Dependent children of international student visa holders

If you’re in New Zealand on a student visa, your dependent children may also qualify for a student visa to study in New Zealand. Here’s a clear and simple guide to help you understand the rules:

Who Can Bring Their Children on a Student Visa?

Your children may be eligible for a student visa if you are in New Zealand on a student visa and:

• You are studying under a New Zealand Government-approved exchange programme; OR
• You are enrolled in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme at a New Zealand university; OR
• You hold a New Zealand scholarship administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

Benefits for Children

• These children are treated as domestic students, which means no international tuition fees at primary and secondary schools.
• They can be granted a student visa without needing to show proof of enrolment.

What You Need to Provide To apply for a student visa for your child, you must:

• Provide guarantees of suitable accommodation for your child.
• Show evidence of sufficient maintenance funds to support their stay.

Important Notes

• This policy only applies to dependent children of student visa holders in one of the three approved categories above.
• If you're studying in any other programme (e.g. bachelor's, master's not funded by MFAT), your children may not be eligible under these rules.