NZ
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For international students paying international tuition fees, or using family, loan or scholarship support, to study full-time at an approved New Zealand education provider. A visa is normally issued for the paid study period (or until the passport expires sooner), up to four years. A further visa may be needed for longer study.
The student visa requires tuition for one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter, unless the student is exempt. There is no single national tuition amount: fees vary by provider, course and study duration. The official Study with New Zealand portal publishes indicative examples and advises checking exact costs with providers. Eligible international PhD students generally pay domestic-level fees.
Work rights depend on course eligibility and the conditions printed on the eVisa; they are not universal. Eligible tertiary students may work up to 25 hours per week. Full-time work during scheduled breaks depends on the course and visa conditions. PhD and qualifying research-master’s students may have unlimited work rights. Work must be as an employee with an employment agreement; self-employment is not allowed.
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Study Work Visa | Work permit | —–36 mo | Certificate | No | Yes |
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | Application | $477 | One time |
Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least 3 months before travel. Visa processing times vary by provider and are updated weekly. Applicants generally need to be in good health and of good character; medical examinations, chest X-rays and police certificates depend on individual circumstances and stay length. Students must maintain acceptable medical and travel insurance, except PhD students do not need insurance. Family members apply for their own visas; support rights depend on qualification and family circumstances. Study time on a temporary student visa does not itself count toward the two years on a resident visa required before applying for permanent residence. Citizenship eligibility is based on qualifying residence, not student-visa years. From 16 November 2026, Immigration New Zealand has announced expanded Post-Study Work Visa eligibility for some applicants with a New Zealand Level 7 graduate diploma and a bachelor’s degree, plus a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa. These changes are not yet in force as of 2026-10-09.
Last verified Oct 9, 2026 Last changed Oct 9, 2026 Source
removed the unsupported fixed PR and citizenship timelines and confirmed student time does not count as resident-visa time (immigration.govt.nz).
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