What is the Age Limit to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa?

Are you applying for a New Zealand student visa? Then, you must know about the age requirements. New Zealand offers several visas for international students. That is, the Fee Paying Student Visa, Foreign Government Supported Student Visa, Foreign Government Supported Student Visa, Exchange Student Visa, and Post Work Study Visa. Each of these visas requires you to meet the age criteria set by the New Zealand government, along with other requirements. Only after you meet these conditions can you apply for a student visa.  For this reason, we have provided all the details regarding the New Zealand student visa age limit.

New Zealand Student Visa Age Limit (Minimum)

The New Zealand student visa age limit is the same for all student visa types. The minimum age requirement for the visas is provided below:

• Under the age of 10: International students under 10 years will only be granted a student visa if they stay with a legal guardian or in an approved school hostel in New Zealand.
• Under the age of 18:  Students under 18 need to present a statement from the education provider confirming their place of stay. Moreover, the accommodation must meet the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 rules. This statement can either be provided separately or be included in the accommodation offer letter.
• The parent/legal guardians are required to apply separately for a visa 

Age Limit for Working as a Secondary School Student 

Secondary school students have the right to work o However, there is a New Zealand student visa age limit. For example, if you are under 16 you will not be granted the right to work. Other age-related restrictions are provided below:

• Older than 16 years: Applicants aged 16 or above (that is, in the 12th or 13th) years are allowed to work. During the school year, you can work 20 hours per week.  Full-time work is permitted during New Year and Christmas vacations. 
• Under the age of 18: If you are under 18 you need written permission from your parents/school/legal guardian to work.  You need to present written permission while you send the visa application. Another option is to apply for work rights after reaching New Zealand under certain conditions.

Is New Zealand a good place for students? Get your answers in this video below:

New Zealand Student Visa Age Limit (Maximum)

There is no maximum age limit set for the New Zealand student visas. As long as you meet the university requirements, and receive an offer letter your application is considered. Additionally, you are required to meet the visa eligibility requirements. Every student visa application has unique visa requirements that must be met. The visa benefits also differ. For example, for an exchange student visa, you must be an exchange student and have an offer letter from your education provider.

Age Limit for New Zealand University Admission

The good news is that the New Zealand universities have not set an upper age limit. As long as you meet the admission criteria. For example, academic records, English proficiency test requirements, etc you are likely to get admission.

New Zealand universities even have concessions for mature students (above 20 years of age). This allows them to take admission even if they do not meet the general admission criteria. This can be an alternative pathway program or an assessment of their life experiences. 

Although there is no maximum New Zealand Student Visa Age Limit, minimum age criteria must be met. That is, you must be at least 16 years of age for admission to the university. Younger students are allowed admission only if they have exceptional qualifications. 

Gap Years & New Zealand Student Visa Age Limit 

New Zealand accepts gap year students. The acceptable gap years are provided below. Applicants with gap years need to explain the reason for the same. For example, family responsibilities, exam preparation, medical issues, employment etc, An evidence of the same must be attached for admission purposes.

Level of Education	Acceptable Gap Years	Gap Years that May be Accepted (if justified)
Bachelor’s	Up to a year	10 years
Master’s	2-3 years	10 years

New Zealand Student Visa Age Limit for Being a Genuine Student 

To obtain a New Zealand student visa, you must be a genuine student. That is, submit relevant documents. For example,

• Must have received an offer letter from a university in New Zealand, and must have paid the tuition fees.
• You must have funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay, to go to and leave New Zealand 
• You must have medical insurance, must be of good character, and good health
• A statement of purpose must also be submitted.

Although you have submitted all these documents, you are required to give a New Zealand visa interview. The interview must be cleared to obtain a student visa. It is the last step of the application process, During the visa interview your intention to visit the country might be questioned. Therefore, unless you aim to temporarily study in the country, your visa application can be rejected, This means those applying for a student visa for settlement purposes might not get one.

What is the Maximum Age Limit to Work in New Zealand?

Apart from considering the New Zealand student visa age limit, it is important to consider the work opportunities in the country. The work visas can come with a limit. Moreover, the maximum age limit for work visas can differ based on the visa type.

Visa Type	Maximum Age Limit
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa	55 years
Working Holiday Visa	30 – 35 (depending on your nationality)
Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa	55 years

The good news is that certain visas do not have any age limit. For example, the  Entrepreneur Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa, Partner Visa, Parent Visa, and Active Investor Plus visa.

Learn about the cost of living in New Zealand 

What is the Maximum Age for PR in New Zealand?

To get a New Zealand PR you need to meet the age requirement. It is provided below:

Particulars	Age Limit
New Zealand Permanent Residency	55 Years

Note: Aside from the age criteria, you need to meet other requirements. For example, you and your dependent children must be in good health, you must have an employment offer from a New Zealand employer, you must have the intent to stay in New Zealand, must have 2 years of work experience, and must have secured 100 points on the New Zealand point based system for PR.

Learn about the top PR courses in New Zealand 

FAQs

We hope you now understand the New Zealand student visa age limit in depth. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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