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.
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.
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.
| Program | Type | Duration | Min Degree | Work | PR Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Study Work Visa | Work permit | 36mo | Diploma | Unrestricted | Yes |
| 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. |
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | Application | $510 | One time |
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.
- Visitor Visa (Remote Work Permitted) (digital nomad visa)
- New Zealand Active Investor Plus (Growth) (investor visa)
- New Zealand Active Investor Plus (Balanced) (investor visa)
- New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa (entrepreneur)
Last verified: May 3, 2026. Source