Study & Migration · New Zealand
Studying in New Zealand starts with choosing a provider that follows the code for international learners and receiving an Offer of Place. After paying tuition, you apply for a student visa with evidence of at least NZD 20,000 a year for living costs and health insurance. You can work up to 25 hours a week during term, and may qualify for a Post Study Work Visa of up to 3 years after graduating. Permanent residency is a separate pathway, not an automatic result of studying.
A fiord in Fiordland, South Island.
Your goals. Your own pathway.
Overview
01
Each school sets its own entry requirements. On the visa side, a New Zealand study application usually centres on five things.
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Your total cost includes tuition, living costs, insurance, the visa fee and flights. Tuition varies by school, field and level, so get quotes directly from providers.
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Scholarships for New Zealand mostly come from institutions, plus some New Zealand Government programmes. Most are partial and reduce tuition.
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New Zealand has eight universities, plus polytechnics and private providers. Providers that enrol international students must follow NZQA's code for international learners.
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The Fee Paying Student Visa lets you study in New Zealand for up to 4 years. You apply online once you have an offer and have paid tuition.
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Since 3 November 2025, students can work up to 25 hours a week during term and full time in scheduled holidays. After graduating, the Post Study Work Visa lets you stay and work.
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Studying does not automatically lead to residence. Residence in New Zealand depends on your occupation, experience, pay and Immigration New Zealand's criteria at the time you apply, and policy can change while you study.
FAQ
For living costs alone, you need at least NZD 20,000 for each year of tertiary or English study, plus tuition. Accompanying family members need more.
Up to 25 hours a week during term (since 3 November 2025) and full time in scheduled holidays. If your visa still says 20 hours, apply to vary your conditions or for a new visa.
No. The visa requires you to show enough living funds before you travel. Part-time earnings are extra, and a job is not guaranteed straight away.
You may qualify for a Post Study Work Visa of up to 3 years, depending on your qualification and study length. You usually apply within 3 months of your student visa ending.
Some people have moved from study to residence, but it is a separate pathway with its own requirements. Treat it as a possibility to prepare for, not a guaranteed outcome.
Visa policy can change. Always check official sources at the time you apply.
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