Document Checklist for Study Abroad

• A Letter of Offer from institutions
• An electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from universities; this is issued after you have paid your first installment, and other required fees
• A medical check-up
• Proof of academic history and English proficiency
• Proof of financial support

 

What are the visa conditions?

To maintain your visa, you must:
• Study full time while in Australia.
• Attend at least 80% of all scheduled classes (ELICOS).
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Maintain a valid enrolment at universities if you change your student status.
• Advise them within seven days if you change your Australian address.
• Have enough money to cover tuition fees and living expenses while in Australia.
• Not work more than 40 hours during a fortnight (see below).
• Maintain valid Overseas Student Health Cover (see below).
• Not transfer between registered education providers within the first study period (semester) of your course commencing, without a release letter from universities.

Important Information

This is a general guide only – some schools may have different procedures.

• 1. Once you have chosen your school, collect the required documents. These may include a copy of your passport, a medical certificate, school reports and exam results
• 2. Pay an application fee, if required, and submit application form
• 3. Attend an interview, if required. Your school may be able to interview you via Skype, WeChat or another messaging app
• 4. Take an English language assessment, if required
• 5. Submit your application
• 6. Pay your deposit or full fees once you have received a conditional offer of place

Once you have received a confirmed offer of place and, if you’re under 18, a written guarantee of accommodation, you are ready to apply for your student visa.

Documents you’ll be asked to supply include your offer of place, your accommodation guarantee, evidence you have enough money to live on while you study, and medical and travel insurance details.

You’re now ready to apply for your student visa. Documents you’ll be asked to supply include an offer of place, proof you have enough money to live on while you study, and medical and travel insurance details.

international students have the same legal minimum rights and entitlements as anyone else working in New Zealand.

These include your right to be paid at least the minimum wage, paid annual and public holidays, and rest breaks.

If you have a Student Visa you may be able to work:
• Up to 20 hours a week during term time
• Full-time during scheduled holidays

If you are a Masters by research or PhD student, you may work full-time.

To check whether you’re able to work while study.

Choose your programme

Some of our most popular subjects are below. Use the search bar above to see all programmes.

Science

Explore how the natural world works and contribute to society.

Technology

Be part of the next wave of innovation.

Mathematics

Deepen your logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Learn about Mathematics

Agriculture

Learn from the best in a world-leading agricultural country.

Learn about Agriculture

Digital Design

Study animation, gaming or emerging tech with global experts.

Learn about Digital Design

Fashion & Design

Harness your creativity and experience hands-on, practical learning.

Food & Hospitality

Build a career that can take you around the world.

Education systems in New Zealand

The New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) has 10 levels and covers a range of qualifications, from certificates to doctoral degrees.

Any programme you’re considering studying in New Zealand should tell you which level of the NZQF you’d achieve when you graduated, as well as which qualification you’d obtain.The NZQF levels are:

• levels 1-4, which cover the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) - the main qualification in secondary schools - and basic trades training
• levels 5-6, which cover advanced trades, technical and business qualifications
• levels 7-10, which cover degrees, graduate and postgraduate qualifications.

Learn more about our qualifications on the NZQA website.

Student Visa Requirement

You can see a full list of student visa requirements and apply for your visa online at the Immigration New Zealand website. As a guide, you’ll usually need to provide the following documents with your student visa application:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider
• Evidence that you have enough money to pay your tuition fees
• Your passport and acceptable passport-style photo(s)
• Proof of funds – $15,000 per year, to cover your living expenses
• A copy of your air ticket home, or proof that you have enough money to buy one
• An accommodation guarantee, if you’re under 18
• Your visa application fee
• You may also be asked to provide a medical certificate and chest x-ray, and a police certificate.

Most visitor, student and work visas take 20-25 working days to process, but can take longer if more information is needed.

Cost of Living

As part of your student visa application, you must provide evidence that you can cover your living expenses while studying in New Zealand. If you’re studying in New Zealand on a scholarship or a sponsor/family member has agreed to accept financial responsibility for you while you’re here, you may not be required to show proof of funds.

If you will be studying in New Zealand for more than one year, you‘ll need to prove that you have at least $15,000 to support yourself for the first year. If you’re studying for less than a year, you must have at least $1250 for each month of study to contribute to your living expenses.

Living costs will depend on your lifestyle and which part of the country you live in. Some costs vary by region. For example, you may need to travel more in the main centres, and transport costs may be more expensive than in your home country.

As an example of how much to budget for, Victoria University recommends that students allow between $18,000-$27,000 each year, the University of Auckland recommends $20,000-$25,000, the University of Otago recommends $15,000-$17,000 and Massey University recommends $15,000-$18,000.

You may be able to offset some of your costs by working. Most student visas enable you to work up to 20 hours per week, or full-time in the holidays. See our section Working while you study for more details.

Check out our blog for more ideas on saving costs while you study in New Zealand.

Typical living costs

Accommodation

Choose from halls of residence, home stays or flats. Accommodation costs vary widely by region: the national median weekly rent for a three to four-bedroom house in October 2016 was $440, or $510 in Auckland.

Food

The University of Otago’s estimated weekly food costs for a basic healthy diet for an adult man in 2016 were: Auckland $64, Wellington $64, Christchurch $63, and Dunedin $65. Prices vary depending on where you choose to shop.

Transport

All New Zealand cities and most towns have buses, and some areas offer cheaper bus fares for students. Auckland and Wellington have train services to outer suburbs. Fuel prices are monitored by Petrolwatch.

Entertainment

Explore New Zealand’s stunning beaches, mountains, forests and lakes for free. Other free or cheap entertainment options include live music, festivals, outdoor movies, parks, gardens, museums and galleries. Many tertiary education institutions offer discount cards for students.

Power

Most people have a choice of four to nine energy retailers, each with many different plans to choose from. Consumer Powerswitch and Glimp let you find and compare the best gas and electricity options in your area.

Phone and internet

Choose from monthly account plans or pre-paid plans for mobile phones. A pre-paid plan that includes calling, texting and data starts at about $19. Free Wi-Fi is available in central Auckland, Wellington, Rotorua and Dunedin.