To qualify for a student visa, start here

Before you make your application, ensure you have: 

• A written offer of a full-time place on a New Zealand course that’s approved by the NZQA. (Most New Zealand education providers are familiar with this process and will give you the appropriate form to submit with your application.)
• Evidence that you can cover your living costs while you’re in New Zealand.

For courses less than nine months you’ll need access to

1. NZ$1,000 for each month of your stay OR
2. NZ$400 for each month if your accommodation is already paid (you’ll need evidence of pre-paid accommodation) OR
3. a letter from your education provider saying that your accommodation and other living costs are included in the course costs you’ve already paid.

 For courses of more than nine months you’ll need access to

• NZ$10,000 per year 

(Evidence of funds can be bank drafts, bank statements with your name on it or letters of credit.)

• A pre-paid return ticket back to your country or additional funds to buy a ticket
• Payment of all fees for the course you will be taking
• A passport that‘s valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand
• A Medical and Chest X-ray Certificate if you’re staying in New Zealand for more than 12 months, and a police certificate if you plan to be here for more than 2 years.

FAQs 

What is a “full-time” place on a course? 

It’s a place on a course that requires you to attend for at least 20 hours a week. Or it’s taking at least 3 papers a semester at a university or similar. If you plan to study only part-time, you may not qualify for a student visa and you may be better to apply for a visitor visa instead.

What about medicals?  Will  I need to provide these? 

Yes, you will need a completed Medical and Chest X-ray Certificate if you plan to stay in NZ for more than 12 months. This must be less than 3 months old when you submit your application. Medical and travel insurance to cover the whole time you’re in New Zealand is highly recommended.

Anything else? 

You’ll need a police certificate if you intend to study in New Zealand for more than 2 years. A police certificate is required from your country of citizenship, as well as from any country in which you’ve lived 5 years or more since you were aged 17. Police certificates must be no more than 6 months old when you submit your application.

OK, I think I want this. How do I apply? 

Great. To start your application, click here.