Study in New Zealand

New Zealand universities are ranked in the top 3% in the world

Only country in the world to have all its universities in the global top 500

Post-study work visa up to three years and good permanent residency prospects

Ranked as top English-speaking country at preparing students for the future (The Economist)

Ranked #1 for international work rights by the Global Perspectives on International Student Employability

International Student Well-Being Strategy ranked New Zealand #1 to have a well-being strategy for international students.

Educational Pathways in New Zealand
What all can you study?

Higher, Vocational & Applied Education

Qualifications gained in New Zealand are highly sought after by employers and other education providers around the world.

Schooling
UP to 18 yrs

New Zealand's school system allows learners to design an education that best meets their goals and personality. You can choose the type of school and its location, as well as the ideal study program.

Completing secondary school qualifications in New Zealand is ideal preparation for further study in New Zealand or around the world.

Learn English

New Zealand, a native English-speaking country, offers the ideal environment to enhance your English skills, whether you’re looking to prepare for academic studies or simply improve your language proficiency. Join a New Zealand education provider to gain not just language skills, but the confidence and cultural understanding needed for a thriving global career.

What's Next After Your Studies?

Post-Study Work Visa: Your Pathway to Building a Career in New Zealand

If you’ve recently completed your studies in New Zealand, you may be eligible to apply for a Post-Study Work Visa.

This visa allows you to stay in New Zealand and gain valuable work experience for up to three years, depending on the level and duration of your qualification.

Work Opportunities:

Degree Level 7 or Higher Qualification: You can work for any employer in any role, giving you the flexibility to explore diverse career opportunities.
Non-Degree Level 7 or Below Qualification: You can work in a job related to your field of study, provided your qualification is listed on the Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa List.

Bring Your Family Along:

Your partner can apply for an open work visa, allowing them to work for any employer.
Your dependent children can study in New Zealand as domestic students, with no additional tuition fees.

Enhance Your Job Prospects:
Pursuing qualifications in industries with skill shortages can significantly boost your chances of securing employment and building a successful career in New Zealand.

Ready to take the next step?

Residence Pathways for International Students

New Zealand offers multiple pathways for international students to transition to a resident visa after completing their tertiary education. Here are the most popular options:

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) - SMC is a popular residence pathway for international students aiming to make New Zealand their permanent home. With its focus on rewarding talent, SMC is an ideal choice for those who aspire to settle and contribute to New Zealand's growing economy. This category allows skilled individuals to apply for residence based on their qualifications, New Zealand work experience, and skilled employment in New Zealand.
Green List Pathways (Straight to Residence & Work to Residence) - If you’re studying a course aligned with New Zealand's Green List, you’re on a faster track to residency. The Green List features roles in high demand and includes occupations with a direct or work-to-residence pathway. Studying a qualification that aligns with a Green List role can significantly enhance your chances of securing permanent residency.
- Straight to Residence: Some roles allow direct residence applications after securing employment.
- Work to Residence: Others require gaining specific work experience in your field before applying for residency.
Care Workforce (Work to Residence) - This pathway provides a route to residence for individuals in vital health and aged care roles. With a critical shortage of skilled workers in this sector, this pathway offers international students an opportunity to contribute meaningfully while building a life in New Zealand. To qualify you must complete a relevant qualification aligned with a care workforce role, work in an eligible role for at least two years in New Zealand, and meet additional residence criteria, such as health and character requirements.

Navigating these options can be overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you every step of the way. We will help you understand the best pathway tailored to your qualifications, goals, and aspirations.

How can we help?

We understand the aspirations and challenges faced by international students planning to study in New Zealand. Our comprehensive support ensures a seamless journey, from selecting the right course to settling into your new academic life.

Here’s how we can assist:

Personalized Course and Institution Guidance - We assess your educational background, career goals, and preferences to recommend suitable courses and institutions. Our goal is to match you with programs that align with your long-term aspirations, whether it’s meeting skill shortage requirements or gaining eligibility for post-study work visas.
Securing Admission - Through our extensive network of partnerships with universities, colleges, and schools across New Zealand, we:
- Help you choose the right institution.
- Assist in securing your Offer of Place at your desired school and year.
- Provide guidance to ensure all application requirements are met.
Comprehensive Visa Support - Navigating the student visa process can be complex, but we simplify it for you by:
- Helping you prepare all necessary documentation for your visa application.
- Submitting your student visa application to minimize delays or the risk of rejection.
- Offering ongoing support to address any concerns during the visa process.
Family Visa Assistance - If you’re pursuing a Master’s degree or a higher qualification, you may wish to bring your spouse or children with you. We provide:
- Guidance and preparation of dependent visa applications.
- Support to ensure a smooth and hassle-free application process for your family.
Guardian Visa Support - For younger students, bringing a parent or guardian may be essential. We assist in preparing and submitting guardian visa applications, ensuring peace of mind for both students and their families.
Post-Study Work Rights and Resdence Opportunities - We help you plan for life after graduation by:
- Advising on pathways to post-study work visas
- Guiding you on how to gain valuable work experience or transition to residency.
- Providing assistance with applications for Post-Study Work Visas and Residence Visas when you qualify.
Advocacy and Representation - As your trusted representatives, we act as a point of contact with Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Our services include:
- Resolving any issues that arise during your studies, such as visa extensions, changes in course enrollment, or other concerns.
- Providing prompt and efficient solutions to ensure you can focus on your education and career goals.
Ongoing Support Throughout Your Journey - Our commitment to your success doesn’t end once you arrive in New Zealand. We offer:
- Guidance on academic transitions and integration
- Assistance with any unforeseen challenges that may arise during your study period.

With our expert guidance and personalized support, we simplify the complexities of immigration and education planning, allowing you to focus on achieving your dreams in New Zealand.

Student Visa - FAQs

Navigating New Zealand's student visa requirements can be challenging, especially with all the details involved. Here we have provided answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

1. Is NZD 20,000 enough as proof of funds for a spouse accompanying a student?

NZD 20,000 is required for tertiary or non-compulsory education that is 36 weeks or longer. However, this amount is for the student only. If a spouse is accompanying the student, they must meet the financial requirements for their own visa type. Funds cannot be pooled across multiple applicants.

2. Do approval rates vary between private training establishments, polytechnics, and public universities?

Yes, approval rates can vary. Each application is assessed individually, but recent statistics from 2023 show:

Universities: 93.3% approval rate
Private Training Establishments: 71.7% approval rate
Schools: 97.6% approval rate
Te Pūkenga (Polytechnics): 66.3% approval rate

3. Why isn’t a student eligible for a 3-year Post-Study Work Visa if they upgrade from a 1-year PG Diploma to a Master’s degree?

The Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) is based on the qualification and the duration of study for that qualification. If credits from the PG Diploma are carried over to the Master’s, reducing the duration of study, the PSWV will be based on the original PG Diploma.

4. How many months of transaction history does a sponsor need to provide—3 or 6 months?

While Immigration New Zealand recommends at least three months of transaction history, providing six months can strengthen your financial evidence.

5. Do education loans need to be secured against property, or can they be unsecured?

Immigration New Zealand accepts education loans as proof of funds only if they are from nationalised or multi-national banks and are secured against fixed assets (like property) belonging to the student or their financial sponsor.

6. Can students start their course online if they haven’t received their visa yet?

Yes, but it depends on individual circumstances. Once in New Zealand, student visa holders are expected to study in person. Studying online for an extended period may impact eligibility for a Post-Study Work Visa, which requires onshore study for a minimum duration.

7. Can a student work full-time between completing their course and their student visa’s expiry date?

Yes, they can work full-time during this period. The holiday work rights begin once the course is completed and last until the student visa expires.

8. Can a student be self-employed outside of New Zealand while on a student visa?

No. Any form of self-employment, even if the work is contracted overseas and paid abroad, is not allowed while holding a New Zealand student visa.

9. Can a sibling on a temporary work visa in New Zealand sponsor a student?

No, a sibling on a temporary visa cannot sponsor a student. They are, however, still able to support the student financially.

10. Can a sponsor cover only the student’s living costs and outward flights, or can they also pay tuition fees?

Yes, a sponsor can cover both the student’s living costs and tuition fees. They must declare this in the application.

11. Can onshore applicants use the Approval in Principle (AIP) option to pay fees after INZ’s approval?

No, AIP is only available for students applying from outside New Zealand.

12. Does the receipt for tuition fees need to be dated before showing evidence of living cost funds?

The receipt will be dated when payment is made. If the same person is funding both tuition and living costs, this should be clearly stated, and evidence should show that there are sufficient funds left for maintenance after tuition is paid.

13. Can a Pathway Student Visa cover multiple education providers?

Yes, but all providers must be approved Pathway Education Providers.

14. Should a student declare intentions to apply for permanent residence in their visa application?

Yes! New Zealand values honesty. Declaring long-term intentions, like applying for another visa or residency, does not automatically mean the student will be seen as a non-genuine applicant.