Universities in New Zealand welcome international applicants, but you will still need a visa to live and study in the country.
As an international Masters student you’ll need to apply for a specific student visa. You can study in New Zealand for up to three months on a standard visitor’s visa, but this won’t be long enough to complete a Masters degree.
Who doesn't need a visa to study in New Zealand?
You won’t need a visa to study abroad in New Zealand if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You hold a New Zealand passport (even if you have not lived there for a while – or have never lived there at all).
- You are an Australian citizen.
- You hold an unconditional permanent residence visa for Australia or New Zealand.
Other students will usually need to apply for a student visa. If you think exceptions may apply in your case you should contact Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
Requirements for a New Zealand student visa application
In order to successfully apply for a New Zealand student visa you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have been granted a place at a university in New Zealand on a course recognised by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
- You must be studying full-time. Unfortunately it isn't possible to study part-time on an international student visa in New Zealand.
- You must meet an acceptable standard of health. You will not normally be required to provide medical documents to prove this (unless the assessing officer at INZ asks for them) but you will need to sign a declaration to this effect.
- You must be of good character, with no outstanding criminal convictions. If you are applying to study in New Zealand for more than two years, you will need to provide police clearances from your previous country(s) of residence.
In addition, you will need to meet the following requirements during your stay:
- You must not exceed the working hours set by your visa. These are capped at 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week during holidays.
- You must maintain comprehensive health insurance for the duration of your degree (see below).
Applications process
You can apply for a New Zealand student visa online at the Immigration New Zealand website.
Or, if you are applying for admission to a New Zealand university from the UK or Ireland through Study Options, you can also lodge your student visa application through them.
In addition to your passport you will need to provide:
- A completed application form.
- Two passport-sized photos.
- Proof that you have an unconditional offer of a place at a New Zealand university along with a receipt showing that you have paid the required deposit towards your tuition fees.
- Evidence that you will be able to support yourself whilst studying in New Zealand, including proof of sufficient financial resources to cover living costs and a guarantee of suitable accommodation.
This is the minimum list of requirements – other documents might be asked for, depending on the requirements of your course.
Health insurance for international students in New Zealand
You’ll need to have valid health insurance for the duration of the time you spend studying a Masters abroad in New Zealand.
Your New Zealand university will have a preferred provider and will offer you the option of purchasing a policy when you accept your place.
This is usually the best way to go, as the policies have been designed to meet the strict requirements imposed by Immigration New Zealand. Very few international health insurance policies meet these standards and you should therefore budget for additional cover as one of your study abroad expenses.