Start My Assessment

← All countries

New Zealand

Start My Assessment

At a glance

Living index rating
Expensive
Monthly rent
NZ$1,000 – NZ$1,800 for a shared room (Auckland at the top end)
Monthly food
NZ$300 – NZ$600
Other monthly expenses
NZ$300 – NZ$600 (transport, phone, utilities, insurance)
Visa processing time
Usually 3 – 5 weeks, up to 8 weeks at peak intakes
Family allowed for students
Yes

Visa requirements

  • Fee Paying Student Visa with an offer of place from an approved education provider
  • Proof of funds: tuition plus NZ$20,000 a year for living costs (pro rata for shorter courses)
  • Travel and medical insurance for the whole stay
  • English test for your course, such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE
  • Medical and chest X-ray certificates for longer stays from some countries; police certificate if you're 17 or older
  • Work up to 25 hours a week in term and full-time in scheduled holidays

Work permit after studies

  • Post-study work visa: an open work visa for 1 – 3 years depending on your qualification
  • Bachelor's, postgraduate diploma, master's and PhD graduates generally get up to 3 years
  • The qualification must have been studied in New Zealand and meet the minimum length rules

Citizenship route

  • Resident visa, usually through the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List roles after working in New Zealand
  • Citizenship after 5 years as a resident, with at least 1,350 days in New Zealand and 240 days in each year
  • English language, good character and intention to stay

Family details

  • Partners can get an open work visa if you're studying a master's or PhD, a Green List-linked level 7 – 8 qualification, or a post-study-work-eligible level 7 qualification
  • Children of these students can study as domestic students in state schools (no fees)
  • Other students' partners can apply for a visitor visa
  • You must show you can support your family

Universities in New Zealand

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (43), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.