International Students

Fee-paying International Students are welcome in New Zealand.  There are well-

developed programmes and services designed to ensure the best possible experience for students of all ages. 

Guardian Visa.

A parent or legal guardian can apply for a visa to accompany their children aged 17 years or younger to New Zealand and, in limited circumstances, may even gain permission to work or study while the child is at school.

English Language Schools.

New Zealand is considered an excellent place to learn English and there are many institutions that offer courses. Including places where teaching English is combined with other courses and activities; there are over 600 choices!  These range from facilities for younger people who want to combine a wonderful overseas experience with an improvement to their English, through to University based courses designed to help serious students master English at a graduate level. Make sure your choice matches your objectives.

Tertiary Studies.

New Zealand has many options for serious tertiary study. In recent years Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) have moved to ensure a quality experience for all students.

The applicant must

• Hold a formal offer of a place from a State Institution or “Private Training Establishment” (PTE) (See special note, below.)
• Pay full international fees.
• Have sufficient funds for support, or be sponsored.
• Hold comprehensive Health Insurance. 
• Satisfy Immigration New Zealand (INZ) that they are a genuine student (not using a student visa application for some other purpose.)
• Be of good health and character.

There are two categories of an educational facility that qualify:

1. Any institution with a level 1, 2 or 3 grading from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
2. Only institutions that have signed the “Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students” can offer places to international students.

Some international students can obtain the right to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during vacation. This is a great way to gain local work experience, practice English and earn some pocket money; but not every course qualifies you. Take expert advice to make sure whether this concession applies to you.

Domestic Fee paying Student

On the dependent child student visa, your child can study in New Zealand and may be treated as a domestic fee-paying student, which means you don’t have to pay tuition fees to send your child to a primary or secondary school.

It would be prudent to note that not all visa categories have a provision for seeking this category of visa. If your child does not qualify for the dependent child student visa, they may still be eligible for a ‘Fee Paying Student Visa’.

A dependent child on this visa can stay for the same length of time as their parent’s visa, however, if your child wants to study at tertiary level, they must apply for a student visa as an international fee-paying student instead. Some work visa holders are not eligible to support applications for this visa, and you can mail us to know more about it.