Student visas for New Zealand school leavers
Guidelines for applying for a University student visa as a NZ school leaver.
Before you start your programme
If you require a student visa to study in New Zealand, you must have the correct student visa before you can commence your programme at the University of Auckland.
Your student visa must state:
- The University of Auckland as your education provider; and
- the programme of study you intend to commence.
A student visa issued for study at a school cannot be used to commence your programme at the University of Auckland.
Where are you applying from?
If you are in New Zealand when applying for your student visa, please ensure you have received your unconditional offer of admission before submitting your visa application. We recommend applying for your student visa as soon as possible after receiving your unconditional offer. Please refer to our step-by-step guidance and Immigration New Zealand's (INZ) student visa information:
If you are outside New Zealand when applying for your student visa, review the information below about applying with a Fast Track Conditional Offer.
Student visa applications with a Fast Track Conditional Offer
Who is this information for?
This information is for eligible school leavers who have received a University of Auckland Fast Track Conditional Offer and wish to apply for a New Zealand student visa from offshore before receiving their final admission outcome.
Can I apply for a student visa with a Fast Track Conditional Offer?
Yes. The University of Auckland has confirmed with INZ that eligible offshore applicants may use a Fast Track Conditional Offer to initiate their student visa application before their final admission outcome is available.
This process is intended to minimise delays in visa processing and help students receive a visa decision in time for the start of their studies.
Please note that the final decision on all student visa applications is made by INZ.
What documents should I include with my visa application?
When applying for your student visa, you should include:
- A cover letter explaining your study intentions if you have received an offer for an alternative programme, as this may not be your first-choice programme.
- Your Fast Track Conditional Offer.
- The University of Auckland Fast Track support letter. Please download the applicable letter below:
- Support letter – Standard Fast Track Conditional Offer (for applicants who will receive an unconditional offer for the same programme once all conditions are met); or
- Support letter – Alternative Programme Fast Track Offer (for applicants who have received an offer for an alternative programme while their preferred programme remains under assessment).
- Evidence that you meet all other INZ student visa requirements, including financial, identity and health requirements, where applicable.
- Any other documents requested by Immigration New Zealand.
What happens after I submit my visa application but before I receive my final results?
Depending on your individual circumstances, INZ may request further information; issue an Approval in Principle (AIP); or continue assessing your application until your unconditional Offer of Place is available.
What happens after I receive my final results?
Once you have met all admission conditions, the University will issue your unconditional Offer of Place through the standard admissions process (normally in January).
After you receive your unconditional Offer of Place, you should provide it directly to INZ. INZ will then continue assessing your student visa application and make a final decision in accordance with immigration instructions.
Important information
A Fast Track Conditional Offer supports your student visa application only. It does not guarantee that:
- You receive Admission to the University of Auckland;
- An unconditional Offer of Place will be issued; or
- A student visa will be granted.
- Any INZ visa application fees will be refunded if you do not meet the admission conditions or if your visa application is declined.
Final admission decisions are made by the University of Auckland. Final visa decisions are made by INZ.
This guidance applies only to applicants who lodge their student visa application while outside New Zealand. It does not apply to applicants who are in New Zealand when they submit their student visa application.