Student Visa

International Fee Paying Student Visa – New Zealand

Study in New Zealand. Gain a world-class education and experience life in one of the safest countries on earth.

New Zealand is one of the world’s most popular destinations for international students, and for good reason. It offers a safe, welcoming environment, high-quality education, post-study work rights, and stunning natural beauty.

At Visa Matters, we can assist you in finding a school and a course that meets your study needs. Visa Matters is accredited by both government and private tertiary education providers.

If we help you enrol with one of our education partners and lodge your student visa application for you, we may be able to offer reduced fees as your immigration adviser. If your preferred education provider is not on the list below, we can still reach out to them regarding your prospective enrolment.

If you’re an international student planning to study here, you’ll likely need an International Fee Paying Student Visa. This visa allows you to live and study full-time in New Zealand at a recognised education provider.

What is an International Fee Paying Student Visa?

This visa is for students who plan to study in New Zealand at a primary, secondary, or tertiary institution and will be paying international tuition fees.

If granted, you can:

Study full-time in New Zealand
Work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time in scheduled breaks (for most tertiary courses)
Support your partner and children (depending on your course)
Apply for a Post Study Work Visa after completing eligible qualifications

Who is this visa for?

This visa is ideal for:

Students accepted into New Zealand universities, polytechnics, ITPs or PTEs
School students in intermediate, secondary, or high school
English language students enrolled in NZQA-approved institutions
Postgraduate students seeking internationally recognised qualifications

Whether you’re studying a Bachelor’s in IT or a Diploma in Business, this is your entry point to New Zealand education.

How long is the visa valid for?

Valid for up to 4 years depending on your course duration
You can apply again if you enrol in a new course
Multi-year visas may be issued if tuition is paid in advance

Each visa is linked to a specific course and provider. Changing institutions may require a variation or new visa.

Can you work on this visa?

Yes, most students can work:

Up to 20 hours per week during term
Full-time during scheduled course breaks

Some postgraduate students may qualify for full-time work rights. Always check your visa conditions carefully.

Can your partner and children join you?

Yes, in some cases. For example, if you’re studying:

A Level 9 (Master’s) or Level 10 (PhD) qualification
Or a qualification that leads to registration in a Green List occupation

Then:

Your partner may qualify for an open work visa
Your dependent children may qualify for domestic student status

For lower-level courses, family can still join, but they’ll likely need to apply for visitor or student visas and pay international fees.

What happens after you graduate?

If your qualification and provider are eligible, you can apply for a Post Study Work Visa. This allows you to work in New Zealand for 1 to 3 years.

It can also lead to residence if you:

Get a full-time skilled job offer
Work for an accredited employer
Qualify under the Green List or Skilled Migrant Category

Common mistakes to avoid

Weak financial evidence:Your funds must be recent, verifiable, and clearly explained.

Unclear statement of purpose: INZ needs to see genuine study intent. A vague or generic SOP can hurt your application.

Inconsistent or false documents: This can lead to visa refusals, even for future applications.

Changing providers without telling INZ: Always notify Immigration New Zealand or apply for a variation before switching courses.

Why choose Visa Matters?

We’ve helped many students from around the world secure their visas and start their education journeys in New Zealand.

We help you:

Enrol with a New Zealand education provider
Meet INZ’s documentation standards
Plan for family support and dependents
Navigate from student visa to post-study work and residence

We don’t just help with the visa. We help you start your journey on the right foot.

Final thoughts

New Zealand offers more than a qualification – it offers a future. But to get there, your student visa needs to be accurate, well-prepared, and clear.

At Visa Matters, we guide you through every step so you can focus on what really matters; your studies and your future.

Need help?

Whether you’re just getting started or already tried and got stuck, we’re here to help. Book a consultation with our team and we’ll walk you through what’s possible, what’s realistic, and how to present your case in the strongest light.

We represent the following New Zealand education providers:

Important Information for Students

At Visa Matters, we can help you to find a school and a course which meets your study needs. If we help you enroll with one of our education partners and we lodge your student visa application for you, we offer reduced fees as your immigration adviser. If your preferred education provider is not on the list below, we can still contact them for you about your prospective enrollment.

We represent the following New Zealand education providers: