FAQ - Student Policies

Can I work in New Zealand while I am studying with a student permit?

What requirements do I need for a student visa application?

While I have a student permit can I visit home for a short trip or another country?

Can I renew a student permit on the Internet?

How much money will I need to support myself while I am studying?

If you are studying for a course which is less than nine months you need to have at least NZ$1000 for each month of your stay or NZ$400 if your accommodation is paid for, or a letter from the education provider stating that your accommodation has been paid for through a package of some kind.

If the course is more than nine month you will need to NZ$10,000 for every year to cover the costs of staying in New Zealand or if you are from Samoa or Tonga, a letter stating that they will be covering your living costs.

You need to provide evidence that you have enough money held in New Zealand by you or a relative, an undertaking by a relative or a sponsor to cover your accommodation and living costs, and financial assistance available to you under aid programmes that are operated in New Zealand. Evidence needed may come under the following forms of cash, traveller's cheques, bank drafts, recognised credit cards with enough credit.

How long will my student visa be granted for?

The time your student permit will last for will depend on how long your course runs for. Sometimes, personal circumstances mean that the length of your permit could be affected, for example the expiry of your passport.

When the time comes for your permit expiration you need to leave New Zealand. Usually your permit will expire a short time after your course will end so as to give you time to sort yourself out.

Can I look after a child while he or she is studying in a New Zealand school with a student permit?

You can apply for a guardian visitor visa if you can apply to the following points:-

• If you are the legal guardian of a holder of a current student visa or permit and is 17 years of age or younger or is enrolled in the school years of 1 - 13.
• Only one guardian can apply and accompany a student under the guardian policy at one time.
• You must meet 'bona fide' requirements
• If a student visa or permit is given to more than one person in a family, only one guardian can apply and accompany these students at one time.
• A permit will be taken away if the student's permit is revoked, also the permit will be revoked if the guardian breaches any conditions set out in the rules.
• The length of the permit is usually 12 months or if the student is staying for less than 12 months, the permit will be the same amount of time.
• The guardian must have funds of at least NZ$1000 or NZ$400 if accommodation is already paid for.
• If the guardian is staying for longer than 24 months, they need to provide evidence of health and good character. So they would need to provide medical x-ray certificates and police certificates.

Can my partner join me in New Zealand while I am studying? If so what permits will they need?

If your partner has qualifications in an area of absolute skill shortage set out in the Long Term Skill Shortage List or has postgraduate qualifications, your partner could apply for a multiple entry work visa/permit.

Your partner could also apply for a visitor or student permit themselves.

Will I need to meet any English language requirements when I apply for a student permit?

If I have a student permit, will my child have to pay school fees to attend a school in New Zealand?

If you have a long term work permit your child could be considered as a domestic student, so your child will be given a student permit, you will not need to provide evidence of accommodation and living costs, providing you have a way of supporting your child. If your child will be in tertiary education he/she will have to meet requirements of an international student, which includes paying fees. Otherwise you will not need to provide evidence of the child being in secondary or primary education as they will be considered as domestic students.

In other cases the child will be considered as a international student and the amount that you would need to pay would be considered by the Minister of Education and educational institutions.

Can I change courses?

You must have an offer of place from the education provider that you want to transfer to.

Can I apply for a student permit extension online with any education providers?

If you are studying with one of the following education providers you can extend your permit on campus or online:-

Have any changes been made to the Student Policies?

• Eligible students can apply to work up to 20 hours a week, instead of 15 hours
• Years 12 and 13 students and any eligible English language students can apply for work of up to 20 hours a week.
• Students taking a course that lasts 12 months or more can apply for full time work over the summer holiday period.
• Student's partners can apply for a work permit that will be valid only for the time the student will be studying in New Zealand.
• Students can apply for a six month open work permit if they have graduated under a course that can gain points on the Skilled Migrant Category.

This policy has been revised because it has been proven that students can alleviate labour shortages such as hospitality and tourism where part-time work is commonplace.