Student Visas

Visa requirements

You must show evidence that you have been accepted into a full-time programme, that you have paid your first year’s tuition fees in full and that you have sufficient funds to cover your living costs while in New Zealand. You will need to apply for your visa before entering New Zealand.

Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holiday periods.

Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available on the Immigration New Zealand website. You can also contact your local Immigration New Zealand office.

International Student Visa

Before submitting your student visa application to Immigration New Zealand (INZ), please ensure you have all required documentation. If you submit an incomplete application, it will delay processing and your application may be declined.

Allow plenty of time to get your documentation organised and expect for the visa processing to take at least four weeks when submitting a complete application. Processing will take longer during the peak period January – March.

Pathway Student Visa vs Student Visa

NZCC is a recognised education provider of the Pathway Student Visa pilot allowing students to apply for a single visa that covers the full duration of their study. Students must meet all criteria to apply for this visa. A letter of support will be provided by the College for
your visa application.

In the event students are not granted a Pathway Student Visa, a one-year Student Visa may be granted.

If you are unsure which category applies to you (e.g. if you are holding a government scholarship) please contact Immigration New Zealand.

Step-by-step: How to apply for your student visa

Step one – Offer of Place

• After accepting your enrolment offer, NZCC will provide an official offer of place. If offered a conditional offer, you must meet the conditions of your offer before receiving your Offer of Place.
• Other supporting documents that NZCC will provide include a Student Visa Pathway support letter.

Step two – Pay your fees

• Pay the first year of tuition as stated on your invoice (provided with Offer of Place)
• When you have paid, it may take a few days for your payment to be allocated to your tuition fees account depending on the form of payment used.
• Once your payment has been allocated you will be sent a receipt to include in your visa application.

Step three – Evidence you have enough money to live on

INZ requires you to show evidence that you can support yourself during your studies:

• You will need to show evidence that you have funds available of at least NZ$20,000 per year of study.
• Refer to the visa guide and checklist below for further information and for acceptable forms of evidence.

Step four – Evidence you have enough money to leave New Zealand

• In addition to the funds mentioned in the previous step, you’ll also need to show evidence that you have funds available covering the equivalent of a flexible flight ticket to your home country.

Step five – Evidence of your health and character

• You may be required to submit a chest x-ray and/or medical certificate with your visa application, depending on your country of residence.
• You may be required to submit a police certificate and a certified translation if it is not in English to show you are of good character. This may include having fingerprints taken and can sometimes be a lengthy process. Please allow 4-6 weeks.

Who needs a chest x-ray or medical examination

Who needs to provide police certificates

Step six – Electronic copies of visa application documents

• Ensure you have electronic copies of all the above documents available to upload with your student visa application.
• You will also need to upload a copy of the identity pages on your current passport along with other supporting documents as requested by INZ.

Step seven – Submit your visa application through the INZ portal

It is highly recommended that you supply a cover letter with your application outlining the reason for your application and evidence provided.

To apply for your Pathway Student Visa: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/pathway-student-visa

Please refer to the guide and checklist below for guidance on your application:

• Student visa application checklist: First-time international students
• Student visa guide