Path to staying
- Post-study workup to 36 months
- Permanent residencyafter 2 years
- Citizenshipafter 7 years
Overview
- Country
- New Zealand
- Visa name
- Fee Paying Student Visa
- Status
- Active
- Max duration
- 48 months
- Renewable
- Yes
Visa for international students paying their own tuition fees (or with family/loan support) to study full-time at an approved education provider in New Zealand. Covers diplomas, bachelor's degrees, graduate diplomas, and postgraduate qualifications.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Full fee
- Tuition range
- $12,000 – $45,000/year
- Proof of funds
- $12,000/year
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
International tuition varies: diploma NZD $18,000–$25,000/yr, undergraduate NZD $22,000–$40,000/yr, postgraduate NZD $25,000–$50,000/yr, medicine/dentistry up to NZD $75,000/yr.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Term hours
- 25 hrs/week
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Automatic
Up to 25 hours/week during semester (increased from 20 hours, effective 3 November 2025). Full-time during summer and scheduled breaks. PhD and master's by research students: unlimited hours. Work rights must be noted as a condition on the visa.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Study Work Visa | Work permit | 36 mo | Diploma | Unrestricted | Yes |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Admission | English | 6.0 | Score varies by institution and program: 6.0–7.0 overall typical. Some universities accept alternative evidence of English proficiency. |
| TOEFL iBT | Admission | English | 80 | Score varies by institution: 70–100 typical range. |
| PTE Academic | Admission | English | 50 | Accepted by most NZ universities. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | Application | $510 | One time |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Partner work visa support depends on study level: Level 9-10 (master's/doctoral) can support partner work visa. Level 7-8 may support partner work visa if studying in a Green List-specified field.
- Spouse work
- Unrestricted
- Conditions
- Partner of student gets a Partner of a Student Work Visa if studying Level 9-10, or Level 7-8 in specified Green List fields. Children can apply for Dependent Child Student Visa through the partner's work visa.
Long-term pathway
- Post-study visa
- Available
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- After 2 years
- Citizenship
- After 7 years
How to apply
- Method
- Online
- Processing
- 21-42 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- www.immigration.govt.nz
- Health insurance
- Required (buy separately)
Notes and caveats
Work hours increased from 20 to 25 hrs/week from 3 November 2025. Immigration NZ recommends applying at least 3 months before travel. Peak processing: October–March. From late 2026, Post Study Work Visa eligibility extends for certain sequential qualification cases.
Also in New Zealand
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source