Students enrolling in recognised study programmes with Government recognised educational institutions must hold a valid student permit before commencing study. To obtain such a permit applicants must normally have a formal offer of enrolment from the institution, evidence of payment of the tuition fees, guarantee of accommodation and financial support for the term of their study, and satisfy INZ that they are of good health and character and are genuinely intending to study.

For many people, studying towards a New Zealand qualification can be the most effective way to build a long term future in New Zealand. If long term settlement is your goal, a study to residence pathway is most effective and low risk.

The PathwaysNZ group has assisted over 1500 international students to study in New Zealand since 1990. Information on some study programmes can be gained from the following institutions;

University of Waikato – for tertiary study programmes and English language courses

University of Auckland - for tertiary study programmes and English language courses

Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC) – for tertiary and vocational programmes

Rotorua English Language Academy (RELA) – for all English language and holiday programmes

The New Zealand academic year is from around late January to mid December for schools and late February to early November for tertiary programmes including Universities and Polytechnics. Student permits are generally issued for the period for which the course fees are paid and permits for tertiary courses are normally made valid until 31 March. This allows time for re-enrolment as new permits need to be applied for on a yearly basis. More information on New Zealand education can be found at:

Ministry of Education

Education New Zealand

There are special policies applying to young students under 13 years coming to study at New Zealand primary and intermediate schools. Some of these students may only be granted a student permit if they are accompanied by one of their parents who must live with them in New Zealand. The parent will be granted a guardianship visitor permit for the same period as their child’s student permit.

To enquire about studying in New Zealand please email Pathways to NZ
 

Student Work Policy

There are a number of policies which apply to the ability of students to work in New Zealand and these need to be reviewed on an individual basis. Generally speaking, the following policies are likely to apply.

Students enrolled in Year 12 & 13 at secondary school or undertaking long term English language programmes may be able to work for 20 hours per week with parental and school permission.

Students who are enrolled in a full time tertiary, University or Polytechnic programmes may work for up to 20 hours a week and full time during the summer holiday vacation. The study programme must be one of at least 2 years duration or for a qualification which is recognised for points under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) residence policy.

Students who graduate from a study programme in New Zealand with a qualification which is recognised under SMC policy can be granted a 12 month graduate work permit. This permit allows a graduate the ability to seek, obtain and undertake work in any position with any employer without the normal requirement for a prerequisite employment offer.

Similarly, should these same gradute students be successful in obtaining long term employment which is directly relevant to their New Zealand qualification they can apply for a 2 year work permit. This permit allows the holder only to work for an individual employer and in the position specified.

At no time are students able to work in any positions payable by commissions only, or in self employment or in any position within the prostitution industry.

The partners of students undertaking full time postgraduate study or towards a qualification on the Long Term Skills Shortage List may be issued open work permits enabling them to work while their partner studies.


This page was last updated on 25 September 2009