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The University of Auckland

Student visas

To study as an international student in New Zealand, you will need a valid student visa through Immigration New Zealand.

Home  /  About New Zealand  /  Visas And Requirements

Important information for getting started

Visas can take time to process, so it's important to allow plenty of time for Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to handle your application – we recommend you apply at least three months before your arrival in New Zealand.

Visa applications for international students

If you are a first-time international student travelling to New Zealand and the University of Auckland, and have not held a student visa here before, there are a few steps you will need to take to apply for your student visa.


The process involves careful preparation, and it's important to have all your documentation ready so that you can submit a complete application and avoid any delays (or your application being declined).

Step by step guides

We've created the following step-by-step guides to help you get through the process with ease – from accepting your offer of place and paying your fees, to providing evidence of your finances and health, and submitting your complete application. 

General information about visas

Do you need to know more about student visas before you apply? On our visa information page, you can find out more about important visa topics, including the following:

  • Working during your studies
  • Working after your studies, and post-study work visas
  • How to provide visa evidence to the University
  • Frequently asked questions

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