Douglas Olsen
New Zealand has been a popular destination for international students seeking to pursue higher education abroad. The country's borders were closed to international students during the pandemic, but they have since reopened. In 2022, the New Zealand government announced a phased reopening of its borders to fully vaccinated individuals, including international students. The reopening was carried out in stages, with the first stage allowing New Zealand citizens and residents to enter from Australia, followed by highly skilled workers and travellers on working holiday schemes. In April 2022, up to 5,000 fully vaccinated international students were allowed to enter the country, with the majority of international students able to enter from October 2022 for the start of the academic year. The New Zealand government has continued to make efforts to support international students, with the Prime Minister announcing an early border reopening in July 2024, along with changes to immigration settings and the reopening of international education.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Border reopening for international students | 31 July 2024 |
| Vaccination requirement | Fully vaccinated |
| Self-isolation requirement | Yes, for up to 10 days |
| Rapid antigen tests | Three tests provided upon entry |
| Border reopening strategy | Five-step plan |
| Number of international students allowed initially | 5,000 |
| Visa processing | Normal visa processing resumed in October 2022 |
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What You'll Learn
Border reopening in stages
On 3 February 2022, the New Zealand government announced a five-step plan outlining the country's strategy for a border reopening in stages. The first three stages of the plan prioritized New Zealand citizens living abroad, highly skilled workers, and travellers on working holiday schemes.
The fourth stage, commencing from 12 April 2022, allowed 5,000 fully vaccinated international students to enter the country. These students were required to self-isolate for up to 10 days instead of going through government quarantine.
The fifth and final stage of the border reopening plan began in October 2022, allowing all other international students to enter the country for the 2022-23 academic year. From October 2022 onwards, normal visa processing resumed, enabling international students to enroll for study in New Zealand in 2023.
In 2024, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced an early reopening of New Zealand's borders, with a full reopening of international education from 31 July 2024. This was three months earlier than originally planned.
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Self-isolation requirements
On 3 February 2022, the New Zealand government announced a five-step plan for reopening its borders to international students. The first three stages of the plan prioritised New Zealand citizens living abroad, highly skilled workers, and travellers on working holiday schemes.
From 12 April 2022, 5,000 fully vaccinated international students were allowed to enter New Zealand and self-isolate for a short period before starting their studies. This was part of stage three of the five-step plan.
International students entering New Zealand are required to self-isolate for up to 10 days upon arrival. They must also comply with all the necessary health and border requirements. On arrival, travellers are given three rapid antigen tests to be taken on days one, five or six, and the third as a backup.
The self-isolation requirement replaced the previous mandate for travellers to undergo government-managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ). This change was implemented as part of New Zealand's strategy for reopening its borders and aimed to reduce the financial burden and complexities associated with the previous quarantine system.
The ability for students to self-isolate, rather than undergo MIQ, was introduced on 14 March 2022, and was a significant step forward in New Zealand's border reopening plan. It provided more flexibility and accessibility for international students planning their travel to the country.
By July 2022, New Zealand's border was fully reopened, three months ahead of schedule, with all visa categories, including student visas, resuming from October 2022.
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Quarantine exemption
On February 3, 2022, the New Zealand government announced a five-step plan to reopen its borders to fully vaccinated individuals, including international students. The five-step approach allows fully vaccinated travellers to enter New Zealand without needing to undergo managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ).
From April 12, 2022, onwards, up to 5,000 fully vaccinated international students were allowed to enter New Zealand and self-isolate for a short period before beginning their studies. This was the fourth step of the five-step plan, which also included opening the border to Australian citizens and permanent residents, as well as other foreign nationals travelling from Australia.
The fifth and final stage of the plan opened the border to all other New Zealand visa holders, including visitors, from October 2022. This marked the full reopening of New Zealand's borders to international students and other travellers.
It is important to note that the New Zealand government may have updated or changed these requirements since the original announcement in February 2022. Therefore, it is always recommended to refer to the official government sources for the most up-to-date information regarding quarantine exemptions and border restrictions.
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Student visa settings
On 18 August 2025, international student visa applications will transition to Immigration New Zealand's enhanced Immigration Online system. This system, known as ADEPT, aims to provide a world-class immigration service. The new system will focus on an improved customer experience, making the process easier to understand with clear expectations.
Until then, it is recommended that visa applicants continue to apply three months ahead of their intended travel date to avoid delays. Applicants can still use the old application form until 17 August, after which they will be automatically directed to the new form. Applications submitted on or before 17 August will be processed, and draft applications must be submitted by 17 September 2025.
In terms of border reopening, New Zealand has implemented a five-step plan to reopen borders to fully vaccinated individuals, including international students. From 12 April 2022, up to 5,000 fully vaccinated international students were allowed to enter the country and self-isolate before beginning their studies. Normal visa processing resumed in October 2022, enabling international students to enrol for the 2022-23 academic year.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced an early border reopening on 31 July 2024, along with changes in immigration settings and the full reopening of international education. This was three months ahead of schedule and included critical changes for the international education sector, such as post-study work rights for international students and adjustments to student visa settings.
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Vaccination status
On 3 February 2022, the New Zealand government announced a five-step plan for reopening the country's borders to international students. The plan prioritized citizens, highly skilled workers, and travellers on working holiday schemes in the first three stages. International students were included in stage three, with a limit of 5,000 students allowed to enter the country from 12 April 2022. These students were required to be fully vaccinated and to self-isolate for up to 10 days upon arrival, rather than staying in government quarantine locations.
The fifth and final stage of the border reopening plan began in October 2022, allowing all other international students to enter the country for the 2022-23 academic year. From October 2022 onwards, normal visa processing resumed, enabling international students to enrol for study in New Zealand in 2023.
In November 2024, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced an early reopening of New Zealand's borders, effective 31 July 2024, three months ahead of schedule. This announcement included changes in immigration settings and a full reopening of international education.
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Frequently asked questions
New Zealand opened its borders to international students in April 2022, allowing 5,000 students to enter the country.
Students were required to be fully vaccinated and needed to self-isolate for up to 10 days upon arrival.
New Zealand's border fully reopened on July 31, 2024, three months earlier than planned.
