apply for this visa to study full-time in New Zealand. You will need to pay the full cost of your courses and enrol with an approved education provider.
4 years
Cost
NZD $750
With this visa you can
- Study full-time at the course stated on your visa — this includes schools, tertiary (study after secondary school) and English language study. Student visa conditions require you to attend the place of study endorsed on your visa.
- Work part-time up to 20 hours a week while studying or full-time in the holidays, depending on your visa conditions.
- Live by yourself above a certain age, otherwise you will need to come with your parent or legal guardian.
Things to note
- If you want to bring your partner or children with you, they can apply for visas based on their relationship to you.
- Your student visa is normally for the same length of time as the study you have paid for. It may be issued for a shorter time if your passport expires before the end date of your study.
- You can apply for this visa if you are a distance learning or correspondence student studying outside New Zealand and you need to visit New Zealand for more than 3 months to attend your education provider, for example to do practical study or sit exams.
- Your ability to speak or write English is not a student visa application requirement. Check with the education provider to see if they are required for an offer of a place on their course.
- If you apply for this visa you may have to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Enter your country details in the Process and costs section below.
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