Chinese applicants · New Zealand
Student Visa for Chinese citizens
Visa for international students studying full-time at approved New Zealand education providers.
This page covers the Student Visa specifically for Chinese applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to China. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- Typically 4–8 weeks.
- Government fees
- NZD 375 (verify on INZ).
- Typical duration
- Duration of study programme plus a short buffer.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: Beijing / Shanghai / Guangzhou
Tourist entry vs. this route
Chinese nationals require a visa for any entry into New Zealand. The Student Visa is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Visa overview
The NZ Student Visa allows international students to study full-time at an approved education provider. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during scheduled holidays. Graduates of eligible qualifications can transition to the Post-Study Work Visa for 1–3 years of open work rights.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Offer of place at an approved NZ education provider.
- ✓Evidence of tuition payment or financial guarantee.
- ✓Evidence of funds to support living costs (currently NZD 20,000 per year — verify on INZ).
- ✓Acceptable health and character.
Common blockers
- !Institution not on the approved provider list.
- !Insufficient funds for living costs.
Typical evidence
- ·Offer of place and evidence of tuition payment.
- ·Bank statements demonstrating funds.
- ·Medical and police certificates.
Application pathway
Accept an offer at an approved provider
Secure an unconditional offer and pay tuition (or provide a financial guarantee).
Apply for Student Visa online
Submit the application via the INZ online system.
Arrive and study
Work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays.
Transition to Post-Study Work Visa
On completing an eligible qualification, apply for the PSWV for 1–3 years of open work rights.
Other New Zealand routes covered for Chinese applicants
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Points-based residence visa for skilled workers — New Zealand's primary pathway to permanent residence for skilled migrants.
Post-Study Work Visa
Open work visa for international graduates of eligible New Zealand qualifications — 1 to 3 years depending on qualification level and location.
Not sure New Zealand is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer study routes that Chinese nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Chinese citizens eligible for the Student Visa?+
Eligibility for the Student Visa is set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Chinese applicants typically file the Student Visa?+
Beijing / Shanghai / Guangzhou. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Chinese applicants need a tourist visa for New Zealand as well?+
Chinese nationals require a visa for any entry into New Zealand. The Student Visa is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Can I work while studying in New Zealand?+
Yes — up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during scheduled holidays. Your visa conditions will specify your work rights. Some courses (e.g. PhD students) have additional work allowances.