Exchange Student Visa

If you have been accepted into an approved student exchange scheme and are outside New Zealand, you can apply for this visa to study full-time in New Zealand.

Student exchange schemes may include school-to-school (or sister school) exchanges, exchanges organised by exchange programme organisations and tertiary exchanges. Study Abroad programmes are not approved exchange schemes.

You must provide evidence you have been offered a place by an approved education provider and been accepted into an approved student exchange scheme.

For example, a letter from the scheme organiser.

If you are coming to New Zealand with an exchange programme organisation (EPO), you need to provide a letter from your EPO explaining that you are an exchange student.

You do not need to pay tuition fees as you are considered a

have enough money to pay your living expenses, or have an acceptable sponsor

You must be outside New Zealand when you apply.

You must attend the course of study noted on your visa, unless you have good reason for to be absent. You must make satisfactory progress in your studies.

You may be allowed to work up to 25 hours a week if you are studying a full-time course as part of an approved student tertiary exchange scheme.

You may be allowed to work up to 25 hours a week during the course year and full-time during all scheduled holidays and the Christmas and New Year holidays. Check your visa conditions.

that your course has a value of 120 credits

If you are aged 16 or 17 studying at a , or in years 12 or 13 of secondary school, you must have permission to work, for your student visa to be granted with work rights.

Students aged 15 or younger cannot work on a student visa.

You are not allowed to be self-employed.

This visa allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to 4 years, depending on the length of your exchange.

If you want a holiday in New Zealand after your exchange has finished, you can apply for a visitor visa to stay another 3 months as a tourist. You must apply for a visitor visa before your current visa expires.