Types of Visas for Studying in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the top destinations for students from around the world. One of the key aspects that sets the country different from other study-abroad nations is the variety of options available to meet the different study needs of the students. Whether you are planning to study short-term or want to pursue a full-degree program, New Zealand offers all-time visa options all year long. These choices provide flexibility for study abroad students, depending on their length of course and personal circumstances. This guide explains the primary types of New Zealand student visa, available for international students.

Eligibility Criteria for Studying in New Zealand for International Students

To study in New Zealand as an international student, you must first secure an offer of admission from a recognized institution. You also need to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Additionally, you must provide proof of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, living expenses, and return travel. 

To study in New Zealand health insurance is mandatory, and for this you must meet New Zealand’s health and character requirements, including submitting medical certificates and police clearances.

Types of New Zealand Student Visa

Below is a table outlining the types of visas available for studying in New Zealand:

Types of Visa	Period
Student Visa	For More than 3 months
Visitor Visa	Lasting up to 3 months
Other Visa Options	Study for Up to 6 MonthsStudy Up to 3 Consecutive Courses

Student Visa: Study for More than 3 Months

If you are a study abroad aspirant and want to study in New Zealand for more than 3 months, then among different types of visas, a student visa is important for you. A student visa allows the student to enrol in full-time courses, tertiary education, secondary school, or in the study of the English language.

Features of the Student Visa

Let us explore the important features of the different types of visas for studying in New Zealand, especially those categorised under the Student Visa:

a. Duration of Stay: The duration of the student visa depends especially on the length of the course and the visa fees. It should be noted that a student visa in New Zealand helps you to stay in the country for up to a maximum of 4 years.

b Right to Work: Student visa helps international students to work up to 20 hours per week during their academic term and full-time during holidays. This provides students with a great opportunity to earn extra income while gaining work experience in New Zealand.

c. Cost and Processing Time: The application fees for a New Zealand student visa start from NZD $375. Generally, around 80% of visa applications are processed within 7 weeks. The main aim of the processing time is to let the students make decisions with adequate time and plan their studies accordingly.

What You Can Do with a Student Visa:

With a New Zealand student visa, students are allowed to pursue full-time studies from a recognised institution. These recognised academic institutions include schools, universities, or any English language courses. Additionally, the student visa also allows you to work part-time while studying and full-time during scheduled holidays. These types of jobs help the students to manage their finances. 

If you meet the required age criteria, you can live independently, but younger students must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during their stay.

Things to Consider:

Keep track of the points that you should consider while understanding a Student Visa:

• Your student visa is issued for the same period as your study, but if your passport expires earlier, the visa might be shortened. Make sure your passport is up to date.
• If you plan to bring family members, your partner or children may apply for visas based on their relationship to you. However, keep in mind that their visa requirements and processes are separate.
• You can apply for this visa even if you are a distance learning student who needs to visit New Zealand for practical training or exams.

Important Requirements:

To apply for a New Zealand Student Visa, you must submit several key documents. First, you will need an official offer of place from a recognized New Zealand education provider, which confirms your admission into the course. 

Additionally, you must provide proof that you have paid your tuition fees, ensuring that your financial commitments to the institution are met. 

You will also need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses while in New Zealand, with a minimum requirement of NZD $20,000 per year. A copy of your passport is required, along with your air ticket or proof that you have the means to purchase one. 

Depending on your length of stay and country of origin, medical and police certificates may also be necessary to complete your visa application.

Also Read: A Comprehensive Guide to New Zealand Work Visa

Visitor Visa: Study for Up to 3 Months

For students who want to take a short-term course lasting up to 3 months, the Visitor Visa is ideal. This visa is perfect if your primary goal is to visit New Zealand, but you want to include a brief study experience.

Features of the Visitor Visa:

Here are the key features of a visitor visa for studying in New Zealand :

a. Duration of Stay: The Visitor Visa allows for a stay of up to 6 months with a multiple entry visa or up to 9 months with a single entry visa, offering flexibility in your visit.

b. Work and Study Restrictions: While the Visitor Visa prohibits employment, it permits you to study for up to 3 months, enabling short-term educational pursuits during your visit to New Zealand.

c. Application Fees: The cost to apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa starts at NZD $211, with the application fee reflecting the visa’s temporary and non-working status.

Processing Time: 80% of Visitor Visa applications are processed within 3 weeks, providing a relatively quick turnaround time for your visa approval and travel planning.

What You Can Do with a Visitor Visa:

With a Visitor Visa, you have the opportunity to study a short course that lasts up to 3 months. This visa also allows you to travel, visit family and friends, or explore New Zealand as a tourist. Additionally, you can include your partner and dependent children in your visa application, enabling your entire family to travel together and enjoy your stay in New Zealand.

Things to Note:

Take note of the critical aspects to consider when dealing with a Visitor Visa:

• If you are a citizen of a visa-waiver country, you do not need to apply for a Visitor Visa. Instead, you must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) for entry into New Zealand.

• From June 2024, any documents not in English must be accompanied by English translations to ensure smooth processing of your visa application.

• To prevent potential issues or financial loss, it is advisable to avoid making non-refundable travel bookings until your visa has been officially approved.

NZeTA for Visa-Free Entry Countries:

If you are from a visa-waiver country, you won’t need to apply for a visa but will need an NZeTA. This allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to 3 months or 6 months for UK citizens. Applying for an NZeTA is simple, and processing takes up to 72 hours.

Other Study Visa Options

Apart from the standard Student and Visitor visas, New Zealand offers additional options for students pursuing different types of study programs. These visas provide flexibility depending on your needs.

a. Working Holiday Visa: Study for Up to 6 Months

The Working Holiday Visa is available for young people from eligible countries, allowing them to travel and work in New Zealand while studying short courses of up to 6 months.

• The Working Holiday Visa is primarily aimed at individuals who are aged from 18 to 30 years. However, citizens from certain countries, such as Canada and the UK, are eligible up to the age of 35. 

• The visa allows for a stay of up to 12 months in New Zealand. For travellers from Canada, the visa can be extended up to 23 months, while those from the UK may stay for up to 36 months.

• The cost of the Working Holiday Visa varies depending on your country of origin. Visa fees and eligibility requirements can differ, so it is essential to check the specific criteria and costs applicable to your nationality before applying.

What You Can Do with a Working Holiday Visa:

With a  Working Holiday Visa, you can enrol in short courses like English language programs, vocational training, or exchange programs. These can last for up to 6 months. These programs help you enhance your skills or gain new qualifications while exploring New Zealand.

The visa offers flexibility to choose various educational programs. This supports both your personal and professional growth. You can also immerse yourself in the country’s cultural and natural beauty.

Additionally, the visa allows you to work in temporary or seasonal jobs. This helps you manage your budget and cover travel expenses.

By combining study and work, you can enjoy a balanced experience. You can learn, explore New Zealand, and maintain financial stability.

Things to Note

Note the essential considerations for understanding a Working Holiday Visa:

• Your main purpose for obtaining the Working Holiday Visa must be to holiday in New Zealand, with work and study serving as secondary activities to support your travel experience.

• You must have sufficient funds to purchase a return ticket to your home country, demonstrating financial stability and ensuring you can cover the cost of returning once your visa period ends.

b. Pathway Student Visa: Study Up to 3 Consecutive Courses

If you plan to take multiple courses in New Zealand, the Pathway Student Visa is an excellent choice. This visa allows you to study up to 3 consecutive programs without needing to apply for multiple visas.

Key Features of Pathway Student Visa:

The following highlights outline the important aspects of the different types of visa for studying in New Zealand under the other study options:

• The Pathway Student Visa is valid for up to 5 years, depending on the duration of your approved study programs. It allows you to complete up to three consecutive courses.

• You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. Full-time work is allowed during holidays. This offers flexibility to support yourself financially while studying.

• Application fees start at NZD $375. Around 80% of applications are processed within 7 weeks. This ensures a quick processing time.

What You Can Do with a Pathway Visa:

With a Pathway Student Visa, you can enrol in up to three consecutive courses. These consecutive courses include such as starting with an English language program, followed by foundation studies, and last but not least pursuing a degree program. 

A pathway visa allows the student to follow an educational pathway which is structured. It provides that all courses that are offered, are approved by Pathway education providers and have been pre-approved as part of your visa application. This ensures that your study plan is coherent and aligns with the requirements of the visa, supporting a seamless educational journey in New Zealand.

Things to Note:

Keep track of the important factors to consider when understanding a types of New Zealand student visa:

• Ensure you are well-prepared for each subsequent course. Meeting prerequisites aligns with your educational goals.
• Follow pre-requisite requirements to stay compliant with your Pathway Student Visa conditions. This ensures smooth progression through your study program.
• Complete the necessary prerequisites to keep your academic progression on track and in line with your visa requirements.
• Satisfy all pre-requisite requirements to extend your studies under the same Pathway Student Visa. This ensures uninterrupted educational advancement.

Family Visa Applications

While your Pathway Student Visa does not allow you to include your partner or children in your application, they can apply for their visas based on their relationship with you. 

This process ensures that your family members can join you in New Zealand under separate visa arrangements.

Conclusion

A key step to ensuring a smooth academic journey is smooth in New Zealand is selecting the right types of New Zealand student visa.

The Student Visa allows the peers for long-term study and gives the student an option to work part-time. Meanwhile, the visitor visa is appropriate for those interested in pursuing short courses. The Working Holiday Visa and Pathway Visa serve as unique opportunities to combine travel, work, and education.

Also Read: Here are the Top 10 Reasons to Study Abroad in New Zealand

FAQs

We hope you now have a better understanding of the types of New Zealand student visa. Do you wish to apply for a visa in order to go overseas to study? Leave a remark in the space provided below, or get in touch with a Leverage Edu visa specialist, and we’ll help you embark on your ideal trip!

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