If you are enrolled into a qualifying course at a New Zealand tertiary institution, you can apply for a student visa, allowing you to study and to work 15 hours per week. 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.

You don't need a visa or permit if you're:

• A New Zealand citizen or you hold a New Zealand residence permit

• An Australian citizen or Australian resident who holds a current permanent resident return visa.

If the course you want to take runs for less than three months, you can apply for a visitor's visa. You must ensure first that your course is approved by the New Zealand authorities.

If you are applying for a student visa from overseas, you will need to pay your tuition fees first. NZ immigration needs to see evidence of your receipt of tuition fee payment and Offer of Place letter. The NZ Immigration Service provides specific details of all documentation required to be supplied with your application for a student visa on the application form.

Requirements to get student visa:

• Complete Application for Student Visa Form

• A 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.

• 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.

• Provide evidence that they will leave New Zealand at the end of the period of study

• A guarantee of accommodation.

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

• Medical clearance and character references only for courses which are longer than 24 months.

• 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.

• 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.

Exchange students who have been offered a place in an approved exchange scheme may apply for a Student Visa for the duration of their exchange, provided they:

• Are a bona fide exchange participant

• Meet the health and character requirements

• Provide evidence that they have been accepted into an approved student exchange scheme (from the scheme organizer)

• Have onward travel arrangements for when their exchange scheme has finished