Before you apply for a student visa

Before you start your application, you need to plan your study, work out how you’ll support yourself in NZ and check which documents you need to provide with your application.

Making study and travel plans before you apply

To qualify for a student visa, you’ll need:

• to be accepted for a course at an education institute approved by the Ministry of Education or the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
• money for your tuition fees or proof that you have a scholarship that pays your fees
• proof you have enough money to live on while you’re in NZ, and
• a ticket out of NZ or evidence that you enough money to buy one.

Choosing a course

Find a program of study or qualification that suits you.

Study fees

Most people who come to NZ to study pay full fees as international students.

Paying your living expenses

• NZD$15,000 for your first year of study
• NZD$1250 for each month if your programme of study is less than 36 months
• a scholarship, such as a New Zealand Aid Programme scholarship, or
• a sponsor or family member who’s agreed to accept financial responsibility for you while you’re in NZ.

Health and character

To get a visa, you need to be healthy and of good character.

Health insurance

If you’re a fee paying student, you need approved medical and travel insurance. Contact your education provider to get help with arranging medical and travel insurance.

Documents to provide with your application

Your identity

You need to provide:

• a color photo of your head and shoulders — or 2, if you apply using the printed form
• a passport that’s valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave NZ.

Other supporting documents

If you’ve been offered a place on a course of study, the institution you’ll study at gives you a document confirming your place. You must include this with your visa application.

You may also have to provide:

You need to provide:

• medical certificates
• police certificates, and
• Translations of any documents not in English.

Application fees

You also need to pay the exact application fee.

For more Information, advice and expert guidance, kindly contact us.