Exchange Student Visa
🇳🇿 New Zealand visas · Study
What it is
For students accepted into approved school-to-school exchanges, exchange programme organisations, or tertiary exchange schemes. Study Abroad students should apply for the Fee Paying Student Visa instead.
Key facts
- Category
- Study
- Duration
- Up to 4 years
- Processing time
- Up to 2 weeks
- Maximum validity
- 4 years
- Path to permanent residence
- No
- Dependants
- No
- Work allowance
- 25 hours per week
- How to apply
- Online
- Health insurance
- Not required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee
- NZD 850
Key requirements
- Accepted into an approved exchange student scheme
- Offer of place from an approved education provider or letter from exchange organisation
- Sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor
- Apply from outside New Zealand
- Plans to depart at visa expiration
- Meet health, character, and genuine intention standards
Working on this visa
Up to 25 hours a week during the course year and full-time during scheduled holidays; permission to work needed depending on age/level
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 27 July 2026.