New Zealand Student Visa

New Zealand Student Visas

The Department of Labour is the New Zealand government organisation responsible for all immigration matters.  Students who are planning to study in New Zealand must be issued a student visa from the Department of Labour before being allowed to enter the country.  The Department of Labour has offices around the world.  If you can’t find one close to you, visit their website.

Visitors to New Zealand can undertake one single course of study that lasts less than three months without a student visa.  If you wish to enrol in further study, you can apply for a student visa in New Zealand.

Visa applications will only be processed if the applicant is already enrolled full time at an approved institute.  Furthermore, your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.

The Department of Labour will request that you produce evidence of your ability to support yourself while in New Zealand.  You will need to supply a bank statement or similar, details of your accommodation and a receipt for payment of university fees (or, in the case of scholarship students, evidence of exemption from fees.)

You will also need to submit certified copies of the following:

• A non-refundable application fee
• A recent, passport sized photograph
• Evidence of an offer from an approved tertiary institute, and
• A return air ticket, or evidence of funds to purchase one.

Applicants over the age of seventeen must also provide a police certificate as evidence of their good character.

Students who are planning on studying for more than six months must be screened for tuberculosis.  Students who are planning on studying for more than twenty four months will need to provide medical certificates and X-rays.

Student visa holders can work up to twenty hours during semesters and full time during university breaks.