Student Visa | Conditions & Entitlements

To study in New Zealand, you will need a student visa from Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Before you apply, there are several things to understand and check including Conditions and Entitlements during your stay.

The time you spend now in planning and preparing, will save you money and reduce stress. We can assist you to get a visa or permit to study in New Zealand, provided you meet our Entry Requirements for international students.

Visa Application Checklist

Below is a summary of what INZ require in order to process your application.

1. Meet INZ’s entry requirements on health and character. Visit their website for details (opens a new window).

2. An ‘Offer of a Place’ letter from us is required before applying for your Visa.

   Once we have approved your enrolment application, we will send you an ‘Offer of a Place’ letter. You need to submit this letter with your application to INZ.

3. Public Trust receipt (issued by us) as evidence that you have paid your course fees.

4. A recent passport-sized photograph.

5. Visa application fee.

   You will need to pay a fee to INZ for the cost of processing your application. Click here to calculate your fees.

6. Evidence of funds to support yourself.

   INZ will want to see that you are able to meet your living costs during your entire stay.

   Evidence may include:

   • Enough money held in New Zealand by you, or on your behalf.
   • An undertaking by another person to cover your accommodation and living costs.

   (INZ will want to see this before you leave for New Zealand).

7. Evidence that you plan to leave.

   INZ need evidence that you will leave New Zealand when you have finished your course of study. For example, they may want to see travel tickets out of New Zealand to a country you are allowed to enter, or evidence of enough money held in New Zealand, additional to the funds you’ll need for your living expenses.

8. A valid passport

   You must have a passport that is valid for at least three months past the end of your intended course.

9. Medical and travel insurance

   You must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while you are studying in New Zealand. This is because student permit holders are generally not eligible for publicly funded health and disability services.

10. Mandatory medical checks

    You will be studying in NZ for one to two years. Therefore, you must complete a Medical and Chest X-ray Certificate (INZ 1007) and associated reports. This must be less than three months old at the time you lodge your Visa Application. Visit their website for full details.

    You will have to visit a ‘Panel Doctor’ to obtain the above documents. For a list of Panel Doctors approved by INZ, contact your nearest Immigration New Zealand branch, New Zealand Embassy or High Commission, or visit their website.

11. Complete, sign and lodge the application form

    Download a PDF of the application form from the INZ website.

Please use the checklist on page 12 of the Visa Application form to ensure that you have all necessary documents to minimise any delays.

You can visit their website to view full details about student visas.