INFORMATION FOR
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Studying in another country is a significant step. At Skill New Zealand, we want your time in Aotearoa New Zealand to be positive, rewarding and memorable.
You will study in small classes with qualified, experienced tutors and receive support as you adjust to studying and living in New Zealand.
The information below explains important visa, employment, insurance, fee-protection and withdrawal requirements. Immigration and government requirements can change, so always check the linked official websites for the latest information.
WORKING WHILE
YOU STUDY
Depending on your programme and visa conditions, you may be permitted to work while studying in New Zealand.
Eligible student visa holders may work up to 25 hours per week during their studies and full-time during scheduled breaks. Some older visas may still show a 20-hour limit. Your individual eVisa or visa letter confirms exactly when and how many hours you may work. Check the current student visa work conditions.
Skill New Zealand can help you prepare for employment through CV support, interview preparation and work-readiness guidance. Employment or placement opportunities cannot be guaranteed and remain subject to your visa conditions and programme requirements.
Before beginning paid employment, you will need an IRD number. Visit Inland Revenue to learn how to apply.
Information about minimum employment standards, pay and workplace rights is available from Employment New Zealand.
CODE OF PRACTICE
Skill New Zealand is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021.
The Code sets out the responsibilities education providers have for supporting learners’ safety, wellbeing and educational experience. It helps ensure international learners are respected, supported, connected and able to participate in decisions about their learning and student services. Read NZQA’s learner guide to the Code.
STUDENT VISAS
International learners must hold an appropriate visa for their programme of study.
Skill New Zealand cannot provide immigration advice. For advice about your circumstances, contact Immigration New Zealand or a licensed immigration adviser.
The Fee Paying Student Visa page explains the application process, required evidence, fees and current visa conditions.
Apply well before your intended travel date and ensure that the information you provide is accurate and complete.
Living Costs and the Funds Transfer Scheme
Student visa applicants studying at tertiary or English-language level must currently show that they have:
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NZD $20,000 for each year of study; or
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NZD $1,667 for each month when studying for less than one year.
These amounts cover living costs and do not include tuition fees or the cost of outward travel.
The Funds Transfer Scheme is a secure Immigration New Zealand scheme operated by ANZ. It may be available to students from China, India, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Immigration New Zealand will tell you if you need to use it.
Using the scheme does not guarantee approval of a student visa. See the current student fund requirements.
Healthcare and Insurance
Access to health services
International learners may not be eligible for publicly funded healthcare in New Zealand. You may be responsible for the full cost of medical treatment, so appropriate medical and travel insurance is essential.
Accident cover
New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation provides no-fault cover for accidental injuries to residents and visitors.
ACC may contribute towards treatment for an injury, but it does not cover every cost, illness or travel-related expense. You should therefore maintain comprehensive insurance throughout your stay. Learn what ACC covers.
Medical and travel insurance
International learners must hold insurance that meets their visa conditions and is acceptable under the Code of Practice.
Your insurance should cover, as appropriate:
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Travel to, from and within New Zealand
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Medical care while in New Zealand
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Repatriation or travel home following a serious event
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Death, including associated travel costs
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Personal belongings and liability where applicable
You must provide Skill New Zealand with evidence of current insurance cover. Policies issued in another language must be accompanied by an English translation so they can be assessed.
If your cover does not meet the required standard, Skill New Zealand will advise you that additional or replacement insurance is required. Read NZQA’s international learner insurance guidance.
Student Fee Protection
Tuition and other protected fees paid in advance are held through an approved student fee-protection arrangement.
Once payment has been received, you will receive a receipt that may be used as evidence for your student visa application.
Public Trust holds protected fees and releases them to the education provider over the duration of the programme. This helps protect learners if a provider closes, becomes insolvent or is unable to continue delivering a programme. Learn how Public Trust protects student fees.
Withdrawal and Refunds
If you decide to withdraw from your programme, you must notify Skill New Zealand in writing. Your withdrawal date and refund entitlement will be assessed under your enrolment agreement, Skill New Zealand’s current Withdrawal and Refund Policy and applicable New Zealand law.
For an international programme lasting three months or longer, the statutory refund period is the first 10 working days, beginning on the first day you are required to attend.
If you withdraw after the applicable refund period, you are not automatically entitled to a refund. Any refund will be determined under Skill New Zealand’s published policy.
Refunds are normally paid to the person or account from which the original payment was received. Check NZQA’s withdrawal and refund guidance.
The precise deductions, including administration, accommodation or other costs—and the treatment of declined visa applications should be copied from Skill New Zealand’s currently approved enrolment agreement. I would not publish the existing 10% wording until that policy has been confirmed.
