We endeavour to make your move to New Zealand to study as easy as possible, with straightforward visa requirements and options including working while studying.
Study visa requirements
For courses of more than 13 weeks, a Student Visa is required. To qualify, you must provide:
• An offer of a place from an accredited educational institution approved
by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
• A receipt for prepayment of fees.
• A return air ticket home, or evidence of sufficient funds to buy one.
You also need to have your own health insurance. Depending on where you come from and how long you intend to stay, police checks and a health certificate may be required, although this is increasingly rare.
Work while studying
If you’re a student with a Student Visa enrolled in a full-time programme, you may be able to work up to 20 hours per week during the year and full-time over the summer holidays.
Before starting work you must have permission from Immigration New Zealand in the form of a ‘variation’ of the conditions of your visa. You can apply for a variation when you apply for your Student Visa, or later, once it has been granted.
The maximum you can work each week is 20 hours, even if there is more than one employer. The only exception is if you are required to work as part of your qualification. For example, if a set number of hours of practical experience is required as part of the course work, this can be additional to the 20 allowable hours.
Work while studying
If you’re a student with a Student Visa enrolled in a full-time programme, you may be able to work up to 20 hours per week during the year and full-time over the summer holidays.
Before starting work you must have permission from Immigration New Zealand in the form of a ‘variation’ of the conditions of your visa. You can apply for a variation when you apply for your Student Visa, or later, once it has been granted.
The maximum you can work each week is 20 hours, even if there is more than one employer. The only exception is if you are required to work as part of your qualification. For example, if a set number of hours of practical experience is required as part of the course work, this can be additional to the 20 allowable hours.
Working after your study
When you’ve finished your study you may be able to work in New Zealand for up to four years. After this, you can apply for a further temporary work visa and even gain permanent residency. Your chances of getting a further work visa or permanent residency will be greatly improved if you have the skills that New Zealand urgently needs.
For more information on skills shortages, visit: skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz
There are two steps you need to take to work in New Zealand after completing your study:
1. Graduate Job Search Work Visa
This gives you up to 12 months to find a job that is related to your studies. This visa lets you get a temporary job while you’re looking.
2. Graduate Work Experience Visa
Once you find a job that’s related to your studies, this visa lets you work in New Zealand in a specific job for a specific employer, for two more years (or three years if it is required as part of a professional registration). You can also apply immediately after graduating if you already have a job.
To find out more, visit: nzstudywork.com
Scholarships
A number of scholarships are available to help international students study in New Zealand. These are provided by educational institutions, foreign governments and private funding sources. There are also scholarships funded by the New Zealand Government for all levels of tertiary study.
Visa requirements – Practical Information (2)
For courses of more than 13 weeks, a Student Visa is required. To qualify,
you must provide:
• An offer of place from an educational institution approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
• A written guarantee from an institution or person that suitable accommodation is available in New Zealand (for students under 18 years).
• A return air ticket, or evidence of sufficient funds to purchase a return flight home.
• Students need their own health and medical insurance. If required, this can be arranged by the school
Accompanying parents or guardians
If a child is enrolled in years 1 to 8 at a school (or aged 13 or under
and enrolled in a private training establishment), their parent or legal
guardian may need to apply for a special visitor visa known as a Guardian Visa.
A Guardian Visa allows a student’s parent or legal guardian to accompany the student to New Zealand.
Visit immigration.govt.nz for more information
English language requirements
If you’re an international student, your school may test your level of English
and, if necessary, refer you to an intensive English language course before starting school.
