If you are planning to study in New Zealand full time for more than three months, you will need a student visa and a student permit. 

Visa application requirements. Application forms can be downloaded the New Zealand Immigration Service website: www.immigration.govt.nz/forms or obtained from the New Zealand Consulate or Embassy. To get a student visa and permit, you must first be enrolled in an approved course at an institution that has been accredited to offer that course.

Your application will require:

• A recent passport-size photograph.

• Payment of a non-refundable application fee.

• An 'Offer of Place' from an educational institution that includes the name of the course, the minimum time required to complete the course, and whether a course fee must be paid or the student is exempt from the fee (e.g. scholarship students). This 'Offer of Place' will be sent to you by the New Zealand institution that confirms your enrolment.

• Evidence of payment of the fee or exemption from the fee.

• A written guarantee that suitable accommodation is available to you.

• Evidence of sufficient funds to live on while you are studying. This can include copies of financial records such as proof of parents’ jobs and salary; bank account information; business license and tax records; etc.

• Your recent academic records indicating a B or B grade average.

• A return air ticket to your country, or evidence of sufficient funds to buy one.

For courses longer than 24 months, you will also have to provide medical and x-ray certificates that are less than three months old and if you are over 17, a police certificate to show that you are of good character.

All copies of original documents in Vietnamese must be translated and notified, and it is recommended that your cover letter include a list of documents enclosed.

If your application is approved, your passport must be valid for three months after your planned date of departure from New Zealand.

Screening for Tuberculosis – a new requirement (from 1 April 2004). Students applying for student visas or permits who intend spending more than 6 months in New Zealand now must be screened for tuberculosis (TB) if they have not previously provided a full medical screening test to the New Zealand Immigration Service. Students from countries at low risk for TB may be exempt from this requirement.

For more information, visit: www.immigration.govt.nz or call toll free: 0508 55 88 55.