For minors, New Zealand requires students under the age of 18 to have an approved caregiver and meet specific welfare arrangements before being granted a Student Visa.

• Eligibility and Requirements

To study in New Zealand as a minor student, the following criteria apply:

• Age: You must be under the age of 18 to be considered a minor.
• Acceptance from a New Zealand Educational Institution: You must be enrolled in a full-time course at an accredited school or tertiary institution.
• Welfare Arrangements: If you're under 18, New Zealand law requires that you have appropriate welfare arrangements. These include having a legal guardian or caregiver in New Zealand or living in an accommodation approved by the New Zealand government.
• Parental Consent: You will need consent from your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to study in New Zealand.

Step 1: Acceptance at a Recognized School

• Before applying for a visa, you must receive an offer of acceptance from a New Zealand school or educational institution.
• The institution must be a New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) registered school or a tertiary institution.

Step 2: Proof of Welfare Arrangements

• Caregiver: If you are under 18, New Zealand requires you to have a guardian or caregiver who will be responsible for your welfare. This guardian can either be a parent, relative, or a designated caregiver who is an approved adult in New Zealand.
  • The caregiver will be responsible for ensuring your safety and well-being while you are in New Zealand.
  • Alternatively, the school or institution may provide the welfare arrangements if they offer boarding or homestay options for international students.

Step 3: Parental or Guardian Consent

• You will need to provide written consent from your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) that they agree to your study plans and acknowledge your welfare arrangements in New Zealand.

Step 4: Health and Character Requirements

• Health Insurance: International students must have medical insurance for the duration of their stay in New Zealand. Many institutions offer student health insurance, or you can choose an approved provider.
• Health Examination: Depending on your country of origin, you may need to undergo a health examination. This is to ensure you meet New Zealand's health requirements for international students.
• Police Clearance: If you are aged 17 or older, you may need to provide a police clearance certificate from your home country.

Step 5: Apply for the Student Visa

• You will need to submit your application for the Student Visa online or through a New Zealand Visa Application Centre (VAC).
  • Include all necessary documents such as:
    • Offer of Acceptance from the school.
    • Proof of welfare arrangements (caregiver or accommodation details).
    • Parent/guardian consent.
    • Proof of funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
    • Proof of health insurance.
    • Police clearance (if applicable).
    • Passport valid for at least 6 months.
• The visa application fee is generally around NZD 330 (varies depending on your nationality).

Step 6: Wait for Visa Processing

• Once submitted, the visa processing time typically takes 1-3 weeks, though it can vary based on your circumstances.

Step 7: Travel to New Zealand

• After your visa is granted, you can travel to New Zealand. You may enter the country up to 30 days before the start of your course.

• As a minor student, you’ll have the following conditions attached to your Student Visa:
• Welfare Condition: You must comply with the welfare arrangements you have put in place (caregiver or accommodation).
• Study Full-Time: You must study full-time and maintain your enrollment at an approved educational institution.
• Work Restrictions: You can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) if you are studying at a tertiary level (such as a university) during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks. If you are at a secondary school level, you typically cannot work.

Public Schools (Government Schools)

New Zealand public schools charge tuition fees for international students. The fees vary depending on the school and location.

• Primary School (Years 1-8):
  NZD 10,000 – NZD 15,000 per year
• Secondary School (Years 9-13):
  NZD 12,000 – NZD 18,000 per year

Private Schools (Independent Schools)

Private schools generally have higher tuition fees, smaller class sizes, and more extracurricular activities.

• Primary School (Years 1-8):
  NZD 15,000 – NZD 30,000 per year
• Secondary School (Years 9-13):
  NZD 20,000 – NZD 40,000 per year