New Zealand Student Visa

Expert guidance for New Zealand student visas from course selection to application submission and renewals.

What Is the New Zealand Student Visa?

The New Zealand Student Visa allows international students to study full-time at a New Zealand Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) approved institution. Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate degree, a postgraduate qualification, a diploma, or a vocational training program, this visa enables you to live and study in one of the world’s most reputable education destinations with a clear, strategic pathway toward permanent residence.

At Dream Way Consultancy, we go far beyond form-filling. Our Licensed Immigration Advisor (LIA No: 202401523) personally assesses your academic background, financial standing, and long-term immigration goals to craft a strategically strong application designed for approval. We are the only immigration consultancy in Sri Lanka that does not charge professional fees for subsequent Student Visa renewals for existing clients.

Key Visa Details

Visa Type

Duration

Work Rights

Partner / Children

Pathway to Residence

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for a New Zealand Student Visa, you must meet the following core criteria:

You have received a confirmed offer of place from a approved New Zealand institution
You have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living costs, and return travel
You meet the English language proficiency requirements (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or equivalent)
You are of good character - no serious criminal history.
You meet the health requirements, including a medical certificate if required.
Your intended course is full-time

What Courses Can You Study?

New Zealand offers internationally recognized qualifications across a wide range of disciplines at universities, polytechnics, and Private Training Establishments (PTEs):

Academic Program

Documents Required

A well-prepared, complete document pack is critical to a successful application. Dream Way Consultancy’s LIA compiles and verifies every item on your personalized checklist:

Valid passport - minimum 6 months validity beyond your intended study period
Offer of Place / Enrolment Confirmation from your institution
Evidence of tuition fee payment or a financial sponsor letter
Proof of living cost funds - bank statements showing approximately NZD 20,000 per year and enough money to purchase Return Air tickets
English language proficiency evidence
Medical and chest X-ray certificate (if required based on country of origin)
Police clearance / character certificate from your country of Citizenship and all countries you lived more than 5 years
Passport-sized photographs meeting INZ specifications
Travel itinerary or confirmed travel arrangements

Work Rights During Your Studies

Most Student Visa holders can work part-time to support themselves financially during their studies, provided this does not interfere with their primary purpose of study:

Up to 25 hours per week during the academic term
Full-time work permitted during official semester breaks and holidays
Full time work rights permitted for Level 9 Thesis based Masters students and PHD students
Work rights are printed on your visa label and must be strictly complied with
Partner's work rights depend on the level of your qualification
All level 9 and 10 student visa holder’s Dependent children are eligible for Free education

Dream Way Consultancy advises you on how to use your work rights responsibly while remaining fully compliant with all visa conditions.

Student Visa Pathway to Permanent Residence

Studying in New Zealand is not just about education – it is a strategic gateway to permanent residence. Dream Way Consultancy plans your entire immigration journey with this long-term goal in mind from day one:

Student Visa – Complete your qualification in New Zealand

Post-Study Work Visa

Find Skill employment in New Zealand

Skilled Migrant Category Residence – Apply for your residence

Our Unique Free Renewal Promise

If you have to renew your student visa for 2nd year, Dream Way Consultancy does NOT charge professional fees for subsequent Student Visa renewals for existing clients. Once you are in our care, you are protected throughout your entire study journey – at no extra advisory cost. This is a commitment you will not find at any other immigration consultancy in Sri Lanka.

How Dream Way Consultancy Supports You

Navigating Immigration New Zealand’s policies can be complex and stressful. With our Licensed Immigration Advisor (LIA) managing your case, you eliminate guesswork and maximize your chances of success. We don’t just fill out forms; we build a robust, evidence-backed application designed for approval.

LIA-Guided Process

Your application is handled directly by a Licensed Immigration Advisor.

End-to-End Support

We assist with document preparation, profiling, and INZ submission.

Strategic Planning

We align your current visa strategy with your long-term residency goals.

Our End-to-End Student Visa Service Includes:

Free initial eligibility assessment and consultation with our Licensed Immigration Advisor
Course and institution selection guidance aligned with your long-term residence pathway
Complete document preparation and quality review by our LIA
Submission of your application to Immigration New Zealand
Ongoing communication and status tracking with INZ on your behalf
Free subsequent Student Visa renewal advisory and submissions for existing clients
On-the-ground support from our Auckland, New Zealand office once you arrive
Guidance on work rights, visa conditions, and full compliance throughout your study

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money I need to have when apply student Visa ?

You need to have enough money to cover your Tuition Fees, Living Cost (20,000 NZD per study year) and return Air tickets

Can my partner and children accompany me to New Zealand?

Yes. Your partner and dependent children may accompany you to New Zealand. Your partner's work rights will depend on the level of your qualification. Our LIA will advise on the most appropriate visa pathway for your family members.

Can I get IELTS/ English Language waive off

Yes. If you have completed Bachelor, Post Graduate Diploma or master’s qualification from a English Speaking country, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Irland or New Zealand you may eligible to apply English Language exemption.

Is IELTS the only accepted English language test?

No. Immigration New Zealand also accepts PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English Advanced, and OET for healthcare-related courses. Minimum required scores vary by course level and institution. Our team will clarify the exact requirements for your specific program.

Can I change my course or institution after I arrive in New Zealand?

In certain circumstances, yes - but you must notify Immigration New Zealand. Unauthorized changes may affect your visa conditions.

What type of Mediacl Certificate I need to obtain for Student Visa

For Student Visa applications, only Chest X Ray is enough and you are not required submit full medical certificate