Student Migration

Everyone who comes to study in New Zealand from overseas must meet certain rules and requirements. If you are coming to New Zealand to study for more than three months, you will need a student visa or permit. In this section you can find out whether you need a visa or permit, whether you'll qualify, and what a student visa or permit will allow you to do.

People who do not need a student visa or permit

You don’t need a visa or permit if you are a citizen of New Zealand or Australia, you hold a New Zealand residence permit, or you are the holder of a current Australian permanent residence visa including a current Australian resident return visa. (If there are conditions on your residence visa/resident return visa, then you will need to apply for a student visa.)

People on short courses

If the course you want to study is a single short course of less than three calendar months duration, and is approved or exempted by NZQA, you do not need a student visa, and can apply for a visitor visa.

If you want to study two or more short courses of study or training (whether at the same time, or one after the other), you need a student visa or permit.

Note: NZIS do not consider a term spent studying at a primary, intermediate or secondary school to be a short course, and a student visa/permit must be applied for.

Exchange students

If you have been offered a place in an approved exchange scheme you may apply for a student visa for the duration of your exchange, provided you meet health and character requirements and are a bona fide exchange participant.

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What would be your highest qualification?	Please Select Apprenticeship Trade qualification Two year Diploma / Certificate Three year Diploma / Certificate Four year Diploma / Certificate Information Technology Courses (any length) University Degree Masters Degree PHD None of the Above
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