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New Zealand's leading education providers
University of Auckland
AUT University
University of Canterbury
University of Otago
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Unitec Institute
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Student visa requirements & work rights
Student Visa Requirements
- Offer of place from a registered NZ provider
- Evidence of sufficient funds (NZ$15,000/year)
- Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
- Medical and character requirements
- Health insurance for duration of study
- English proficiency (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL)
Work Rights While Studying
- Up to 20 hours/week during term
- Full-time work permitted during scheduled holidays
- Partners of degree-level students can work full-time
- On-campus work usually unrestricted
- Post-study work visa for 1–3 years after graduation
Post-Study Work Visa
- Certificate/Diploma: up to 1 year
- Bachelor's Degree: up to 3 years
- Postgraduate: up to 3 years
- Must have studied for 2+ years for 3-year visa
- Open work visa — work in any industry
- Strong foundation for residency applications
| Qualification Level | During Study | Post-Study Work Visa | Partner Work Rights | Pathway to Residency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language Course | None | None | None | No direct pathway |
| Certificate (Level 4–5) | 20 hrs/week | Up to 1 year | Limited | Via work experience |
| Diploma (Level 6–7) | 20 hrs/week | Up to 1 year | Full-time | Via skilled migrant |
| Bachelor's Degree (Level 7) | 20 hrs/week | Up to 3 years | Full-time | Strong pathway |
| Postgraduate (Level 8–10) | 20 hrs/week | Up to 3 years | Full-time | Strongest pathway |
3 programmes. One visa. Up to 5 years.
The Pathway Student Visa is an Immigration New Zealand pilot that lets you study up to 3 consecutive programmes at an approved provider — all on a single visa valid for up to 5 years. No reapplication between courses. Plan your entire academic journey upfront and focus on learning, not immigration paperwork. All information below is sourced from immigration.govt.nz.
Eligibility Requirements
- Offer of place from an approved Pathway Student Visa provider
- Must meet prerequisites for each programme in your sequence
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining
- Meet health and character requirements
- Health insurance for the full duration of study
- English language proficiency (as required by your provider)
- Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself
Key Benefits
- One application covers up to 3 consecutive programmes
- No need to reapply for a new visa between courses
- Plan your full academic journey with certainty
- Reduces administrative burden and visa costs
- Families can plan their time in NZ upfront
- Study for up to 5 years without disruption
Work Rights
- Up to 25 hours per week while studying
- Full-time work permitted during scheduled holidays
- Actual work rights depend on your specific course of study
- Confirm partner work rights with INZ for your situation
Plan your programme sequence
Choose up to 3 consecutive programmes at an approved Pathway provider — for example, a foundation course followed by a diploma, then a degree.
Get an offer of place
Obtain an offer from your approved Pathway provider. Confirm they are on the Immigration New Zealand approved provider list.
Apply for your Pathway Visa
Submit a single visa application covering your full programme sequence. If approved, your visa is valid for up to 5 years.
Study and progress
Complete each programme in sequence. You must meet the entry prerequisites for each subsequent course before progressing.
Immigration New Zealand is currently not accepting new education providers into the Pathway Student Visa programme — it is closed to new providers. The approved provider types below are already enrolled. Always confirm with an institution directly that they accept Pathway Student Visa students.
Need help planning your study pathway?
Talk to a Licensed Immigration Adviser. We’ll confirm your Pathway Visa eligibility, review your programme sequence, and map your route to New Zealand residence — free initial assessment.
Study your way to New Zealand residence
Skilled Migrant Pathway
Residence from Work Pathway
Green List Occupations
Don't qualify for direct skilled migration?
Use the Study-to-Residence Pathway Planner — enter your target occupation and see the exact qualification, timeline, and costs to reach NZ residence via study.
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