Explore visa requirements, costs, work rights, and pathways for international students and families considering study in New Zealand.
To study in New Zealand, most international students need a Fee Paying Student Visa. Key requirements: offer of place from an approved provider, sufficient funds (at least NZD $20,000/year for living costs), full medical and travel insurance, and health and character checks. Visa can be issued for up to 4 years.
Students may be able to work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays if visa conditions permit. Application fee starts from NZD $375 when applied online from within New Zealand.
Always verify at Official NZ Immigration before applying.
Anyone studying a course longer than 3 months in NZ needs a student visa (called the Fee Paying Student Visa). Short courses under 3 months may be covered by a visitor visa or NZeTA.
Citizens of Australia and the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau have different rights - they do not need a student visa. Children of residents/citizens may be covered by their parent's visa. The Fee Paying Student Visa can be issued for up to 4 years maximum.
Tuition fees vary by institution and course level. Cost of living may vary by city - Auckland is 20-30% more expensive than smaller cities. INZ requires showing at least NZD $20,000/year for living costs.
Student visa fee starts from NZD $375 (online, applied from NZ).
Students may work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during holidays - depending on visa conditions. Work rights are not automatic and are specified on eVisa.
NZ minimum wage: NZD $23.15/hour.
Important: Check your visa conditions carefully before starting any work. See immigration.govt.nz for full details.
Processing times differ by completeness, season, and origin country. INZ recommends checking their online tool.
Incomplete applications take longer. If your visa expires while waiting, INZ typically issues an Interim Visa.
Check current processing times
Graduates may apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (up to 3 years), then transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and later residency. Many graduates on NZ Green List have a fast-track to permanent residency.
Kiwifern partners with NZ institutions like Yoobee, Whitireia WelTec, and Victoria University to guide full pathways from study to residence.
Starts from NZD $375 when applied online from within NZ. Fees vary by country.
Depends on application completeness and origin country. No fixed timeframe.
You may work up to 20 hours/week during term, full-time on holidays, if your visa allows.
Show enough for tuition fees + NZD $20,000/year living cost + airfare.
Your partner or children may be eligible depending on your course level.
Apply for Post-Study Work Visa, then AEWV, then residency.
Requirements set by institution; may include IELTS or internal tests.
Yes. NZQA and universities rank globally.
NZQA-registered institution or university.
Yes. Full coverage is mandatory for the visa duration.
We can guide you through the student visa process and help plan your pathway from study to work to residence. Kiwifern partners with leading NZ institutions.