New Zealand has an international reputation as a provider of quality education. It has a progressive education system with many state of the art facilities. It offers a safe learning environment with excellent study opportunities and support services for international students. Courses are available for academic, professional and vocational studies at New Zealand institutions - universities, polytechnics and institutes of technology, colleges of education, secondary schools and private training establishments.

Ashburton College

Some secondary schools offer boarding facilities, while others arrange home stays for international students. Usually universities and polytechnics offer student accommodation on campus. Some students prefer to live off campus and will seek advice from the student support services, provided by most tertiary institutes, to help with arranging home stays or give advice on finding student flats. It is generally recommended that international students allow NZ$9,000 to $10,000 per year for living and accommodation costs. This includes accommodation, food, travel, textbooks and limited entertainment.

In Summary, work hard and play hard is the lifestyle choice of many international students in New Zealand. If you are looking for world-class education and training, and also want new experiences, fun, a relaxed lifestyle and a safe and healthy environment, then you should consider New Zealand as your study destination.

Student Visa Requirements:

1. Complete the 'Application for Student Visa' Form. With the 'Application for Student Visa' you will need to include:  

   • 3 recent passport-size photograph.

   • Payment of a non-refundable visa application fee.

   • An 'Offer of Place' from a New Zealand education school or institution which states that you have been accepted by the school, the name of the course, the minimum time to complete the course, whether a course fee is required to be paid or the student is exempt from the fee (e.g. scholarship students).
     This 'Offer of Place' will be sent to you by the New Zealand institution who has confirmed your enrolment.

   • Evidence of payment of course tuition fee or evidence of exemption from fee.
     Note: Students are no longer required to produce evidence of payment of course fees before their applications are approved in principle.

   • A guarantee of accommodation. A written assurance from a New Zealand education institution or other persons that suitable accommodation is available to you in New Zealand. Most New Zealand institutions will assist you with accommodation.

   • Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and return travel back to your home country.

   • You will need to provide medical clearance and character references ONLY for courses which are longer than 24 months. 

2. Students will only be issued with a student visa if they have enrolled in an approved course at an institution or establishment which is accredited to offer it.

3. If your application for a student visa is approved you will need a passport which will be valid for 3 months beyond your initial date of departure from New Zealand.

A Student Visa is:

An endorsement you get in your passport to allow you to travel to New Zealand. It shows you have permission to travel to New Zealand and may be granted a Student Permit when you arrive. The visa may be single for one journey, or multiple for more than one journey.

A Student Permit is:

An endorsement in your passport which allows you to study in New Zealand. It will state the expiry date of your permit and the conditions of your permit. The conditions may include:

• the course of study

• the educational institution

• the location of the institution in New Zealand.

Who needs a Student Visa

You will need to apply for a Student Visa if you are outside of New Zealand, and are coming to New Zealand to study full time for longer than three months. Your spouse and children may apply for a Visitor's or a Student Visa.

Who needs a Student Permit

• You may apply for a Student Permit if you are a visitor or a worker in New Zealand and wish to study full time.

• You can also apply for further Student Permits in New Zealand.

• Your spouse and children may apply for a Visitor's or a Student Permit.

As a  student, can I work?

Students undertaking a full-time long-term course of study culminating in a recognized diploma or degree taking at least two academic years to complete and students undertaking a full time course of study culminating in a qualification that would attract points under the General Skills category of Residence policy may be granted a variation of conditions to their student permit to allow them to work for no more than 15 hours per week, provided that:

• they request the variation of conditions after beginning such a course of study, or

• they are applying for a student permit in order to continue such a course of study.

Can I work during the Christmas and New Year holidays?

If you have a Student Permit for more than 12 months you may apply for a Variation of Conditions to your Student Permit to allow you to work over the Christmas and New Year holidays. No offer of employment is required. You will need to pay a Variation of Conditions fee

Can I work after I have completed my studies?

If you have completed a polytechnic or university qualification that has a minimum completion time of 3 years, you may apply for a Work permit which allows you to work up to a maximum of two years. An offer of employment relevant to your qualifications is required.

Am I able to holiday in New Zealand after I have completed my course?

If you arrived in New Zealand on a Student Visa and have completed your course, you may apply for a Visitor's Permit to holiday in New Zealand. You will need to meet visitor requirements and may be granted a Visitor's Permit for up to three months.