Approved Education Providers and Courses for Student Visas

If you want to study in New Zealand, you must choose a recognised education provider offering an approved programme. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will only approve student visas for providers and programmes that meet strict requirements.

 Key Rules for All Education Providers

• The education provider must be approved and must certify that their programme meets international student requirements.
• The provider must be a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021.
• INZ may pause or decline visa applications if a provider:
  • Doesn’t meet education or immigration obligations
  • Offers a non-compliant programme
  • Holds a Category 4 NZQA rating (lowest rating – student visas won’t be granted)

School-Level Education (Primary & Secondary)

State & Integrated Schools

• Must be approved by the Ministry of Education to accept international students.
• Priority goes to domestic students and MFAT scholarship students.
• Any class made only for international students must be approved by NZQA.

Private Schools

• Registered under the Education and Training Act 2020
• Can accept international students without prioritising local students
• International-only programmes must also be approved by NZQA.

Private Training Establishments (PTEs)

• PTEs must be:
  • Registered with NZQA
  • Offering NZQA-approved programmes
  • Accredited to deliver those programmes
• These rules apply unless the programme is exempt under section 528 of the Education and Training Act 2020.

Tertiary Institutions (Universities, Polytechnics, Wananga, Colleges)

• Can enrol international students if:
  • The programme is approved by NZQA
  • The institution is accredited to deliver the programme
  • Enrolling international students doesn’t take a place away from a domestic student unless:
    • The student holds an MFAT scholarship, OR
    • The spot was created specifically for a fee-paying international student

Note:

• These rules apply to programmes longer than 3 months
• Polytechnics include institutes of technology, community colleges, and similar institutions

Important

Always check if your chosen course and provider are fully compliant. Immigration New Zealand won’t issue a student visa if your course or provider doesn't meet legal requirements.

Need Help Choosing an Approved Course or Provider?

Contact JD Immigration for expert advice and a personalised consultation. We'll make sure you're on the right path to study in New Zealand.