Studying in New Zealand: your student visa options

Studying in New Zealand can be a rewarding path — a chance to gain a world-class qualification in a safe, welcoming country. A student visa application asks you to get a few important things right: your offer of place, your funds, and showing that you're a genuine student. Get those details right, and the door opens. I came to New Zealand as a student myself, so I understand both how the process works and where the care needs to go. This page introduces the main student visa options and what's involved.

Which student visa you need depends on what and how you're studying, and how you're funding it. Here are the main options.

Studying on a Fee Paying Student Visa

Most international students come to New Zealand on a Fee Paying Student Visa. It's for people studying full-time at an approved education provider, paying their own tuition — whether funded by yourself or your family. It's the standard route for degrees, diplomas, and most courses, and it's likely the one you'll need unless your situation is more specific.

Working while you study

A student visa often comes with limited work rights — many students are able to work part-time during their studies and full-time during scheduled breaks, depending on their visa and course. This can help with living costs and give you valuable New Zealand work experience. The exact conditions depend on your visa, so it's worth understanding what yours allows.

What comes after study

New Zealand has one of the more generous post-study work settings in the world. Graduates with eligible qualifications may be able to apply to work here afterwards, and for some, that can open pathways towards residency.
You can read more about working after study ->

Bringing family while you study

If you're coming to study, you may be able to bring your family with you in some circumstances — a partner may be able to join you, and dependent children may be able to come too. Whether this is possible depends on what you're studying and your situation.
You can read more about bringing family to New Zealand ->

Choosing where and what to study is a bigger decision than it first looks. Earlier choices shape the path of your journey, so it is worth discussing it well before making your decision. If you'd like to think it through before you commit, that's worth a conversation.

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