New Zealand
Study in New Zealand
New Zealand is a respected international study destination, known for high-quality education, globally recognised qualifications, practical learning and a safe, welcoming environment.
Students can choose from universities, institutes of technology, private training establishments, English-language schools and secondary schools. New Zealand’s education system provides opportunities for academic development, professional skills and eligible post-study employment.
Why Study in New Zealand?
- Globally recognised qualifications
- High-quality universities and education providers
- Practical, career-focused learning
- Safe and multicultural environment
- Opportunity to work while studying, subject to visa conditions
- Post-study work options for eligible graduates
- Research, internship and industry-exposure opportunities
- Excellent work–life balance and natural surroundings
- Possible pathways for eligible partners and children
- Opportunities to build international career experience
New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa
The Fee Paying Student Visa allows eligible international students to study full-time with an approved New Zealand education provider.
Applicants must generally hold an offer of place, demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses, arrange acceptable insurance and satisfy the applicable health, character and genuine-intention requirements.
The visa may be granted for the period of study that has been paid for, up to a maximum of four years.
Basic Requirements
Students generally need:
- A valid passport
- An offer of place from an approved education provider
- Evidence of tuition-fee payment or an eligible scholarship
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Proof of sufficient living expenses
- Evidence of onward travel or funds to purchase a ticket
- Acceptable medical and travel insurance
- Evidence of genuine intentions to study
- Health and character documents, where required
- English-language evidence, where required by the institution or programme
- Parent or legal-guardian arrangements for certain younger students
Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant’s age, nationality, course and personal circumstances.
New Zealand Student Visa Process
1
Profile Assessment
Review your academic background, financial position and future study goals.
2
Course and Institution Selection
Choose a suitable New Zealand course and approved education provider based on your profile and career plans.
3
Admission Application
Submit the required academic and supporting documents to the selected New Zealand education provider.
4
Receive the Offer of Place
Receive and review the Offer of Place issued by the approved New Zealand education provider.
5
Arrange Tuition Fees and Financial Evidence
Arrange the required tuition-fee payment and prepare evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses and other applicable costs.
6
Prepare the Student Visa Documents
Prepare your passport, Offer of Place, financial evidence, insurance documents, health and character documents and other required supporting evidence.
7
Submit the Online Visa Application
Complete the online New Zealand Student Visa application, upload the required documents and pay the applicable visa fee.
8
Complete Medical or Additional Requirements
Complete any required medical examinations, chest X-ray, police certificates or other additional requirements based on your circumstances.
9
Receive the eVisa Decision
Wait for Immigration New Zealand to assess your application and receive the visa decision, including your eVisa and applicable visa conditions.
10
Travel to New Zealand
After receiving your visa, complete your pre-departure preparations, arrange your travel and enter New Zealand in accordance with your visa conditions.
International students are encouraged to apply approximately three months before their planned travel date. Applications for the Fee Paying Student Visa are now submitted online.
Work While Studying
Depending on the course and conditions recorded on the visa, eligible students may be permitted to work:
- Up to 25 hours per week during their studies
- Full-time during scheduled holidays
Work rights are not automatic for every student or course. Students must check the exact conditions stated on their eVisa and cannot generally work as self-employed contractors.
Pathway Student Visa
The Pathway Student Visa may allow an eligible student to complete up to three consecutive programmes under one visa.
It can be granted for up to five years and may reduce the need to submit separate visa applications between approved courses. Students must have an eligible study pathway, sufficient tuition and living funds, and acceptable medical and travel insurance.
English-Language Study
Students enrolling in an approved full-time English-language programme may apply under the relevant English Language Student Visa.
Eligible students may receive limited work rights depending on the course, age, provider and visa conditions.
Post-Study Work Visa
Eligible graduates may apply for a Post Study Work Visa after completing an approved New Zealand qualification.
Depending on the qualification level and duration of study, the visa may allow graduates to remain and work in New Zealand for up to three years. The type of work permitted can depend on the qualification completed.
From 16 November 2026, eligibility is scheduled to expand for certain Level 7 graduate-diploma holders who also hold a bachelor’s degree. A new short-term graduate work option is also planned for eligible graduates.
Dependants
Partners and children are not included directly in the student’s visa application, but they may be able to apply separately based on their relationship to the student.
An eligible partner may qualify for a work visa where the student is studying certain Level 7 or 8 qualifications, or a Level 9 or 10 qualification. Eligible dependent children may qualify for visitor or student visas, depending on the principal student’s course and family circumstances.
Health Insurance
International students must maintain acceptable medical and travel insurance for the required period of study and stay in New Zealand.
Insurance should meet the standards specified by the education provider and Immigration New Zealand.
How Open Path Immigration Can Help
At Open Path Immigration, we guide students in selecting a suitable course, education provider and visa pathway based on their qualifications, budget and future plans.
Our assistance may include:
- Student profile assessment
- Course and institution selection
- Admission-application coordination
- Offer-of-place guidance
- Financial-document preparation
- Student Visa documentation
- Online application coordination
- Post-study pathway guidance
- Pre-departure and travel assistance
Apply for your New Zealand Student Visa with Open Path Immigration and take the next step towards an internationally recognised education.
Admission and visa approval are determined by the education provider and Immigration New Zealand. Study, work, dependant and post-study conditions may change, so an updated assessment should be completed before applying.
