Student Visas
You must have a valid student visa to study in New Zealand—unless you are a New Zealand or Australian citizen, or a permanent resident.
Your student visa must name the University of Waikato as your place of study.
If you are a new student applying for a visa for the first time, please use the INZ checklist to make sure you have completed everything.
There are different visa categories depending on what you are studying. Visit the Immigration New Zealand website to explore all your visa options.
- If you’re taking several courses- for example Academic English and/or Foundation Studies followed by a degree programme at the University, you should apply for a Pathway Student Visa.
- If you’re an exchange student from an overseas university, you should apply for an Exchange visa. If you’re unsure whether you’re an exchange student or Study Abroad student, please check your Offer of Place.
- If you’re a New Zealand Scholarship student, you should apply for the MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Student Visa.
- Most other international students, including Study Abroad students and PhD students with scholarships, should apply for the Fee Paying Student Visa.
If you are bringing your family with you, each family member will also need a visa. You need to apply for your family members’ visas directly through Immigration New Zealand. Find out more about visas for your partner and family.
Applying for your student visa in New Zealand
Returning students must apply for student visas though Immigration New Zealand. We recommend submitting your application at least one month before your current visa expires. To find out about current student visa processing times, please visit Immigration New Zealand's website.
Please visit:
- Immigration New Zealand for information
- and download and use the Student Visa Application Checklist (PDF)
Apply for your visa online
- Create a RealMe before you start your application and login from the Immigration New Zealand webpage
- Complete the INZ online application form.
- Upload your supporting documentation.
Refer to visa fees on Immigration New Zealand website.
Support documentation required
You will need to have the following documents:
- Proof of payment of fees:
- log onto MyWaikato
- go to the "Finance" tab
- select "View my Receipts"
- Attendance record: Attendance is recorded for students enrolled in English Language programmes and Foundation Studies only. Please contact the College for your attendance record
- Academic record:
- log onto MyWaikato
- go to the "Results" tab
- select "Request your academic record"
- Offer of Place and Enrolment Agreement : You can access both of these documents from your emails
Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after the expected end date of the visa that is being applied for.
If your passport expires before your course end date, then it is your responsibility to renew your passport and re-apply for a new visa, before your current visa expires.
Police certificates
You must submit a national police certificate from your home country every 36 months. Police certificates must be submitted to Immigration New Zealand within 6 months from the date of issue.
For more information on obtaining a police certificate, please visit the Immigration New Zealand website to find out how to obtain a police certificate.
Medical certificates and chest x-rays
Medical certificates and chest x-rays must be submitted every 36 months. There are some circumstances where Immigration New Zealand will require you to submit a new medical or chest x-ray within this time.
Medical certificates and chest x-rays must be submitted to Immigration New Zealand within 3 months from the date of issue.
Visit the Immigration New Zealand website to find more information about getting an x-ray, medical examination and certificate.
Email your updated visa to us
Returning students
Once you have been issued a new visa, immediately send us a copy to so that we can update our records to maintain your enrolment. Send the copy of your new visa to visa@waikato.ac.nz
If you have a new passport, please bring this to either the Student Centre in Hamilton or The Hub in Tauranga.
New students
Ensure you provide evidence of your visa and your passport to the Student Centre before the start of your programme of study.
Student visa conditions
You must follow the conditions of your student visa while you are studying in New Zealand.
These include:
- being enrolled in full- time study
- attending classes
- making good academic progress
- holding approved insurance from the date of your enrolment until your visa expires (unless you are a PhD student).
Go to the Education New Zealand website NauMai NZ for more information about student visa conditions and working on a student visa
Changes to your visa status
If you are granted a resident visa or a permanent resident visa while studying at the University of Waikato, you will need to bring your residency certificate to the administration desk on Level 2 of the Student Centre in order to have your status updated.
Your Studentsafe insurance will expire 21 days from the date your resident or permanent resident visa has been issued. As a resident or permanent resident you are eligible for publicly-funded healthcare in New Zealand.
Post-study work visas
Once you have completed your studies you may be eligible for a post-study work visa.
Applications for post-study work visas must be made directly through Immigration New Zealand.
For more information, visit Immigration New Zealand's Post-study work visa.
Student visa support
If you have any questions about renewing your student visa please email visa@waikato.ac.nz
Student visa services are located at:
Level 2, Student Centre
University of Waikato
Hamilton
Student FAQs
You are not required to hold a student visa while you are studying overseas and there is no requirement for you to be enrolled full-time (i.e. at least 3 papers per semester).
INZ will issue you with an interim visa, allowing you to stay in New Zealand lawfully. Please forward this to the staff at the university visa@waikato.ac.nz so that it can be uploaded to your student file. More information can be found on Interim visa page on the Immigration New Zealand Website.
If you are no longer enrolled, the University is required to notify Immigration New Zealand and your student visa will be terminated. To check if you can apply for an alternative visa while staying in the country contact Immigration New Zealand.
You are required to study full-time ( that is at least 3 papers per semester).
Your visa must reflect your programme of study and the education provider you are studying at. If you hold a high-school visa, you must also change your visa.
Please contact Immigration New Zealand.
Please speak to Immigration New Zealand or email the International Student Services Office on visa@waikato.ac.nz
Please check with Immigration New Zealand before you undertake your internship.
Your student visa may allow you to work while you study. Most full-time international students can work part-time while studying and full time during University holidays.
If you are unlawfully in New Zealand, you are not allowed to work or study. Please contact Immigration New Zealand or a licensed Immigration Adviser.
You must contact Immigration New Zealand on 0508 558 855 to discuss your situation. You may be required to provide evidence to demonstrate that you are able to continue meeting student visa requirements.
More information on the Immigration New Zealand website about changing your course and education provider.