Student Visa

At a glance

A student visa for a programme of study longer than three months requires an offer of a place at an approved education provider, payment of tuition fees, evidence of sufficient funds for maintenance, and compliance with health, character, and bona fide requirements [U3.1] [U3.20]. Student visas are granted for a maximum period of 4 years, with the actual duration based on the tuition fees paid or scholarship award, subject to specific exceptions [U6.30]. The visa also imposes specific conditions on study and work, and applicants must not hold a visitor visa granted under guardianship instructions [U3] [U3.1]. For students aged under 10, the visa further requires that they live with their legal guardian while in New Zealand unless they are domestic students or enrolled in an approved school hostel [U3.30].

How to apply

Student visa applications must include a completed application form and the prescribed fee [U16.1]. Applicants are otherwise lodged and processed under the general temporary entry instructions. They must satisfy the bona fide, health, and character requirements, and must provide evidence of an offer of a place, paid tuition fees, sufficient maintenance funds, and (if under 18) adequate accommodation [U3.1] [U3.20]. Additionally, applicants must provide confirmation from their education provider that they have submitted all required material for the assessment of their qualification. If confirmation from the education provider cannot be obtained (for example, because the provider has ceased to operate), confirmation from NZQA that the applicant has submitted all required material can be provided instead [U16.1]. (The specific application lodgement process is covered in Processing a temporary visa application.)

Eligibility criteria

• Offer of place: An offer of a place or, for returning students, a confirmation of enrolment in an approved programme of study with an education provider that meets student visa requirements [U3.1].

  For an offer of place, the following must be included [U3.5]:

  • the name of the programme of study or training scheme and the minimum time required for completing it;
  • evidence that the programme and education provider meet foreign student requirements (see U5);
  • confirmation that the education provider has assessed and is satisfied that the programme is appropriate for the student's expectations, and that the prospective student has the English language proficiency and academic capability to succeed;
  • the amount of the tuition fee, or, if the programme is longer than one year, the annual fee;
  • whether or not the student has to pay programme fees and whether the fees are domestic or foreign fees;
  • whether the student is full-time (see U6.1.1) or part-time (see U7.20);
  • the dates and duration of all scheduled vacations if the programme is one academic year or more.

  An academic year means a programme of study of a minimum of 120 credits during a period of at least eight months (minimum of two semesters) [U3.5].

  From January 2014, students seeking to enrol in a programme at a provider that holds a Category Four status under NZQA's External Evaluation Review (EER) quality assurance system will not be granted a student visa [U3.5].

  All education providers must be signatories to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 and must certify that the programme complies with foreign student requirements [U5.1]. Immigration New Zealand may suspend the processing of student visa applications for study at a provider where the programme does not comply with foreign student requirements, or the provider fails to meet its obligations under immigration or education law [U5.1]. Before suspending, INZ will consider evidence, reasons, and the duration, frequency, and severity of the non-compliance, and may resume processing once satisfied of compliance [U5.1].

  Primary and secondary schools (state and integrated): Primary and secondary schools are accredited by the Ministry of Education for admitting fee-paying foreign students and may offer them places, within any limits imposed by that Ministry on levels and subjects, after all New Zealand domestic and New Zealand scholarship students administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade have been placed. Where foreign students are enrolled in a programme of study intended exclusively or mainly for foreign students, that programme must be approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (see section 524 of the Education and Training Act 2020) [U5.5].

  Primary and secondary schools (private): Private schools registered under section 35A of the Education and Training Act 2020 may offer places to foreign students on a fee-paying basis and are not obliged to place other students first [U5.10]. Where foreign students are enrolled in a programme of study intended exclusively or mainly for foreign students that class or programme of study must be approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (see section 524 Education and Training Act 2020) [U5.10].

  Private training establishments (tertiary): Private training establishments may offer programme of study places to international students provided the programme of study or training scheme meets the criteria for one in which an international student may be enrolled in accordance with the Education and Training Act 2020 (see section 527) [U5.15]. The primary requirements for satisfying section 527 are that:

  • the private training establishment is registered by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority;
  • the programme of study or training scheme is an approved programme of study or training scheme;
  • the private training establishment is accredited to provide the programme.

  Note: These requirements apply to all programmes with the exception of those exempt as provided for in section 528 of the Education and Training Act 2020 [U5.15].

  Tertiary institutions (universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, wananga): Tertiary institutions may offer programme of study or training scheme places to international students provided the programme or training scheme meets the criteria for one in which an international student may be enrolled in accordance with section 525 of the Education and Training Act 2020 [U5.20]. The definition of an international student is contained in section 10(1) of that Act [U5.20]. The primary requirements for programmes or training schemes that are or are likely to be longer than 3 months are that:

  • the programme or training scheme is approved;
  • the institution is accredited to provide it;
  • the enrolment does not deprive a domestic or exempt student of a place, unless the student holds a New Zealand scholarship administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, or the place has been established by the institution's council for a foreign student and its continued availability depends on the fees payable by that student [U5.20].

  Note: Polytechnics also include institutes of technology, technical institutes or community colleges established before 1 January 1991. These requirements apply to all programmes and training schemes except those exempt under section 528 of the Education and Training Act 2020 [U5.20].

  For returning students providing a confirmation of enrolment instead of an offer of place, the confirmation must show [U3.7]:

  • the name of the programme of study;
  • the annual fee for the programme of study;
  • whether the student is full-time (see U6.1.1) or part-time (see U7.20);
  • the dates and duration of all scheduled vacations if the programme of study or training scheme is one academic year or more.

  Note: The information about vacations can be provided in a separate document accompanying the Offer of Place or Confirmation of Enrolment. [U3.7]

• Full-time study: For private training establishments, full-time study is generally considered to be enrolment in a programme requiring a minimum of 20 hours per week, or at least three papers per semester for a programme at Level 7 or above on the NZQF. [U6.1.1] For other tertiary institutions, enrolment in at least three papers per semester is indicative of full-time study. [U6.1.1] Any programme that does not meet these criteria is usually considered part-time (see U7.20), and the final decision on whether a student is undertaking full-time study rests with immigration officers. [U6.1.1]

• Tuition fees: Applicants must provide evidence of full payment of tuition fees for one year or one programme, whichever is shorter [U3.10]. For applicants living outside New Zealand, evidence of payment is not required until after the application has been approved in principle [U3.10]. Aviation students may provide evidence of full payment of the first term only, as set out in aviation-specific instructions [U3.10]. Where the aviation student is an Air New Zealand trainee and provides a guarantee from Air New Zealand, evidence of tuition fee payment is not required [U6.35]. The following students are not required to provide evidence of tuition fee payment if they can meet the required exemption and provide the specified evidence [U3.10]:

  • Exempt from tuition fees: Confirmation that the programme of study is exempt from fees or that the student is exempt from paying any fees.
  • Study Abroad or Non-award scheme under a study abroad partner agreement: Confirmation from the New Zealand tertiary institution that tuition fees are being paid directly to them from a foreign tertiary institution or authorised third party provider on behalf of the foreign tertiary institution.
  • New Zealand scholarship (MFAT): Notice of the award of a full New Zealand scholarship administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
  • Home country government loan at a tertiary institution: Evidence that the loan has been applied for and confirmation from the tertiary institution that the fees will be paid directly to them.
  • Home country government loan at a PTE (Bachelor's degree and above): Evidence that the loan has been applied for and confirmation from the private training establishment that the fees will be paid directly to them.
  • Foreign government-supported student: Must meet all requirements under the Foreign Government-Supported Students instructions.

  These requirements are additional to the general requirement that fees be exempted or paid [U3.1].

• Visa duration (currency): Student visas are granted for the following periods [U6.30]:

  • For scholarship holders who do not meet the programme-length provisions, the visa is granted for the period of the student's award, up to a maximum of 4 years.
  • For fee-paying foreign students who do not meet the programme-length provisions, the visa is granted for the period for which the student has paid tuition fees, up to a maximum of 4 years.
  • For fee-paying foreign students and full scholarship students who meet the programme-length provisions (for example, aviation students), the visa is granted for the length of their programme of study, regardless of the period for which they have paid tuition fees, up to a maximum of 4 years.
    • For aviation students to satisfy the programme-length provisions, they must:
      • have an offer of place from an aviation training provider that is certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand and a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Learners) Code of Practice 2021;
      • have the aviation training provider's support for the grant of a length of programme of study visa; and
      • have the paid full first term of tuition fees, unless the student is an Air New Zealand trainee and provides a guarantee from Air New Zealand [U6.35].
  • If the programme of study is based on the New Zealand academic year, the visa may be granted for the academic year for which the student has paid, to expire on 31 March of the following year.
  • If the programme of study lasts for less than one year, or can begin at any time during the year, the visa may be granted to expire no more than one month after the period for which the student has paid.

• Sufficient funds for maintenance: Applicants must provide evidence to satisfy an immigration officer that they have sufficient funds available to maintain themselves throughout the period of their stay in New Zealand [U3.20]. Acceptable evidence includes but is not limited to a notice of a full scholarship award, a completed Sponsorship for Temporary Entry form (INZ 1025), a completed Financial Undertaking for a Student form (INZ 1014), or evidence of funds held by or on behalf of the student [U3.20].

  Funds required — programmes less than 36 weeks [U3.20]:

  • Tertiary or non-compulsory education: at least NZ$1,667 per month of study (less prepaid living expenses).
  • Compulsory education (years 1–13): at least NZ$1,417 per month of study (less prepaid living expenses).
  • For certain critical-purpose invitees under H5.25.15(c): NZ$1,667 per month, or NZ$1,250 per month for secondary study invitees meeting H5.30.21(c)(vi) requirements.

  Funds required — programmes 36 weeks or longer [U3.20]:

  • Tertiary or non-compulsory education: NZ$20,000 per year (less prepaid living expenses).
  • Compulsory education: NZ$17,000 per year (less prepaid living expenses).
  • Citizens of Samoa and Tonga may instead provide a written guarantee of maintenance from a relative who is a New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder.
  • For certain critical-purpose invitees: NZ$1,667 per month, or NZ$15,000 per year for secondary study invitees meeting H5.30.21(c)(vi) requirements.

  Sponsorship [U3.20]: A sponsor must be an acceptable sponsor (see E6.5) and be a relative, friend, organisation, or government agency (with a nominated individual contact). Sponsors must satisfy an immigration officer that they are bona fide and genuinely hold sufficient funds for each student. For fee-paying foreign tertiary or non-compulsory education students applying onshore, the sponsor must have sponsored the student's initial student visa.

  Financial undertaking [U3.20]: A third party (relative, friend, or organisation with a nominated individual contact) may provide a financial undertaking before the student's arrival. The third party must be bona fide and genuinely hold sufficient funds. A continuing undertaking may be used for subsequent onshore applications if requirements continue to be met.

  Assessing bona fides [U3.20]: Immigration officers may consider the relationship between the applicant and the sponsor or third party, any previous breaches of financial obligations, the number of applications being supported, how long funds have been held, and the student's ability to access funds while in New Zealand.

  Student-held funds [U3.20]: Where funds are held by or on behalf of the student, immigration officers must be satisfied the funds are from a genuine source and genuinely available for maintenance. Officers may consider how long funds have been held and the student's ability to access them.

  Maternity health services [U3.20]: Pregnant applicants due to give birth in New Zealand must provide evidence of at least NZ$9,000 for maternity health services, or sponsorship/guarantee meeting E6.5 requirements, or a financial undertaking covering maternity services, or evidence of eligibility for publicly-funded maternity health services.

• Outward travel: Applicants must provide evidence that they have the means to travel to a country to which they have right of entry while their student visa is current [U3.25]. Acceptable evidence is one of the following:

  • a fully paid travel ticket to any such country;
  • sufficient funds held in New Zealand (additional to any sum required under the maintenance funds instructions in U3.20) to purchase such a ticket;
  • an acceptable form of undertaking by a third party, supplied to an immigration officer before arrival in New Zealand;
  • a completed Sponsorship for Temporary Entry (INZ 1025) form from an acceptable sponsor;
  • financial assistance available under a multilateral or bilateral aid programme administered in New Zealand by a government department or statutory body.

• Accommodation (under 18): Applicants aged under 18 must meet accommodation requirements. Fee-paying foreign students under 18 must provide, with their application, a statement from the education provider confirming that the student's accommodation complies with the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 [U3.1][U3.15].

• Age under 10 – living with legal guardian: For students aged under 10, a student visa will only be granted if they will be living in New Zealand with their legal guardian, unless they are domestic students (see U3.35) or enrolled in a school hostel approved by the Code Administrator (NZQA) [U3.30]. The visa is subject to the condition that the holder live with their legal guardian, unless a variation of conditions is granted under U7.25 or one of the above exceptions applies [U3.30].

  Temporary exemption from the requirement (U7.25): A variation of conditions to temporarily exempt the student from living with their legal guardian may be granted if an immigration officer is satisfied that an emergency exists that requires the legal guardian to temporarily return to their home country [U7.25]. The applicant must provide evidence of the emergency, that the education provider has approved the alternative caregiving arrangements consistent with its obligations under the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, and that the legal guardian has purchased a return travel ticket [U7.25]. The exemption may be granted for the period of time required, up to a maximum of four weeks [U7.25]. If the legal guardian fails to return to New Zealand within the approved period, the student visa holder may become liable for deportation (see U7.10 and Deportation Liability) [U7.10].

  A legal guardian is the person with legal right and responsibility to provide care (including education and health) for the international student, and who provides care in the student's home country; this includes biological or adoptive parents, testamentary guardian, or court-appointed guardian [U3.30].

  A hostel is a hostel as defined in the Education and Training Act 2020, and is either licensed under relevant regulations or approved and monitored by the Code Administrator for international students enrolled in Years 1-6 or aged 10 and under in any other provider [U3.30].

• Previous visa compliance: The purpose and conditions of any previous or current temporary visas must have been fulfilled (see E3.15 and E3.20) [U3.1].

• Student visa conditions: The conditions set out in E3.20 must be met [U3.1]. Additionally, the visa instrument itself must comply with U6.40 as follows [U6.40]:

  • All visas for school students must state whether the study is primary, intermediate, or secondary [U6.40].
  • If the student has provided acceptable guarantees of funds and onward travel, the visa must state: 'Evidence of financial support not required' and 'return/onward ticket not required' [U6.40].
  • All student visas must allow multiple journeys [U6.40].
  • Two currency dates must be specified on the visa: the date on which the visa expires, and the date on which the permission to travel expires [U6.40].
  • A student visa may be granted with conditions allowing the student to work (see U13 for student work instructions) [U6.40]. The work conditions may be granted if the student is aged 16 or over and meets the requirements at U13.5, U13.10, or U13.15 [U13.1]. Specifically, [U13.5] addresses work conditions for practical experience requirements: a student visa may be granted with conditions allowing the student to work to fulfil a course requirement for practical experience if an immigration officer is satisfied that the practical experience is a course requirement. If the officer determines that the applicant's main activity will be work, the applicant may be directed to apply for a work visa instead. Students studying in any other country who want to undertake practical work experience in New Zealand should apply for a student and trainee work visa (see WE1). An offer of employment is not required for the visa to be granted with work conditions [U13.1]. However, the holder with work conditions is not permitted to work in self-employment, provide commercial sexual services, act as an operator of a business of prostitution, or invest in such a business [U13.1].
  • For secondary school students, a student visa may be granted with conditions allowing the holder to work, for up to 25 hours in any given week and full-time during the Christmas-New Year vacation period, if the student: [U13.10]
    • is a full-time student in Years 12 or 13;
    • has provided written permission from their school; and
    • has written parental consent. Where the student is undertaking a student exchange with an Exchange Provider Organisation (EPO), written permission from the EPO is also required. [U13.10] Students aged 18 years or older do not require parental consent or written permission for full-time work during the Christmas-New Year vacation period. [U13.10]
  • Despite general processing requirements, immigration officers may apply these instructions to any eligible student visa application for secondary school students that was submitted before 3 November 2025 and as of that date had not been decided. [U13.10]

• Not a guardianship visitor: The applicant must not hold a current visitor visa granted under the Guardians accompanying students to New Zealand instructions (V3.100) [U3.1].

• Insurance: Appropriate insurance must be held, unless the applicant is a PhD student or holds a New Zealand scholarship administered through MFAT [U3.1].

• Generic temporary entry requirements: All applicants must meet the requirements for lodging an application (E4), bona fide intentions (E5), health (A4), and character (A5) [U3.1].

• Distance education students: Distance education students may attend the New Zealand education provider at which they are enrolled for practical study, examinations, or any other educational reason that requires their presence at the provider [U6.5]. Students who apply for a period of more than 3 months for this purpose may be granted a student visa for the necessary period; immigration officers must sight evidence that they are distance education students, have an offer of a place at the education provider, and have paid the tuition fees or are exempt from paying them [U6.5]. Distance students attending for less than 3 months may do so on a visitor visa [U6.5].

• Nautical students: Foreign students may be granted a student visa to attend nautical programmes of study at Manukau Polytechnic. Applicants must provide:

  • a letter from the shipping company that employs them, guaranteeing maintenance and repatriation for the length of the programme of study (this guarantee may be accepted instead of a financial undertaking or other evidence of funds for maintenance and onward travel); and
  • evidence that they have a place at Manukau Polytechnic; and
  • evidence that they have paid the tuition fees or are exempt from having to pay them. [U9.5]

• Short Term Training Scholarship (STTS) trainees: Applicants providing evidence of an award under the New Zealand Short Term Training Scholarship (STTS) scheme, administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, may be granted a student visa for the period of their award, up to a maximum of 12 months [U9.15]. Trainees are provided with entitlements for accommodation and maintenance while on the scheme [U9.15].

Change of programme: Applicants wishing to change their programme of study or education provider must again meet the offer-of-place and fee requirements, and must also satisfy the change-of-study conditions (U3.40) [U3.1].

Specifically, U3.40 provides that a further student visa or variation of conditions for the purpose of changing programme, education provider and/or study location will only be granted if an immigration officer is satisfied that [U3.40]:

• the applicant meets the student requirements set out at U3.1; and

• the applicant has not breached their visa conditions as set out at E3.20; and

• the original student visa would have been granted for the proposed programme, provider and/or location; and

• the applicant remains a bona fide applicant (see E5.1); and

• the applicant is not seeking to vary conditions to enable them to enrol in a lower-level programme of study or to enrol with a different education provider (see E3.26.10).

• Multiple short-term English language programmes (U15): Applicants may be granted a student visa to undertake multiple short-term English language programmes of study for a maximum period of six months if they [U15]:

  • submit a joint covering letter from eligible pathway education providers setting out the English language programmes of study and the start and end dates of each programme, showing at least 14 weeks of English language study in total;
  • submit an offer of place (or joint offer) for each programme that meets the requirements set out at [U3.5];
  • meet the general requirements to be granted a student visa as set out at [U3.1];
  • can demonstrate they have sufficient funds for maintenance for the duration of their stay in New Zealand ([U3.20]);
  • have not previously been granted a visa under these instructions.

  Work conditions will not be granted unless the applicant meets the part-time work requirements for students enrolled at a tertiary institution or private training establishment.

• Students affected by NZQA Compliance notification (U16): Student visas may be granted to applicants whose education provider is subject to statutory intervention by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) that prevents the awarding of their qualification, allowing them to maintain student visa status while awaiting NZQA's confirmation. The applicant must: [U16]

  • have submitted all required material for the assessment of their qualification;
  • be or have been enrolled at an education provider that is subject to statutory intervention by NZQA;
  • be awaiting NZQA's confirmation that their qualification can be awarded; and
  • meet health and character requirements (see A4 and A5). [U16]

  The visa granted under this instruction may include the following conditions and currency provisions: [U16.5]

  • Despite U13.15, the visa may be granted with conditions allowing the holder to work for up to 25 hours in any given week during the visa's validity. [U16.5]
  • Visas can be granted for a maximum period of six months with multiple entry travel conditions. [U16.5]
  • Where the education provider is continuing to operate the original programme of study, the education provider and location must be specified on the visa. [U16.5]
  • If the education provider has ceased to operate, the visa can be granted without a specified programme of study, education provider, or location. [U16.5]

Interpretation & edge cases

• Pathway student visa pilot: A pilot scheme allows a pathway of up to three consecutive programmes of study to be undertaken on a single student visa [U14]. For details see Pathway Student Visa Pilot.

• Graduation attendance after study: Students who have completed their studies and wish to remain after their current visa expires to attend a graduation ceremony must apply for either a visitor visa or a work visa [U6.15]. Immigration officers must be satisfied that the applicant has completed the qualification before granting a visa for this purpose [U6.15].

• Progression to further study: Students progressing to further study (for example, from Year 13 to tertiary studies) are not required to meet the change-of-study conditions in U3.40 [U3.1].

• Change of study conditions — considerations: An immigration officer may take into account the time elapsed since the original visa was granted, whether the level and/or subject area of the proposed programme are significantly different from the original, and any relevant information from previous applications, including advice from the original issuing branch (see E7.1.1) [U3.40].

• Scholarship holders: Applicants who have received New Zealand Scholarship funding within the two years before the application must also provide evidence that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade supports the change, and that any scholarship continues [U3.40].

• Transfer from MFAT scholarship to fee-paying status: Students holding a New Zealand scholarship administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade may transfer to fee-paying foreign student status after their awards are terminated, provided they meet the mandatory requirements for a temporary entry class visa and the requirements for a student visa (see U3.1), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has no objection to the change of status. [U7.1]

• Fee evidence after approval in principle: Applicants wishing to change programme and/or provider may provide evidence of payment of tuition fees after the application has been approved in principle [U3.40].

• Change before completion: A student who has not completed the programme endorsed on their visa and wishes to change must have a new offer, have paid fees, and meet the change requirements [U3.1].

• Insurance exemption: The compulsory insurance requirement does not apply to PhD students or students holding an MFAT-administered New Zealand scholarship [U3.1].

• Guardianship visitor ineligibility: A person currently on a visitor visa granted under the guardianship category cannot be granted a student visa, even if all other criteria are satisfied [U3.1].

• Offshore fee evidence: An applicant outside New Zealand does not need to provide evidence of tuition fee payment until after approval in principle, which means the visa can be approved subject to later provision of such evidence [U3.10].

• Aviation students: Aviation students may satisfy the fee payment requirement by showing evidence of only the first term's fees, rather than a full year or programme, reflecting the unique structure of aviation programmes [U3.10].

• Exempt students: The listed exemptions (fee-exempt students, study abroad participants, MFAT scholars, home-country loan holders, and foreign government-supported students) replace the standard evidence-of-payment requirement with alternative confirmations that fees are not payable or will be met by a third party [U3.10].

• Accommodation statement for minors: The requirement to provide an accommodation compliance statement applies only to fee-paying foreign students under 18. Non-fee-paying students, scholarship holders, or those whose fees are fully covered by third parties may still need to satisfy the general accommodation requirement under U3.1, but do not need to provide the specific statement under U3.15 [U3.1][U3.15].

• Under-10 legal guardian condition: The requirement to live with a legal guardian is a visa condition, and failure to comply may lead to cancellation or deportation liability [U3.30][U7.10], unless a variation has been obtained under U7.25 or the student otherwise qualifies as a domestic student or hostel resident [U3.30].

• Funds evidence may be post-approval: Evidence of sufficient funds for programmes under 36 weeks may be sighted after the application has been approved in principle [U3.20].

• Samoa and Tonga guarantee: Citizens of Samoa and Tonga on programmes of 36 weeks or longer may satisfy the funds requirement with a written guarantee from a relative who is a New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder, rather than providing the standard NZ$20,000 or NZ$17,000 amounts [U3.20].

• Outward travel funds are additional: The funds required for outward travel are in addition to any maintenance funds needed under U3.20. Applicants who provide a paid ticket, a sponsorship/undertaking, or proof of aid programme assistance do not need to show separate outward travel funds [U3.25].

• Provider compliance queries: Any queries regarding the status of programmes or training schemes offered by private training establishments should be directed to the Service Delivery Unit, Quality Assurance Division, NZQA [U5.1].

• Professional association membership further study: Students may apply for a further student visa to undertake study towards membership of a professional association (eg, legal professional studies). Immigration officers must be satisfied that the further study will contribute towards the applicant becoming a member of a professional association [U6.10].

• Visa instrument conditions (U6.40): The conditions under U6.40 relate to what must appear on the visa document itself, distinct from the holder obligations in E3.20. The two currency dates serve different functions: the visa expiry date controls lawful presence, while the permission to travel expiry date controls the ability to re-enter. The multiple journeys condition is mandatory for all student visas, ensuring students can travel in and out of New Zealand during their visa period. The notation 'Evidence of financial support not required' and 'return/onward ticket not required' is conditional on acceptable guarantees having been provided; where guarantees are not provided, these notations do not appear on the visa [U6.40].

• No limit on programmes of study: There is no limit on the number of programmes of study foreign students may undertake in New Zealand [U7.5].

• Deportation liability for breaching conditions: Student visa holders who breach visa conditions — particularly those relating to attendance, employment, holding insurance, and living with their legal guardian — may become liable for deportation (see Deportation Liability). [U7.10]

• Deportation when legal guardian deported: Where a student visa holder is required to live with their legal guardian (see U3.30) and that legal guardian becomes liable for deportation, the student will also become liable for deportation. [U7.10]

• Part-time study and final semester concession: Individuals who are not full-time students (as defined by U6.1.1) may apply for a visitor visa with a variation of conditions permitting part-time study. Part-time programmes of up to 9 months may be undertaken, provided the applicant is enrolled in a compliant part-time programme, pays fees, and meets visitor requirements (V2.1). Where study is the main reason for being in New Zealand, immigration officers must decline applications for part-time programmes longer than 9 months unless special merit and compliance are shown. [U7.20] Persons in their final semester of a programme of study of at least 2 academic years' duration, or culminating in a NZQF level 4 or higher qualification, may be considered full-time and granted a student visa for the remaining duration, if they meet student requirements and have not previously been granted a visa under these instructions. [U7.20]

• People entering for marriage: A person who entered New Zealand for the purpose of marriage and wishes to study may be granted a student visa for the length of the programme of study [U8.5].

• Diplomatic staff dependants: Partners and dependent children of diplomatic, consular or official staff who wish to study are subject to special rules under U8.10 (see Diplomatic, Consular, and Official Staff Visa).

• Dependent children of work visa holders: Dependent children of work visa holders may be granted student visas unless the parent holds a work visa under one of the following excluded categories: foreign crew of fishing vessels (WJ), Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) instructions (WH1), Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) (WH3), Skilled Migrant Category Job Search instructions (WR5), Working Holiday Scheme (WI2), domestic staff of diplomatic/consular or official staff (WI4), seasonal workers under Specific Purpose Instructions, or seasonal workers under seasonal AEWV pathways [U8.20]. Such dependent children are regarded as domestic students for the purpose of all tuition fees at primary and secondary schools for the period of the parent's work visa [U8.20]. Guarantees of accommodation and/or maintenance for dependent children may be waived if the parent's income or evidence of funds/guarantees submitted with the parent's work visa application covers it [U8.20]. Dependent children of people granted work to residence visas must meet health and character requirements for residence class visa applications as set out at A4 and A5 [U8.20].

  Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Specific Purpose Work Visa (NOL subcategory) holders: Dependent children of an AEWV holder or an SPV holder under the NOL subcategory may be granted a student visa only if the supporting parent:

  • holds a role at ANZSCO skill level 1, 2 or 3 (including roles treated at a higher skill level under WA3.16(d) at the Job Check);
  • holds a role at NOL skill level 1, 2 or 3 and listed at Appendix 20;
  • is paid at or above 1.5x the Skilled Migrant Category median wage;
  • is in a Green List role and meets the applicable requirements; or
  • is in acceptable employment under the Transport Sector or Care Sector Work to Residence policies (without needing 24 months' work in NZ) [U8.20].

  Dependent children of an AEWV holder in an ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 role cannot be granted a student visa as a dependent child, unless:

  • on 26 June 2024 they held a visa as a dependent child of the AEWV holder; or
  • on 26 June 2024 they had an application in progress that was subsequently granted; or
  • the AEWV holder parent meets (iii) to (v) above (wage, Green List, sector criteria) [U8.20].

  The supporting parent must meet the minimum income threshold of NZ$58,240 gross per annum, to be met wholly by the salary or wages of the parent or parents holding the AEWV, SPV-NOL, or Essential Skills work visa [U8.20]. Evidence of current salary or wages must be provided [U8.20]. If the visa is declined and the dependent child becomes unlawful, the parent(s) may become liable for deportation; and if the parent(s) do not maintain the threshold, both parent(s) and child may become liable for deportation [U8.20]. A transitional exception applies for families who held visas or applied on or before 9 March 2025, provided the previous income threshold and maximum continuous stay conditions are met [U8.20]. Where both parents hold AEWV, SPV-NOL, or Essential Skills work visas, their incomes may be combined to meet the threshold [U8.20].

  Essential Skills work visa holders: Dependent children of holders of Essential Skills work visas granted after 30 November 2009 must meet the minimum income threshold [U8.20]. However, the threshold does not apply if the parent held any temporary work visa before 30 November 2009 and has remained on a valid visa continuous from that date [U8.20]. For parents whose application is being considered under the Samoan Quota or Pacific Access Category, the minimum income requirements of those instructions apply instead [U8.20].

  Religious Worker instructions: Dependent children of a Religious Worker visa holder may be granted a student visa if the minimum income threshold (NZ$58,240) is met by the visa holder and partner, or if the sponsoring religious organisation agrees to sponsor the dependent children [U8.20]. The same income-maintenance obligations and deportation risks apply [U8.20].

  Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV): A dependent child of an MEPV holder may be granted a student visa only if, at the time of application, the child is in New Zealand on a visa granted on the basis of the visa held by the MEPV holder immediately before the MEPV, and the student visa duration matches the MEPV holder's visa (without multiple entry travel conditions) [U8.20].

• Child victims of people trafficking: A separate student visa category exists for child victims of people trafficking who wish to study at primary or secondary school. It allows a 12-month visa, Police certification of trafficking victim status, and waivers of fees and funds. See Student Visa for Child Victims of People Trafficking.

Citations

• U3 — Student visa requirements
• U3.1 — Summary
• U3.5 — Offer of a place
• U3.7 — Confirmation of enrolment
• U3.10 — Tuition fees
• U3.15 — Accommodation requirements for fee-paying foreign students
• U3.20 — Sufficient funds for maintenance while in New Zealand
• U3.25 — Outward travel
• U3.30 — Students aged under 10
• U3.40 — Students who wish to change their study conditions
• U5.1 — Status of education providers and programmes
• U5.5 — Primary and secondary schools (state and integrated)
• U5.10 — Primary and secondary schools (private)
• U5.15 — Private training establishments
• U5.20 — Tertiary institutions (Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, Wananga)
• U6.1.1 — Definition of full-time study
• U6.5 — Distance education (correspondence) students
• U6.10 — Membership of professional associations
• U6.15 — Graduation
• U6.30 — Currency of student visas
• U6.35 — Visas for the length of a programme of study: Aviation students
• U6.40 — Conditions of student visas
• U7.1 — Students transferring from scholarship to fee-paying foreign student status
• U7.5 — Second and subsequent programmes of study
• U7.10 — Student visa holders liable for deportation
• U7.20 — Part-time study
• U7.25 — Temporary exemption from the requirement to live with a legal guardian in New Zealand
• U8.5 — People entering New Zealand for the purpose of marriage wishing to study
• U8.20 — Dependent children of work visa holders
• U9.5 — Nautical students
• U9.15 — New Zealand Short Term Training Scholarship (STTS) trainees
• U13.1 — Work conditions for all students
• U13.5 — Work conditions for practical experience requirements
• U13.10 — Work conditions for secondary school students
• U14 — Pathway student visas pilot
• U15 — Multiple short-term English language programmes of study
• U16 — Students affected by New Zealand Qualifications Authority Compliance notification
• U16.1 — Application and evidence
• U16.5 — Currency and conditions