Study in New Zealand

New Zealand universities are ranked in the top 3% in the world

Only country in the world to have all its universities in the global top 500

Post-study work visa up to three years and good permanent residency prospects

Ranked as top English-speaking country at preparing students for the future (The Economist)

Ranked #1 for international work rights by the Global Perspectives on International Student Employability

International Student Well-Being Strategy ranked New Zealand #1 to have a well-being strategy for international students.

Educational Pathways in New Zealand
What can you study in New Zealand?

New Zealand offers world-class education in a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment. Whether you’re pursuing university studies, vocational training, or school education, you’ll find globally recognised qualifications and flexible pathways to success.

1. Higher, Vocational & Applied Education

New Zealand’s education system blends academic excellence with hands-on, industry-focused learning — producing graduates known for creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability.

🏛 Universities

All eight universities rank among the world’s top 2% (QS World Rankings).
Renowned for innovative teaching, small class sizes, and real-world relevance.
Offer research-led and industry-integrated programmes.

🛠 Te Pūkenga – NZ Institute of Skills and Technology

New Zealand’s largest vocational network with campuses nationwide.
Provides practical training in engineering, business, IT, healthcare, and trades.
Strong industry partnerships ensure job-ready graduates.

⚙️ Institutes of Technology & Polytechnics (ITPs)

Deliver career-focused, employer-aligned education.
Emphasise practical learning, small classes, and work experience.

💼 Private Training Establishments (PTEs)

Offer niche, industry-driven qualifications in IT, business, hospitality, creative arts, etc.
Flexible study options with internship and employment pathways.

2. School Education

New Zealand schools foster curiosity, confidence, and global awareness in a supportive, multicultural setting.

🏫 Primary (Ages 5–10)

Follows the New Zealand Curriculum, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and creativity.

🧭 Intermediate (Ages 11–12)

Bridges primary and secondary learning.
Builds teamwork, leadership, and independence.

🎒 Secondary (Ages 13–18)

Offers internationally recognised qualifications:
- NCEA - New Zealand’s main school qualification, which is globally accepted and flexible.
- Cambridge (CIE) - Globally recognised for academic depth and subject specialisation.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) - Offered in 25 IB World Schools. Encourages independent learning, cultural awareness, and global citizenship.
Prepares students for university or vocational careers through both academic and practical study tracks.

3. English for Academic Study - English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses help students strengthen language skills, academic writing, and university readiness.

4. Foundation & Pathway Programmes

University Foundation

One-year academic preparation equivalent to the final year of NZ schooling.
Builds subject knowledge and English fluency for degree entry.

Secondary School Pathways

Completing NCEA Level 3 or equivalent gives direct entry into university.
Schools provide language support and guidance for international students.

New Zealand offers internationally recognised qualifications, practical learning opportunities and a supportive environment for international students.

However, choosing a course involves more than obtaining admission from an education provider. The proposed study should be appropriate for your academic background, employment history, career objectives, financial circumstances and longer-term plans.

Trusthaven Immigration can help you identify suitable study options, obtain admission and prepare a well-supported student visa application.

Choosing the Right Course

The course selected should represent a credible educational and career decision.

Relevant considerations can include:

Previous qualifications
Current level of education
Academic results
English-language ability
Employment history
Existing professional skills
The relationship between previous study and proposed study
Career opportunities in the student’s home country
The level and duration of the qualification
Tuition fees and living costs
Post-study work eligibility
The student’s ability to fund the complete study plan
Whether the course supports a realistic progression of study

Immigration New Zealand may question an application where the proposed course appears unrelated to the applicant’s background, duplicates previous study or represents an unexplained reduction in academic level.

A change of subject or career direction is not necessarily unacceptable, but it should be supported by a credible explanation and a realistic career plan.

Admission and Offer of Place

A student generally needs an acceptable offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider before a Fee Paying Student Visa can be approved.

An education provider may assess:

Academic qualifications
English-language ability
Relevant employment experience
Course prerequisites
The suitability of the proposed study
Recognition of prior learning
Portfolio, registration or professional requirements
The applicant’s ability to complete the course successfully

An offer may initially be conditional on matters such as:

Providing final academic results
Meeting an English-language requirement
Supplying verified documents
Completing an interview
Paying tuition fees
Satisfying another admission condition

Receiving an offer of place does not guarantee that a student visa will be approved.

Immigration New Zealand conducts a separate assessment of the visa application.

New Zealand Student Visas

The Fee Paying Student Visa is the principal visa used by international students paying tuition fees to undertake approved study in New Zealand.

Applicants must demonstrate that they:

Have an acceptable offer of place
Can pay the required tuition fees
Have sufficient funds for living expenses
Have a credible source of funds
Genuinely intend to undertake the proposed study
Can leave New Zealand at the end of their authorised stay
Meet the applicable health requirements
Meet the applicable character requirements
Will hold acceptable medical and travel insurance
Meet any additional requirements applying to their circumstances

A student visa is normally granted for the period of study for which the tuition fees have been paid, subject to the applicant’s passport validity and other considerations.

Genuine Intention to Study

A student visa applicant must genuinely intend to study in New Zealand and comply with the conditions of the visa.

Immigration New Zealand may consider:

Why the applicant selected New Zealand
Why the particular course was chosen
Why the education provider was selected
How the course relates to previous education
How the course relates to employment experience
Whether the proposed study represents logical academic progression
The applicant’s knowledge of the course and provider
How the qualification will support the applicant’s career
Employment opportunities in the applicant’s home country
The applicant’s financial circumstances
Family, economic and personal connections to the home country
Previous international travel
Previous visa applications and immigration compliance
Study gaps or changes in academic direction
Whether the overall study plan is realistic

Immigration New Zealand may compare the current application with information supplied in previous applications.

A generic statement of purpose is unlikely to address concerns arising from unusual course progression, previous visa declines, substantial study gaps or an unrelated change of career.

Sponsorship and Financial Undertakings

A student may be supported through personal funds, family funds, an acceptable sponsor, a guarantor or another permitted arrangement.

Different legal and evidential requirements apply to:

Sponsorship
A Financial Undertaking for a Student
Education loans
Scholarships
Funds held by the student
Funds provided by family members

For applicants applying from certain South Asian countries, restrictions may apply to who can provide sponsorship or a financial undertaking.

The correct arrangement should be identified before documents are prepared. Using the wrong form or relying on an ineligible financial supporter can create unnecessary complications.

Student Work Rights

Some student visas allow the holder to work part-time while studying and full-time during eligible scheduled breaks.

Depending on the course and visa conditions, a student may be permitted to work for up to 25 hours per week during study.

Work rights are not automatic in every case. They depend on matters including:

The student’s age
The qualification
The level and duration of study
Whether the study is full-time
The education provider
Scheduled holiday arrangements
The conditions recorded on the visa

Students must check their eVisa before starting employment.

Employment should not interfere with attendance, academic progress or the student’s ability to complete the course. Students must not assume that part-time work will cover their tuition fees and living expenses.

Changing Your Course or Education Provider

A student visa is normally issued for a particular programme and education provider.

Students should obtain advice before:

Changing education provider
Changing qualification
Moving to a lower-level course
Withdrawing from study
Reducing study to part-time
Taking an extended break
Changing campus or location
Failing or repeating a course
Starting a different qualification
Undertaking employment inconsistent with visa conditions

A variation of conditions or a new student visa may be required.

Changing study without first obtaining the necessary immigration approval can affect the student’s current visa and future applications.

Applying for a Further Student Visa

A person continuing their studies in New Zealand may need to apply for another student visa before their current visa expires.

Immigration New Zealand may examine:

Academic transcripts
Attendance records
Course-completion evidence
The reasons for any failed subjects
Changes in education provider
Changes in qualification or subject
Whether the new course represents appropriate progression
Previous compliance with student visa conditions
Updated tuition-fee evidence
Updated financial evidence
Whether the student continues to have a genuine intention to study

Poor attendance or academic performance does not necessarily prevent another application, but the circumstances should be explained and supported by evidence.

Students should not wait until the last moment to address progression, funding or immigration-status concerns.

Bringing Your Partner or Children

A partner or dependent child cannot normally be included in the student’s own student visa application. Family members must submit separate applications.

Depending on the student’s qualification and circumstances, family members may potentially qualify for:

A visitor visa
A partner work visa
A dependent-child student visa
Another visa available in their own right

Eligibility depends on factors such as:

The qualification being studied
The level and subject of the programme
The student’s visa conditions
The partnership evidence
Whether the relationship is genuine and stable
Living-together evidence
The child’s age and dependency
Financial support
Health and character requirements

Studying in New Zealand does not automatically give a partner open work rights or allow children to study as domestic students.

Family visa eligibility should be assessed before the student commits to a course where accompanying family members are an important part of the plan.

Post-Study Work Visas

An eligible graduate may be able to apply for a Post-Study Work Visa after completing an approved New Zealand qualification.

The duration and conditions of the visa depend on matters including:

The qualification completed
The qualification level
Whether it is a degree or non-degree qualification
The amount of full-time study completed in New Zealand
Whether the qualification appears on the applicable eligibility list
The date on which the application is submitted
Whether the applicant has previously held a Post-Study Work Visa

A person with an eligible degree-level 7 or higher qualification may have broader work rights.

A person relying on an eligible non-degree qualification at level 7 or below may be restricted to employment related to the field of study.

A Post-Study Work Visa may be granted for up to three years, depending on the qualification and study completed. It can generally only be held once.

From 16 November 2026, additional post-study options apply to certain students completing a New Zealand level 7 Graduate Diploma after holding a bachelor’s degree. Eligibility must be assessed against the instructions applying when the student completes their study and applies.

Qualifications and the Points-Based Skilled Migrant Residence Category

A recognised qualification may contribute points towards residence under the Points-Based Pathway of the Skilled Migrant Category.

Applicants require six skilled resident points and must also have acceptable skilled employment, or an acceptable offer of skilled employment, from an accredited New Zealand employer.

Points may be claimed from one principal skill category:

A recognised qualification
Eligible New Zealand occupational registration
Income from qualifying New Zealand employment

Qualification points cannot generally be combined with points from occupational registration or income. However, an applicant who receives fewer than six points from their qualification may be able to claim additional points for qualifying skilled work experience gained in New Zealand.

Points for New Zealand Qualifications

Certain qualifications completed in New Zealand may provide:

New Zealand bachelor’s degree: 4 points
New Zealand bachelor’s degree with honours or postgraduate diploma: 5 points
New Zealand master’s degree: 6 points
Doctoral degree: 6 points

This can create the following potential pathways:

A person with an eligible New Zealand bachelor’s degree may need an additional 2 points from skilled work experience in New Zealand.
A person with an eligible New Zealand bachelor’s degree with honours or postgraduate diploma may need an additional 1 point from skilled work experience in New Zealand.
A person with an eligible New Zealand master’s degree may be able to reach 6 points from the qualification itself.
A person with a recognised doctoral degree may also be able to reach 6 points from the qualification itself.

Receiving six qualification points does not remove the skilled-employment requirement. The applicant must still have acceptable skilled employment or an acceptable skilled job offer from an accredited employer when applying.

New Zealand Skilled Work-Experience Points

Where additional points are required, qualifying skilled work experience in New Zealand may contribute:

1 point for 1 year of qualifying skilled work
2 points for 2 years of qualifying skilled work
3 points for 3 years of qualifying skilled work

The employment must satisfy the applicable occupational, skill-level and remuneration requirements throughout the period being claimed.

Overseas Qualifications

Recognised overseas qualifications may also provide Skilled Migrant Category points, but they do not necessarily receive the same points as comparable qualifications completed in New Zealand.

An International Qualification Assessment may be required unless the qualification is exempt from assessment or otherwise recognised under the applicable immigration instructions.

Students should not assume that completing any bachelor’s, postgraduate or master’s programme will provide a residence pathway. The qualification must meet the specific requirements applying to the points being claimed.

Study Planning With Residence in Mind

When residence is an important longer-term objective, course selection should consider:

The points potentially available for the completed qualification
Whether the qualification must be completed in New Zealand
The required duration and mode of study
Post-Study Work Visa eligibility
Likely employment opportunities after graduation
Whether suitable employment would be considered skilled
Employer-accreditation requirements
Occupational registration
Green List opportunities
Remuneration requirements
The amount of New Zealand skilled work experience that may be required

For example, a New Zealand master’s degree may provide sufficient qualification points, but the graduate must still secure acceptable skilled employment. A bachelor’s degree may support a pathway, but the graduate may need two years of qualifying skilled work experience in New Zealand before reaching six points.

Immigration instructions can change during a student’s course. Any potential residence pathway should therefore be treated as a planning consideration rather than a guaranteed outcome.

Study Does Not Guarantee Residence

A New Zealand qualification may contribute points or help a graduate meet the requirements of a skilled residence pathway. However, completing the qualification does not automatically provide residence.

Even where a qualification provides six Skilled Migrant Category points, the applicant must still meet the skilled-employment requirement and all other eligibility criteria.

Previous Visa Applications and Declines

Immigration New Zealand may compare the student visa application with information previously provided by the applicant and their family members.

Issues can arise where:

Earlier applications contained different education or employment information
The applicant previously proposed a different course or career
Funds were considered insufficient in an earlier application
The source of funds has changed
Family relationships were not previously declared
Travel or immigration histories are inconsistent
A previous student visa was declined
Another country has declined a visa
The applicant has previously breached visa conditions
The current statement of purpose conflicts with an earlier application

A previous decline does not necessarily prevent a new application. However, submitting substantially the same evidence without addressing the reasons for the decline is unlikely to improve the application.

Common Student Visa Application Issues

Student visa applications can be delayed or declined because of:

An unsuitable or poorly explained course choice
Weak academic progression
An unexplained change of subject
Insufficient knowledge of the course or provider
A generic statement of purpose
Unexplained study or employment gaps
Insufficient funds
Large unexplained bank deposits
Temporarily borrowed money
Weak evidence of the source of funds
Ineligible sponsorship or financial support
No credible plan for funding later years
Inconsistent information from previous applications
Poor attendance or academic progress
Failure to disclose previous visa declines
Health or character concerns
Missing or improperly translated documents
Applying too close to the course start date

Providing a large volume of documents does not necessarily resolve these concerns. The application must present a coherent study plan supported by relevant, credible and consistent evidence.

How Trusthaven Immigration Can Help

Trusthaven Immigration can assist with:

Assessing whether your proposed course is appropriate for your education, employment history and career objectives
Comparing suitable qualifications and New Zealand education providers
Explaining the potential immigration implications of different study options
Assisting with admission applications and communicating with education providers
Reviewing offers of place and course-progression plans
Preparing and submitting student visa applications
Developing a clear and credible study plan
Reviewing statements of purpose
Assessing tuition-fee, living-cost and source-of-funds evidence
Reviewing sponsorship, financial undertakings and education-loan arrangements
Addressing study gaps, changes of subject or career, and previous visa declines
Preparing applications for students continuing or changing their studies
Advising on changes of course, education provider or visa conditions
Assessing visa options for partners and dependent children
Reviewing potential Post-Study Work Visa and longer-term immigration options
Responding to concerns or requests for further information from Immigration New Zealand

Our assessment considers your education, employment, finances, family circumstances and immigration history together. This helps ensure that your proposed study plan is academically credible, financially realistic and supported by a carefully prepared visa application.