Student Visas

If you’re a student and looking to expand your education and your horizons, come and study in New Zealand.

For a semester, a year, or even longer, you’ll have amazing experiences. Along with gaining world class qualifications, you’ll also have some of the best times of your life – whether you’re heading out for a night on the town or heading off a bridge by bungee.  Plus you’ll get to hang out with some of the friendliest – and funniest - people in the world.

For students, New Zealand offers the familiarity of life in an English-speaking, modern democracy.  Education is based on the prestigious British system.  Generally, our universities offer small class sizes for personalised, top quality courses.

Add New Zealand’s famous scenic beauty, the relaxed lifestyle and the fresh outlook and ideas that thrive in New Zealand, and you’ll see why so many students choose to come to New Zealand to complete or further their education every year.

As a student, you have several choices of visa, once you have a written offer of enrollment from a qualified educational provider:

• A student visa that allows you to spend time in New Zealand while you study full-time.
• A visitor visa if you want to do a single course or courses that take no more than three months to complete.
• A working holiday visa if you want to take a year to work, travel and do a short training course while you’re here. You can apply for a working holiday visa before or after you do your study on a student visa, so it’s a good option if you want to add more to your Kiwi experience.
• A work visa may also be available once you’ve completed your studies in New Zealand.

To find out more about the qualifications needed for a student visa, click here. 

FAQs 

What kind of study can I do on a student visa?

You can study full-time at school level or at a university, polytechnic or institute of technology. The range of courses and secondary qualifications is as comprehensive as those available anywhere in the world.

Some students come to New Zealand to do their whole undergraduate degree.  Some come as undergraduates for a semester or two for a fresh, new environment while enrolled in study in their home country – sometimes referred to as an “exchange student”. Others come here as recent college grads for post-graduate study and an overseas experience before embarking on their career. 

How long can I stay in New Zealand? 

A student visa may be granted for the length of the course you’re studying, up to a maximum of 4 years.

Are the semesters the same in New Zealand as elsewhere?

New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so the summer break takes place over December and January.

Here’s a general comparison to the academic year in the US and New Zealand:

How do New Zealand qualifications compare to those in my country? 

A degree or post-graduate qualification from a New Zealand university, polytechnic or institute of technology will generally be recognised and valued anywhere in the world. If you’re only doing part of a course in New Zealand, you can often cross-credit your studies – check with your home university.

How much does it cost? 

University fees in New Zealand are generally lower than private university fees in the US and the same as public university fees. For example, fees for a full first year Bachelor of Commerce course at a leading New Zealand university will be around NZ$25,000 (Approx US$17,000). You’ll also need to allow for living and travel expenses.  And if you are an exchange student, you may be paying the same tuition fees as your home institution – it depends on the exchange programme. 

Can I work while I’m studying in New Zealand? 

You’ll have some opportunities to work and earn money while you’re studying here, but there are some restrictions on how much work you can do on a student visa. See the student work options page for more details.

Where can I get more information about NZ student life?

Check-out our student resource page.  You’ll find links there to many tertiary institutions as well as general information of interest to students.