If you plan on studying in New Zealand for more than three months, you will need to apply for a student visa or permit. Only Australian and New Zealand citizens, and Australian and New Zealand permanent residents are exempt from this requirement.

Student visas or permits give authorization for its holder to study at an educational institution in the issuing country. However, students enrolled in a single short course of less than three months (and it is approved by the NZQA) can just apply for a visitor visa.

There are set requirements that need to be met when you are applying for a New Zealand student visa or permit. This includes, amongst other necessities, proof of an offer from a government or New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) approved educational provider, evidence of financial stability, the meeting of health and character standards and a valid passport.

When your application has been approved it is important you familiarise yourself with the stipulated conditions that come with accepting the visa. Any breach of these conditions may lead to the immediate withdrawal of your permit.

While studying full-time in New Zealand you can be permitted to work on a part-time basis. However there are strict rules you must recognize and abide to.

If you are eligible to be employed, you can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full time during the holiday periods but only under these conditions:

• You need practical work experience due to course requirements
• If you are enrolled to study full-time in a course that is 12 months or longer than you are permitted to work full-time during the Christmas and New Year holiday time

Or, as previously stated, up to 20 hours per week during the academic year if you are:

• enrolled in a course that will take you at least two full-time academic years to complete at a tertiary institution or a private training organisation
• near completing a New Zealand qualification that would be eligible for points under the Skilled Migrant Category
• In years 12 or 13, enrolled and studying for the full educational year, at a secondary school. Written permission must be provided from both your school and parents or legal guardians
• A part of an official tertiary student exchange program and you are at a tertiary level of at least one academic year
• Studying full-time for at least six months while enrolled at a private training establishment or tertiary institute, your visa or immigration officer has to be satisfied that the main purpose of your course of study is to develop English language skills. You must have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall band score of 5.0 or above (General or Academic Module)

Conditions differ for part-time students. The conditions are restricted to the following:

• You are studying for at least three years and your course requires you to participate in work experience
• You have nearly completed a New Zealand qualification that would be eligible for points under the Skilled Migrant Category
• You are studying for a maximum time of nine months, you have evidence that the course fees have been paid, the course meets all New Zealand’s foreign student policy requirements and you meet Immigration New Zealand (INZ) requirements

Important Note: There are strict laws in New Zealand stating that it is illegal for any persons on a temporary permit, including a student permit, to provide commercial sexual services or participate in any way with a business that provides such services.