Who needs a student visa

You don't need a visa or permit if you're:

• a New Zealand citizen or you hold a New Zealand residence permit
• an Australian citizen, or Australian resident who holds a current permanent resident return visa.

If the course you want to take runs for less than three months, you can apply for a visitor's visa. You must ensure first that your course is approved by the New Zealand authorities.

The study permit

Having a New Zealand Student Visa or Permit means you can study in New Zealand for a set time at a specified institution as a full time student. In most cases you will be issued a one year, renewable permit.

The main purpose of a Student Visa or Permit is to allow international student to study full-time in New Zealand. However, in some cases your Student Permit will allow you:

• to undertake part time study
• a limited opportunity to work while studying - if your course of study requires you to be in New Zealand for more than one year.

Applying

You'll have to prove you've been accepted on the course you're applying for and paid the foreign student fees. And you'll also need to pay a fee to apply for a Student Visa or Permit. You also have to fill out an application form for studying in New Zealand.