Fee Paying Student Visa
Invest in a World-Class Education in New Zealand
Are you an international student dreaming of pursuing your academic goals in a vibrant, safe, and globally respected education system? The New Zealand Fee-Paying Student Visa is your essential step to enrolling in full-time study at a New Zealand educational institution. This visa allows you to immerse yourself in New Zealand's unique culture while gaining a world-class qualification.
At ZFS NZ, we specialise in guiding international students through the entire visa application process. We are committed to making your journey to study in New Zealand as smooth and successful as possible.
What is the Fee-Paying Student Visa?
The Fee-Paying Student Visa is the most common student visa for international learners who are funding their own education in New Zealand. It allows you to study full-time at an approved primary, secondary, or tertiary (university, polytechnic, or private training establishment) institution for the duration of your chosen course.
Key features of this visa typically include:
Full-Time Study: The visa is granted for full-time enrolment in an approved course of study.
Duration of Stay: Your visa is normally issued for the same length of time as the study you have paid for, up to a maximum of 4 years.
Work Rights: In most cases, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during your academic term and full-time during scheduled holidays, subject to your visa conditions and the level of your study.
Access to Quality Education: Study at institutions renowned for their high academic standards and supportive learning environments.
Eligibility Requirements for a Fee-Paying Student Visa
To be granted a Fee-Paying Student Visa, you must meet several key criteria set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ):
Offer of Place: You must have a confirmed offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider that is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021. Your offer letter must include:
The name of your course.
How long it will last.
Whether your study will be full-time.
The dates of all scheduled holidays (if the course is longer than 1 academic year).
A declaration from the provider confirming the course is appropriate and you have the academic and English language ability to succeed.
Financial Capability: You must demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover your:
Tuition Fees: Evidence that you have paid your tuition fees, or that you have a scholarship covering them. (If applying from outside New Zealand, you may pay fees after "approval in principle").
Living Expenses: Proof of funds for your living costs in New Zealand. This is generally at least NZD $20,000 per year (or NZD $17,000 for school years 1-13) or NZD $1,667 per month for courses less than 36 weeks. You must also show the source of these funds.
Outward Travel: Evidence of a prepaid return/onward ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one.
Good Health: You must meet INZ's health requirements. This may involve a chest X-ray and/or a medical certificate, depending on your country of origin and planned length of stay.
Good Character: You must be of good character and may need to provide police certificates if you are 17 years or older and plan to study for more than 2 years, or if requested by INZ.
Genuine Intention to Study (Bona Fide): INZ must be satisfied that your primary purpose for coming to New Zealand is to study and that you genuinely intend to leave New Zealand at the end of your visa. This assessment considers:
The relevance of your chosen course to your academic and career goals.
Your previous academic history.
Your ties to your home country.
The credibility of your financial documentation.
Insurance: You must have acceptable medical and travel insurance for the entire duration of your stay in New Zealand.
Pathway to Post-Study Work and Beyond
While a student visa does not directly lead to residence, completing eligible qualifications in New Zealand can open doors to a Post-Study Work Visa. This allows you to gain valuable work experience in New Zealand after graduation, which can then be a pathway to longer-term work visas or even a Resident Visa through categories like the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List Work to Residence.
The Application Process and How We Help
The Fee-Paying Student Visa application requires meticulous preparation. We provide comprehensive support throughout each stage:
Course & Institution Guidance: While we don't choose your course, we can advise on types of qualifications that may lead to post-study work opportunities.
Offer of Place Verification: Ensuring your offer of place meets all INZ requirements.
Financial Documentation: Detailed guidance on what financial evidence to provide and how to demonstrate the genuine source of your funds.
Health & Character Requirements: Assistance with understanding and arranging necessary medicals and police certificates.
Genuine Intent Statement: Helping you articulate your study goals and future plans clearly to satisfy INZ's "bona fide" requirements.
Application Preparation: Meticulous completion of your online application form and uploading all supporting documents accurately.
Liaison with INZ: Managing all communication with Immigration New Zealand on your behalf, promptly responding to any requests for further information.
Pre-Departure Advice: Guidance on what to expect upon arrival in New Zealand.
Processing Times: While INZ processing times vary depending on the type of education provider and volume of applications, it's generally recommended to apply at least 3 months before your intended travel date. Submitting a complete and well-prepared application can help ensure a smoother process.
Ready to embark on your educational journey in New Zealand? Contact ZFS NZ today for a personalised consultation on the New Zealand Fee-Paying Student Visa. Let our Auckland-based Licensed Immigration Adviser expertise help you achieve your academic and career aspirations in Aotearoa.