Fee Paying Student Visa at a glance
| Offer of place | From an approved education provider, for an approved course, stating the course name, length and full-time or part-time study. A conditional offer is fine for assessment from overseas; you need an unconditional offer before approval. |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Fees paid for 1 course or 1 year, whichever is shorter |
| Insurance | Medical and travel insurance for your whole stay, acceptable to your provider (not needed for PhD students) |
| Length | Up to 4 years, usually for the period you've paid for |
| Cost | From NZD $850 |
| Processing | 80% processed within 7 weeks |
Money you need
| Type of study | Courses of 1 year or more | Shorter courses |
|---|---|---|
| Tertiary, English language or other non-compulsory study | NZD $20,000 a year | NZD $1,667 a month |
| School (Years 1 to 13) | NZD $17,000 a year | NZD $1,417 a month |
Money for an onward ticket must be on top of your living costs.
Working while you study
- Up to 25 hours a week during study, and full-time in scheduled holidays, depending on your visa conditions.
- Students aged 16 or 17 need written permission from a parent or guardian and their provider.
- Students aged 15 or younger can't work.
After you graduate
Depending on your qualification, you may get a Post-Study Work Visa for up to 3 years. From 16 November 2026, graduates of a level 7 graduate diploma who also hold a bachelor's degree become eligible. See the Post-Study Work Visa section.
Your partner and children can't be on your student visa, but they can apply for visas based on their relationship to you.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a course that won't qualify you for a Post-Study Work Visa later. Check before you enrol.
- Showing funds that were deposited just before applying, without explaining where they came from.
- Working more than your conditions allow during term time.
Sources
- Immigration New Zealand: Fee Paying Student Visa
- Immigration New Zealand: Post Study Work Visa eligibility extended
This is general information, not immigration advice. For advice on your situation, talk to a licensed immigration adviser.