Student Visas in New Zealand: A Complete Guide
New Zealand continues to be one of the world’s most welcoming destinations for international students and the student visa settings are evolving to support this growing interest in Kiwi education. Whether you’re planning to study in New Zealand soon or are already here, it’s crucial to understand how student visas work, what options are available, and what changes have been introduced to improve the visa experience.
What Is a Student Visa?
A student visa lets international learners come to New Zealand to study at an approved education provider from schools and language courses to universities and vocational training institutes. These visas are tailored to your study plans and may include different conditions around work, travel, and length of stay.
New Zealand has seen a renewed global interest in its education offerings, with more international students here in 2025 compared to the same period last year. The visa framework plays a key role in both attracting students and supporting them throughout their studies.
Before You Apply: Key Steps
Before applying for a student visa, there are a few essential steps:
Choose Your Study and Get Accepted
You must have an offer of place from a New Zealand education provider. This could be for full-time study anything beyond short courses and is required to begin the visa application process.
Prepare Your Documents
Visa applications require documents such as your offer of place, proof of funds, health and character evidence, and, for fee-paying students, approved medical/travel insurance.
Apply Early
Student visa processing is busiest from November to March and again in mid-year. Immigration New Zealand recommends submitting your application at least three months before your intended travel date to avoid delays.
Use the Enhanced Online System
From August 2025, student visa applications moved to an improved Immigration Online system, designed to make the process smoother and more user-friendly, with clearer guidance and better self-service tools.
Working on a Student Visa
Most student visas come with conditions that govern when and how you can work in New Zealand during your studies. These conditions are recorded on your eVisa or visa letter.
A major update is that, from 3 November 2025, eligible students (including tertiary, English-language, and some secondary school students) will be able to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic term — up from the previous 20-hour limit. This change will apply to all student visas granted on or after this date, even if the applications were lodged earlier.
If your current visa has a 20-hour limit but you want the extra hours, you will need to apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa.
During and After Your Study
Once your student visa is granted:
- Stay Compliant — Attend your programs full-time and meet the academic and attendance requirements associated with your visa.
- Check Your Conditions — If you plan to change your course, level of study, or education provider, you may need to apply for a new student visa rather than just a variation of conditions.
After you complete your study, there are post-study work opportunities available under New Zealand’s immigration settings, allowing graduates to gain skilled work experience and explore pathways to longer-term stays.
Final Thoughts
New Zealand’s student visa framework continues to evolve in response to the growing demand for its quality education and lifestyle. Improvements like the online application system and expanded work rights are designed to give international students more clarity, flexibility, and opportunity as they pursue education in Aotearoa.
If you’re preparing for study in New Zealand, start early, know your visa conditions, and make sure you meet all requirements for a smooth and successful journey.