Visa Requirements
To get a visa or permit to study in New Zealand you must meet the New Zealand Immigrations requirements for international students. The course you intend to undertake must also meet their requirements.
Offer of a place
To get a student visa, you need to have an offer of a place from a New Zealand education provider.
Your course must be approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
Health and character
You have to meet the New Zealand Immigration’s health and character requirements and prove that your intent is genuine.
Some people who have committed serious crimes will not be allowed into New Zealand at all. See section 7(1) of the Immigration Act.
Evidence of funds to support yourself
To gain a student visa or permit you should demonstrate that you are able to meet your living costs during your stay.
Evidence of funds may be in the form of cash, travellers' cheques, bank drafts, or a recognised credit card with enough credit
Proof that you plan to leave
In order to ensure that you will leave New Zealand when you have finished your course of study, the Immigration department will need evidence of how you will leave New Zealand.
For full details, see U3.25 of our Operational Manual.
Passport
You must have a passport that is valid for at least three months past the end of your intended stay.
Permit requirements
Once you have a student permit, you must meet certain conditions during your stay.
- You must attend the place of study noted in your permit. However, you may apply for change of course and/or education provider.
- If you have to be accompanied by a guardian, you must live with that person.
- You must be able to show that you are passing your course.
- You may only undertake work allowed by your student permit.
- You must obey New Zealand’s laws.
- You must only stay in New Zealand for the time allowed by your permit.
If you break any of these conditions your permit may revoked.
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