Lana Oconnell
International students in New Zealand are individuals who travel from overseas to study in the country. To study in New Zealand, international students must apply for a student visa, which requires an 'offer of place' letter from a New Zealand education provider. The visa also requires evidence of accommodation arrangements and approved medical and travel insurance. International students must also meet English language requirements, with minimum scores of 6.0 and 6.5 in IELTS required for first-year and graduate admissions, respectively. International students in New Zealand pay full fees and can attend accredited schools, universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and wānanga.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Anyone who is not a citizen of New Zealand is an international student. |
| Visa requirement | International students need a student visa if they are studying for more than 3 months. |
| Visa application requirements | International students need to provide an offer of place from a New Zealand education provider, evidence of accommodation, and approved medical and travel insurance for the length of their stay. |
| Visa application resources | International students can refer to information sheets and checklists provided by Immigration New Zealand to prepare their student visa application. |
| English language requirements | International students need a minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS or 79-80 in TOEFL (iBT) for admission at the first-year level. For graduate-level admission, a minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS or 90-100 in TOEFL (iBT) is required. |
| School admission criteria | Accredited state and integrated primary and secondary schools must prioritize New Zealand domestic and MFAT-funded NZ scholarship students. If places are still available, they can offer spots to full fee-paying international students. Private primary and secondary schools can offer places to domestic and international students equally. |
| University admission criteria | International students can gain admission to New Zealand universities by completing a qualification in their home country that is recognized as equivalent to a New Zealand university qualification. |
| Student allowance or loan eligibility | International students who are ordinarily resident in New Zealand, have lived in the country for at least 3 years, and are entitled to reside indefinitely may be eligible for a Student Allowance or Student Loan. Refugees or protected persons entitled to reside indefinitely in New Zealand are also eligible. |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa requirements
To study in New Zealand as an international student, you must meet the requirements for an international student visa. The specific requirements may vary depending on your country of origin and the type of visa you are applying for. Here is an overview of the general student visa requirements for New Zealand:
Offer of Place
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English language requirements
To study in New Zealand as an international student, you must meet certain criteria and conditions to get a visa. This includes demonstrating proficiency in the English language.
To satisfy the English language requirements for studying in New Zealand as an international student, you can use one of the following methods, depending on your circumstances:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
For undergraduate programmes, a minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS is generally required for admission at the first-year level. Some universities may require higher scores for specific programmes. For graduate-level programmes, a minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS is necessary.
TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test):
An alternative to IELTS is TOEFL iBT. For undergraduate programmes, a minimum score of 79-80 is required, while for graduate-level programmes, a minimum score of 90-100 is necessary. Similar to IELTS, some universities may require higher TOEFL scores for certain programmes.
It is important to note that English language requirements may vary slightly between different educational institutions in New Zealand. Therefore, it is recommended to check the specific requirements of your desired university or institution on their website. Additionally, if you are applying for a student visa, ensure that you refer to the official website for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information regarding English language proficiency tests and any other criteria you need to meet.
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School types
Schooling in New Zealand is divided into primary and secondary schooling. Primary school starts from Year 1 and goes on till Year 8, while secondary school starts in Year 9 and continues till Year 13. Alternatively, some students attend Area or Composite Schools, which combine several levels of education, sometimes teaching from Year 1 to Year 13.
State schools in New Zealand are open to both domestic and international students. However, accredited state schools must place New Zealand domestic and MFAT-funded NZ scholarship students first. Only if places are still available can they offer spots to full-fee-paying international students. Private primary and secondary schools, on the other hand, can offer places equally to both domestic and international students.
International students can also opt for international schools, which are often bilingual. For instance, Auckland has two schools that offer bilingual education: Richmond Road School and Birkdale Primary School.
For secondary school students, the International Baccalaureate (IB) is an option. Students can apply for admission with their IB results and receive an unconditional Offer of Place to universities such as Victoria University of Wellington.
At the university level, international students pay higher fees than domestic students. However, doctorate degrees (PhD) cost the same for both international and domestic students. International students can also apply for scholarships, such as the International School-Leaver Excellence Scholarship, which awards $20,000 over three years to high-achieving undergraduate international students at Victoria University of Wellington.
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Accommodation
As an international student in New Zealand, you have a variety of accommodation options to choose from, each catering to different preferences, budgets, and lifestyles. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process of finding the right accommodation for your needs and budget:
On-Campus Housing
On-campus housing, also known as student residence halls or hostels, is located inside university campuses, offering easy access to various facilities such as libraries, classrooms, and auditoriums. This option is ideal for students seeking a convenient and community-oriented living experience. The average cost of on-campus housing in New Zealand ranges from NZ$ 100 to NZ$ 700 per week.
University Halls of Residence
University Halls of Residence are conveniently located near campuses and offer furnished rooms with communal facilities. They foster a supportive community, making the transition to university life easier, especially for first-year students. The average cost of residence halls is around NZ$ 200 per week.
Homestays
Homestays involve living with a local family, either in the city centre or in outlying areas. This option is particularly beneficial for international students who are new to the country and seeking a supportive and culturally immersive environment. Meals are often included in homestays, which can be advantageous for those who prefer a more inclusive arrangement. Homestays are generally more expensive than on-campus housing, with costs varying depending on the specific arrangement.
Shared Apartments/Flats
Shared apartments or flats involve renting a room or sharing a living space with fellow students, providing a communal living experience. This option offers increased independence and flexibility compared to traditional accommodations. It is ideal for those seeking a balance between social interaction and personal autonomy. The cost of shared apartments varies between $140 to $293 per week, depending on the city.
Private Rentals
Private rentals involve independently renting a house or apartment, providing maximum autonomy in living arrangements. This option is perfect for individuals who value their privacy and are comfortable taking on the responsibilities that come with private rentals. Private rentals can cost between $235 to $370 per week for a shared room or $535 to $595 per week for a 3-to-4-bedroom house.
When choosing accommodation, it is essential to consider factors such as safety, cultural experience, lease agreements, and your budget. Start your search early and utilise university resources, online platforms, and social media groups to find the best accommodation that meets your needs and contributes to a positive university journey.
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Student allowance or loan
International students in New Zealand can apply for a student allowance or loan to help with their living expenses and course fees. To be eligible for a student visa in New Zealand, most applicants will need to provide an offer of a place from a New Zealand education provider. Private primary and secondary schools can offer places equally to New Zealand domestic and international students, while accredited state and integrated schools must prioritise domestic students.
Student Allowance
A Student Allowance is a weekly payment that can help with living expenses while studying. It is not necessary to pay back the allowance. To be eligible, students must meet specific criteria, including residency requirements. Students can estimate their allowance using a Student Allowance calculator. Students can apply for the allowance before or during their course, but they must be fully enrolled before their enrolment details are confirmed. If the application is approved before the course starts, the first weekly payment will be made in the second week of the course.
Student Loan
A Student Loan can help pay for course fees, study materials, and weekly living costs. However, it must be paid back. To be eligible, students must meet specific criteria, including residency requirements, and they must be studying an approved course run by an approved education provider. Students can apply for a loan before or during their course, but all necessary documents must be submitted before the course finishes. If the application is submitted after the course starts, payments will be made from the application date.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you plan to study in New Zealand for more than 3 months, you will need a student visa.
Most applicants will need to provide an offer of a place from a New Zealand education provider, evidence of accommodation, and approved medical and travel insurance for the length of their stay.
A minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS is required for admission at the first year level, and a minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS is required for admission at the graduate level.
Yes, there are various scholarships available for international students, such as the NZQF scholarship.
International students with a valid student visa are usually permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during scheduled breaks.
