a view of snowcapped mountains from inside a tent in New Zealand
Ava R. • Indiana University

Do you need a visa for Aotearoa New Zealand?

Never applied for a student visa before? No need to worry. We've outlined the basics below and our visa specialists are here to support you along the way. Let's get started!

As a semester or year-long student in Aotearoa New Zealand, you will need what is referred to as a “Fee Paying Student Visa." This is a legal document sent to you as a PDF that you must have before entering the country. This visa serves as an approval from the New Zealand government to remain in the country for the duration of your program. 

If you will be on a summer program, you will not need a visa. Instead you will need to apply for a NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).

Depending on your IES Abroad program and citizenship, you may need a student visa to study abroad in New Zealand. We’ve outlined citizenship options below to help you learn more about your visa requirements

Contact Your Advisor

a student walks on a smoky bridge in Rotorua's Kuirau geothermal park in New Zealand
IES Abroad Auckland

Applying for a Student Visa for Aotearoa New Zealand

Once you are accepted to your IES Abroad program, you will find detailed step-by-step instructions to apply for a New Zealand student visa in your MyIESabroad account. For now, read below to get an idea of what the Fee Paying Student Visa application process will look like as a U.S. citizen.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, refer to the New Zealand Immigration website to determine your visa application process. 

Log in to MyIESabroad

Kate Cook square headshot
“IES Abroad has a fool-proof plan for everyone to get their visas to study abroad.”
Kate C. • Villanova University • Milan – Italy Today

Considering multiple destinations?

We've compiled visa resources for every country so you'll have everything you need to make your study abroad adventure as seamless as possible.

Browse Visa Resources by Country

“There is no doubt in my mind that I will be looking back at this final trip with some of the best friends I’ve ever made as one wild, fun, beautiful disaster.”
Lexi R. • The George Washington University • Christchurch Direct Enrollment – University Of Canterbury

We’re Here for You

Our team of visa specialists are here to help. Step-by-step instructions to ensure you have the proper visa and/or entry documents to study abroad are available in your MyIESabroad account once you are accepted to a program.

Apply Now
visa ACCeSS program GEM and students

New Zealand visa processes and requirements are determined by the New Zealand consulates, not by IES Abroad. While our team of visa specialists regularly updates this page, the most up-to-date and official information can be found on New Zealand government and consulate websites. This page was last updated June 10, 2024.