Safe, welcoming, with world-class universities and nature
With close to 50,000 international students each year and over 150,000 total applications, studying in New Zealand is a solid choice for international students. Students who receive and accept an offer letter are entitled to apply for a student visa. Students who plan to study in New Zealand for longer than three months must apply for a New Zealand Student Visa. Processing time ranges from 8 to 10 weeks.
Student visa applications can be submitted in four ways: online, offline, through an immigration advisor, or at a visa centre. Online applications are faster and cheaper than postal applications. International students should apply for the visa as soon as they have been accepted into a New Zealand university. A student visa allows full-time study for a set time and may include conditions about the course name, provider, and insurance requirements.
Choose the right visa category based on your study plan
For international students planning to study full-time in New Zealand for more than 3 months. Applied through Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
For graduates of New Zealand universities and institutions. Allows 1–3 years of open work rights after completing your studies.
Make sure you have all these documents ready before applying
Follow these steps to submit your student visa application
Apply to your chosen New Zealand university or institution. After accepting the offer and paying fees, you will receive your official offer of place document.
Collect and scan all required documents in PDF format. Check the Immigration New Zealand official website for the latest photo requirements and document specifications.
Apply online through Immigration New Zealand (RealMe login) or offline by post. Online is faster and cheaper. You can also apply through a Registered Migration Advisor or at a Visa Application Centre.
Fill out the Student Visa Application Form (INZ 1012) accurately. For online applications, fill the form digitally through the Immigration New Zealand portal.
Pay the visa fee of NZD $375 online (by credit card) or at the designated payment centre for offline applications.
Submit your online application with all scanned documents through the Immigration New Zealand portal, or mail your offline application to the relevant processing centre.
Online applications: track through RealMe. Offline applications: track through your immigration advisor or visa centre. Processing takes 8–10 weeks.
If approved, you will receive your student visa. Arrive in New Zealand and begin your study adventure!
International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during scheduled holidays. After completing their studies, eligible students can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa allowing 1 to 3 years of work rights in New Zealand.
Funding options to support your education in New Zealand
Partners and dependent children of student visa holders may be eligible for partner or dependent child visas. Partners of full-time students enrolled at bachelor's level or above may be eligible for an open work visa in New Zealand.