International

Student visas for new students

Before you can begin your studies at Otago Polytechnic, you will need to have a student visa. This page will guide you through the process, offer useful tips, and point you to official resources to help make your journey to Aotearoa New Zealand as smooth as possible.

Do I need a student visa?

If you are an international student planning to study in New Zealand for more than three months, you must have a valid student visa issued by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

A student visa allows you to:

• Study full-time at Otago Polytechnic.
• Eligible student visas granted on or after 3 November 2025 will allow up to 25 hours of work per week during term time. For visas approved before 3 November, the current 20 hour per week work limit will still apply. Current student visa holders wanting to work 25 hours after that date will need to apply for a variation of conditions.
• Apply for a further study visa or post-study work visa, depending on your qualifications..

How to apply for your student visa

1. Get your Offer of Place from Otago Polytechnic
   Start by completing your application to study. Learn how to apply. Once you are accepted into your programme and have met any conditions of that acceptance, we will provide you with an Offer of Place.
   If your Offer of Place refers to a Study Pathway, you must apply for a Pathway Student Visa.
2. Pay your fees
   You must pay your tuition and fees before your visa will be issued. Once the funds are cleared, you will receive a receipt of payment. Learn more about fees.
3. Prepare your documents
   Immigration New Zealand requires:
   • Your Offer of Place
   • Proof of payment or scholarship
   • Proof of funds to support your living expenses
   • Proof of acceptable insurance
   • Valid passport
   • Refer to Student visas :: Immigration New Zealand for the full list of supporting documents.
4. Apply online
   You can apply for your visa online via the Immigration New Zealand website. 

Watch a step-by-step video on using the new enhanced Immigration Online application form.

Offshore students who apply earlier than 3 months can receive an approval in principle, allowing you to provide confirmation of study, funds transfers and tuition fee payment closer to the time.

Helpful tips for a smooth application

• Start early. It can take several weeks to process a visa, so try to get your application in at least 3 months before your intended travel date to avoid delays. Apply early to get ahead of the student visa peak.
• Double-check your documents. Incomplete applications can lead to delays.
• Be honest and accurate. Providing false or misleading information can result in your visa being declined.
• Check for medical and insurance requirements. Depending on your country of origin and length of stay, you may need to submit a chest x-ray or medical check.
• Get an approved insurance policy. All international students must have medical and travel insurance while in New Zealand. We offer coverage through Unicare, or you can use another approved provider.
• Indian Police certificates. From 1 December 2025, Immigration New Zealand will only accept police clearance certificates issued by a Regional Passport Office of the Indian Minister of External Affairs when required from Indian national visa applicants living in India.  For more information see the changes to police clearance certificates for Indian visa applicants on Immigration New Zealand.

After you apply

Once submitted, you can track your application status through your Immigration New Zealand account. You’ll be notified when your visa is approved and you can begin planning your travel to New Zealand.

Send us an email to keep us informed when you have submitted your visa application.

Find out how to check your visa status on the Immigration New Zealand website.

When your visa is approved

• Please bring a copy to Customer Services or
• Email to international@op.ac.nz or academicregistry@op.ac.nz

Otago Polytechnic will need your current visa to complete your enrolment.

If your visa is declined or delayed, contact our International team immediately.

Support from Otago Polytechnic

While we cannot give visa advice, we can:

• Provide copies of your Offer of Place and payment confirmation
• Help with insurance documentation
• Connect you with trusted immigration resources
  Email: international@op.ac.nz
  Phone: +64 3 477 3014

Student visas for current or returning students

Extending or renewing your visa

If you are already studying at Otago Polytechnic, it is your responsibility to have a current student visa for the full duration of your programme. If your visa is set to expire during your studies, you will need to renew or extend your visa.

When to renew

We recommend starting your visa renewal process at least 6–8 weeks before your current visa expires.

How to renew your visa

You can renew your visa through Immigration New Zealand Study visas. You will need the following documents:

• A Returning Student Offer of Place
• Proof of continued tuition payment
• Updated financial and insurance documents
• Attendance and academic progress records may be requested by Immigration New Zealand

Otago Polytechnic will issue a Returning Student Offer of Place once your enrolment is confirmed for the next study period.

Please note we cannot give visa advice

Under the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, Otago Polytechnic is not permitted to provide immigration advice.

If you need guidance about:

• Which visa to apply for
• What to do if your visa is declined or expired
• Your rights to work or stay in New Zealand

You must contact Immigration New Zealand or a licensed immigration adviser.

• Find a licensed immigration adviser 
• Visit the Immigration New Zealand website Study visas

Support from Otago Polytechnic

While we cannot give visa advice, we can:

• Provide copies of your Offer of Place and payment confirmation
• Help with insurance documentation
• Connect you with trusted immigration resources
  Email: international@op.ac.nz
  Phone: +64 3 477 3014

When your visa is approved

• Please bring a copy to Customer Services or
• Email to international@op.ac.nz or academicregistry@op.ac.nz

Otago Polytechnic will need your current visa to complete your enrolment.