Studying in New Zealand
How Student Visas Generally Work
A general overview of how New Zealand student visas generally work and the kinds of factors Immigration New Zealand generally considers. This is general information only — not personalised advice. Current requirements are on immigration.govt.nz, and how they apply to a particular situation is assessed by a licensed adviser.
General Overview
What a Student Visa Generally Involves
An Offer of Place
A student visa generally starts with an offer of place from an education provider approved to enrol international students.
Genuine Student
INZ generally considers whether an applicant is a genuine, bona fide student intending to study. This is assessed against current policy and individual circumstances.
Funds for Study & Living
Applicants generally need to show funds for tuition and living costs. The amounts and accepted evidence are set by INZ and change over time.
Health & Character
Student visas generally include health and character requirements, common across NZ visa categories and assessed against current policy.
Working With VisaPlex
From First Conversation to a Clear Plan
- 1
Map Your Situation
Start in the AVA workspace to organise your study plans, provider offer and funding information against the general framework.
- 2
Adviser Review
A licensed immigration adviser reviews your circumstances against current policy and explains the options that may apply.
- 3
Prepare the Application
If you choose to proceed, your adviser guides the documents and evidence relevant to your situation.
- 4
Submission & Support
Your application is submitted and supported through to a decision.
Common Questions
Common Questions About Student Visas
Work rights for student visa holders are set by Immigration New Zealand and depend on the course and visa conditions. The current rules are published on immigration.govt.nz and confirmed for your situation by an adviser.
Funds requirements for tuition and living costs are set by INZ and change over time. The current figures are on immigration.govt.nz; what applies to you is confirmed during your review.
Some graduates explore post-study work and, later, residence pathways. Whether and how that applies depends on individual circumstances and current policy, and is personalised advice from a licensed adviser.
No. VisaPlex provides general information and an AI-assisted planning workspace. Whether you meet a category is personalised immigration advice provided by a licensed adviser.
Next Step
Talk Through Studying in NZ
Tell us a little about your study plans and our licensed adviser will review how the student visa and related pathways may apply to you.