Types of International Students in New Zealand
1. Fully Supported Students
These students have their study costs fully covered by a government agency:
- New Zealand Scholarship Students
Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). - Foreign Government-Supported Students
Sponsored directly by their home government for the full duration of study. -
2. Fee-Paying Foreign Students
Most international students fall under this category. You must pay all tuition and living costs, either:
- From your own savings
- With support from your family, friends, government, or international organisations (e.g., the UN)
This includes students studying at:
- Private Training Establishments (PTEs)
- English language schools
- Universities, Polytechnics, Wananga, etc.
3. Exchange Students
These students study in NZ under approved exchange programmes and are treated as domestic students (no foreign tuition fees).
Two approved types of exchange programmes:
- School-to-School Exchanges
Run directly between New Zealand schools (must follow the Code of Practice) - Organisational Exchange Programmes
Run by registered exchange programme organisations (also Code of Practice compliant)
These are only available at the primary and secondary school levels.
4. Vocational Trainees
Only specific vocational students can apply for a student visa. These include:
- Air New Zealand trainees
- Nautical students
- Short Term Training Scholarship (STTS) students
If you're planning to do industry training or an apprenticeship not listed above, you’ll need to apply for a work visa instead (see WK category).
Rescinded Category – Dependant Fee Scholarship Students
This category is no longer valid. NZAID (New Zealand’s Aid Programme) only pays for tuition fees, not for dependent family members.
Not Sure What Category You Fall Into?
Your visa type and tuition fee status depend on your funding source, programme type, and education provider.