New Zealand Study Visa Policy 2025

New Zealand Study Visa Policy

For many aspiring international students, the dream of pursuing world-class education in New Zealand has often come with the bittersweet reality of leaving loved ones behind. The thought of a long separation from family has been a significant hurdle. However, get ready for a game-changing update! Starting June 2025, New Zealand is implementing a transformative study visa policy that now allows eligible international students to bring their immediate family members along on their academic journey.

This is a monumental shift that prioritizes family well-being and promises a more holistic and supportive experience for international students. No longer will you have to choose between your educational aspirations and being with your partner and children. This new policy opens up incredible possibilities for families seeking to build a life together while you pursue your studies in the beautiful and welcoming landscape of New Zealand.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the specifics of this new policy, outlining who is eligible, what family members can apply, and the essential steps you’ll need to take to make your New Zealand study dream a shared family reality.

New Zealand Study Visa Policy Eligibility Criteria

Let’s break down the eligibility criteria to see if you and your loved ones can embark on this New Zealand adventure together.

The primary factor in determining who you can bring depends on your level of study and in some cases, the specific qualification you are pursuing.

Here’s a detailed look at the eligibility for international students and their families:

Understanding Who You Can Bring And By Study Type

1. Your Partner

For many, the ability to have their significant other by their side is paramount. New Zealand’s new policy allows you to apply for a visa for your partner, provided they meet specific criteria related to your level of study.

• Who Qualifies as a Partner?
  • Spouse: This includes legally married partners.
  • Civil Union Partner: Individuals in a registered civil union.
  • De Facto Partner: This refers to partners who are in a genuine and stable relationship akin to a marriage or civil union, but are not formally married or in a civil union. You will need to provide substantial evidence of your relationship’s genuine and enduring nature (e.g., shared living arrangements, joint bank accounts, evidence of cohabitation over a significant period, shared responsibilities).
• What Kind of Visa Can Your Partner Get? The type of visa your partner can apply for largely depends on your own student visa and the qualification you are pursuing:
  • Work Visa: If you are studying for a Master’s (Level 9) or Doctoral (Level 10) degree, your partner will generally be eligible to apply for a Partner of a Student Work Visa. This is a significant benefit, allowing them to work in New Zealand and contribute to your family’s financial well-being.
  • Work Visa (Conditional): If you are studying a Level 7 or 8 qualification that is either on New Zealand’s Green List (identifying skilled occupations in demand) or qualifies you for a Post-Study Work Visa, your partner may also be eligible for a Partner of a Student Work Visa. This offers excellent opportunities for them to contribute to the New Zealand workforce.
  • Visitor Visa: In certain other scenarios, such as if you are on a specific New Zealand Government-Approved Exchange Student Scheme, your partner might be eligible for a Visitor Visa, allowing them to reside with you but not to work.

2. Your Dependent Children: Continuing Their Education and Life Together

The policy also recognizes the importance of keeping families together, allowing your dependent children to join you.

• Who Qualifies as a Dependent Child?
  • Age: Generally, children must be under 19 years old and unmarried.
  • Financial Dependence: They must be financially dependent on you (and/or your partner).
  • No Children of Their Own: If aged 18 or 19, they must not have any dependent children of their own.
• What Kind of Visa Can Your Dependent Children Get?
  • Student Visa: If you are studying for a Master’s (Level 9) or Doctoral (Level 10) degree, your dependent children can typically apply for student visas. This means they can enroll in primary or secondary schools in New Zealand, and in many cases, may even qualify for domestic student fees, significantly reducing schooling costs.
  • Student Visa (Conditional): If your partner is granted a Partner of a Student Work Visa (based on your Level 7/8 qualification and its eligibility for work visa pathways), then your dependent children can also apply for student visas to attend school in New Zealand. This is a crucial pathway for families where the student is pursuing a Level 7 or 8 qualification.
  • Visitor Visa: In some specific scenarios, like certain government-approved exchange programs, your dependent children might be eligible for a Visitor Visa, allowing them to reside with you but not necessarily providing immediate access to the public education system as domestic students.

General Requirements for All Applicants:

Regardless of your study level, certain general requirements apply to both the student and their family members:

• Genuine Relationship: For partners, you must provide strong evidence of a genuine and stable relationship (marriage certificates, joint bank accounts, shared living arrangements, etc.).
• Dependent Child Definition: Generally, a dependent child is under 19 years old, unmarried, and financially dependent on you. For those aged 18 or 19, they must not have children of their own.
• Financial Proof: You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover the living costs of each family member, including rent, utilities, food, transportation, and schooling costs for children, in addition to your own tuition and living expenses.
• Health and Character Requirements: All applicants, including family members, must meet New Zealand’s health and character standards. This may involve medical examinations and police clearance certificates.
• Visa Validity: Family member visas will typically expire at the same time as the main student’s visa, so it’s essential to keep track of renewal timelines.
• Schooling for Children: If your children are school-age, they must be enrolled in a New Zealand school.

1. Can a student visa lead to permanent residency in New Zealand?

A student visa itself is a temporary visa, specifically designed for educational purposes. It doesn’t directly grant permanent residency. However, New Zealand’s immigration pathways are structured to allow skilled graduates to transition from temporary student status to a more permanent stay, provided they meet specific criteria.

2. How much bank balance is required for New Zealand student visa?

Here’s the current financial requirement:

• For tertiary study (universities, polytechnics, etc.): You generally need to show access to NZD $20,000 per year to cover your living costs.
• For compulsory education (school years 1-13): If you are undertaking compulsory education, the amount required is NZD $17,000 per year.
• For courses shorter than a year: You’ll need to show NZD $1,667 for each month of study. For example, a six-month course would require NZD $10,002.

3. Can a student visa holder bring family in New Zealand?

Yes, a student visa holder can bring family to New Zealand, but with specific conditions based on the student’s level of study

4. Can I change my student visa to work permit in New Zealand?

New Zealand offers international graduates pathways to transition from a student visa to a work permit, primarily through the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV). This visa is designed to give you valuable work experience and can even be a stepping stone towards permanent residency.

5. How long can you stay in New Zealand with a student visa?

It depends on a few important factors, primarily the length and type of your study program.