Student Visas
Visas are available for those seeking to study in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s educational institutions are well regarded throughout the world. There is a range of opportunities available to international students – quality secondary school education, and internationally respected and recognised tertiary education providers.
There are a number of student visa options available, but how you do know which visa is right for you? Are you even eligible for the student visa you want? What happens if your student visa runs into trouble?
Student visas are not just restricted to those seeking to attend University. School-age children can also obtain student visas. Guardians accompanying school age students are also eligible for a temporary entry visa, and can gain a limited work right.
Student Visas
International Students (full-fee paying)
Generally, applicants must
- Hold a formal offer of a place from a State Institution or Private Training Establishment (PTE).
- Pay full international fees.
- Have sufficient funds for support, or be sponsored.
- Hold comprehensive Health Insurance.
- Satisfy Immigration New Zealand that they are a genuine student (not using a student visa application for some other purpose).
- Be of good health and character.
- Tertiary Students must provide they have access to at least NZD$20,000 per year for living costs.
School Children
Children from overseas may be educated in New Zealand from Primary, through Intermediate to Secondary levels, in either State owned or privately owned schools, subject to payment of fees and certain conditions that are in place to protect students and ensure a satisfactory education experience.
Students must provide they have access to at least NZD$17,000 per year for living costs
Schools that wish to offer places to overseas students must be approved to ensure quality pastoral care arrangements are in place to care for all of the child’s needs, both scholastic and residential.
Guardian Visa
A parent or legal guardian can apply for a visa to accompany their children aged 17-years or younger to New Zealand and, in limited circumstances, may even gain permission to work or study while the child is at school.
Domestic Student
School age children of those in New Zealand on work visas can attend Primary, Intermediate or Secondary school as “Domestic Students”.
They need to apply for a Student Visa, but do not need to pay International Student Fees. This concession does NOT apply to tertiary studies.
This general information was up to date as at February 2025. Immigration instructions change regularly Contact us for specific advice in your case.
Is your student visa application in trouble?
On occasions even the most straightforward student visa applications run into problems. Those problems can be concerns about poor attendance or performance. Quick intervention can often save an application from being declined.
Pacific Legal has advised on many student visa applications. If you have an Offer of Place to Study in New Zealand and you are thinking of applying for a student visa, be sure to contact us for professional advice and representation.
Make a start to the process by contacting us
