Pathway Student Visa: One Visa for Multiple Courses in NZ
Planning to study multiple courses in New Zealand? The Pathway Student Visa allows you to take up to three consecutive courses on a single visa, meaning there’s no need to reapply between each course. This streamlined option can save you time and money while you pursue your educational goals in New Zealand.
01. Introduction
The Pathway Student Visa is part of a pilot programme that simplifies multi-course study in New Zealand. Instead of applying for a new Student Visa after each course, you can study up to 3 consecutive courses at participating institutions on one visa valid for up to 5 years.
To qualify, you need an offer of place from one or more approved Pathway Education Providers. If you can demonstrate the financial means to pay for your studies, you’ll gain access to New Zealand’s high-quality education system and earn globally recognised qualifications across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
02. Pathway Student Visa requirements
Immigration New Zealand requires comprehensive documentation for Pathway Student Visa applications:
Personal documentation:
- Valid passport and identity proof
- Medical certificates proving good health (Health Waiver required if you have medical conditions)
- Police certificates in English proving good character (Character waiver or Special Direction may be required for character issues)
Education and pathway planning:
- Letter of support from your pathway education provider confirming their participation in the pilot programme (joint letter if studying with multiple providers)
- Separate offer of placement from each pathway education provider
- Your complete pathway education plan showing all three courses
- Course information including schedules and holiday periods
- Evidence that any practical work is a mandatory course requirement
Financial proof:
- Evidence of funds to pay for all tuition fees
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses in New Zealand
- Ticket to leave New Zealand after completing your pathway plan, or proof of funds/sponsorship for onward travel
- Medical and travel insurance for your entire stay
Academic standing:
- Proof of regular attendance and passing grades in your current/previous courses
- Legitimate reasons for any absences (if applicable)
The requirements are extensive and vary depending on your circumstances. Licensed advisers can assess your situation and ensure your application includes everything Immigration New Zealand needs to see.
Book a free consultation to discuss your pathway education plan.
03. How long can you stay?
A Pathway Student Visa allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to five years; long enough to complete your entire pathway education plan. You can take up to three courses consecutively without needing separate student visas between each course.
Work rights: You can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during scheduled holidays. If you’re 16 or 17 years old (or in Year 12 or 13 of secondary school), you’ll need written permission to work.
Family members: Your partner and dependent children cannot be included in your Pathway Student Visa application, but they can apply for their own visas based on their relationship to you.
Progression requirements: To continue staying in New Zealand after finishing your first course, you must meet the prerequisites for the second and third courses listed on your pathway plan.
Age restrictions: Children under 9 years old must live with their parents, legal guardians, or in an NZQA-approved facility.
04. Processing times and costs
Processing time: Typically 83 days, though individual circumstances and incomplete documentation can cause delays.
Costs: The visa application cost starts at NZD$750. You will need funds for living at around NZD$20,000 per year, the means to pay your tuition fees, and health and travel insurance.
Our approach: Our licensed advisers carefully review your case before submission to identify potential issues early. This reduces the chance of rework, keeps costs manageable, and helps avoid processing delays.
No surprises: We’re upfront about what’s required, realistic timeframes, and total costs from the start.
Book a free consultation to discuss the most efficient path to securing your Pathway Student Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pathway Student Visa in New Zealand?
You can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays, helping cover living expenses while you progress through your studies. This visa is ideal for students planning to advance through multiple educational stages in New Zealand without the hassle of multiple visa applications.
Who qualifies for a Pathway Student Visa?
Other requirements include attendance records, evidence of meeting course prerequisites, and your complete pathway education plan. This visa suits students with clear academic progression goals who want to move between qualifications without reapplying for a new visa each time.
Can I work while on a Pathway Student Visa?
Gaining work experience while studying can enhance your skills and future career prospects in New Zealand, as well as being helpful for covering living expenses.
How long does it take to process a Pathway Student Visa?
Submitting a complete application with all required documentation upfront helps avoid delays. Our licensed advisers review your case thoroughly before submission to identify any potential issues early and keep your application on track.
Can family members accompany me on a Pathway Student Visa?
If you're planning to bring family members with you, book a consultationto explore the best visa options for your dependents and ensure their applications align with your study timeline and stay in New Zealand.
