Fee Paying Student Visa
Study visa for international students self-funding a course with an approved NZ provider.
Official New Zealand pageWho this route is for
International students with an offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider, funding tuition themselves or via family, loans or partial scholarships.
Eligibility requirements
- Have an offer of place on a course from an approved education provider
- Show sufficient funds for tuition fees (or scholarship evidence)
- Show living-cost funds: NZD $20,000/year for tertiary/language study, or NZD $17,000/year for compulsory schooling
- Hold medical and travel insurance and meet health and character requirements
Requirements reviewed July 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
No work rights under age 16; students aged 16-17 need parental and institutional permission to work. Doctoral and master's-by-research students may have broader work rights.
Other New Zealand routes
Post-Study Work Visa
TemporaryOpen or field-related work visa of up to 3 years for graduates of eligible NZ qualifications.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
PermanentPoints-based residence for skilled workers, scored against the NZ median wage.
Straight to Residence Visa (Green List Tier 1)
PermanentImmediate residence for people with a Tier 1 Green List job offer.
Work to Residence Visa (Green List Tier 2)
PathwayResidence after 24 months working in a Tier 2 Green List role.