Master’s Study & Residence FAQ

Fees depend on the provider, programme, credits and intake year. There is no single Master's fee across NZ. You can Google the school and course you are interested in. Tuition at one of NZ's eight universities is generally higher than at private providers. Cheaper schools are usually not as good in quality as more expensive ones.

For one year, show NZD 20,000; for 1.5 years, NZD 30,000; for two years, NZD 40,000.

No.

Yes. Show that the money was lawfully earned or came from a documented asset sale.

Yes. Provide salary statements, employment contracts, tax/social-insurance evidence if available, and savings history. Funds should be consistent with actual income.

Yes. Provide ownership documents, sale agreement, payment receipts and bank statements showing incoming proceeds so INZ can verify the transaction.

All land sales must take place at least three months before the visa application date.

Yes, but birth certificates are needed to prove the family relationship. Money lent for study must also have a traceable legitimate source and must not be money laundering.

A term deposit proves the amount held but does not necessarily explain its source. Include deposit history, employment income documents, asset sale contracts or other evidence explaining how savings accumulated.

Yes, if the student is outside NZ. But if tuition is paid after applying, its source may need to be explained, which can require more evidence.

Master's students are usually only required to have a chest X-ray.

INZ recommends applying at least three months before your intended travel to NZ.

Yes.

No job offer is needed to apply for a three-year open work visa.

Yes.

No. Under the general rule, a person can receive a PSWV only once.

From 24 August 2026, an NZ Level 9 Master's may provide six points if the graduate holds a Bachelor's degree and studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in NZ. Otherwise it may provide only five points.

No. Besides six points, the applicant needs a job offer meeting skilled employment/job-offer requirements and pay at the median wage (currently $35/hour; this figure tends to increase annually).

Yes, provided the work pays at least the median wage.

Yes. If you find a job but earn below the median wage, you may qualify for a five-year employer-sponsored work visa and support your family to continue living, working and studying in NZ.

No. Many occupations may have a maximum continuous stay of five years; after five years, the worker must leave NZ for one year before applying for another AEWV.

A partner can be supported, but a child's student visa is not guaranteed. The worker's pay must be high enough to support a child. The current requirement is NZD 58,240 per year.

No course guarantees residence. Consider personal background, real job opportunities, skilled-job requirements and SMC or Green List routes; avoid promises of automatic residence. Strong English helps you compete with international applicants. Shortage occupations such as doctors, dentists and Green List occupations can make finding work and residence easier.

Future pathways may be affected. Eligibility and assessment depend on rules then in force and any transitional provisions. Students should plan careers and finances without relying on one rule. NZ residence rules change frequently, so today's advice may be different when you apply.