Dependent Child Student Visa: School Access for Your Children in NZ
Are you looking to enrol your children in a New Zealand school? If you’re here on a work, student, or visitor visa, your dependent children will need dependent child student visas to be able to attend primary or secondary school for more than three months. We’ll help you understand the requirements and ensure your children can continue their education while you’re in New Zealand.
01. Introduction
New Zealand is an excellent place to bring your family while you work, study, or live temporarily. Any dependent children you bring will need a Dependent Child Student Visa to attend regular primary, intermediate, or secondary school beyond 3 months.
This visa ensures your children can access New Zealand’s world-class education system and, in many cases, attend school for free just like domestic students.
Your child must be aged 19 or younger, and you must have an appropriate work or student visa that allows you to support a Dependent Child Student Visa application.
Important: Not all visa categories have provisions for Dependent Child Student Visas. Eligibility depends on your specific visa type:
If you have a work visa: Requirements vary based on your visa type. For example, if you have an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), eligibility depends on your income level and occupation. Some work visa holders must earn at least NZD $43,322.76 per year, while essential skills or religious worker visa holders may need to earn NZD $55,844 per year.
If you have a student visa: Your child may qualify if you’re enrolled in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme at a New Zealand university, or if you’re part of an approved exchange student programme with a scholarship from an approved aid programme.
Financial requirements: You must provide proof of NZD $17,000 for a full year of study or NZD $1,417 for every month your child will be in New Zealand, unless this requirement is waived based on your income or sponsorship.
If your child wants to study at tertiary level (university or polytechnic), they must apply for a fee paying student visa instead.
The eligibility requirements are complex and vary significantly by your visa type. Licensed advisers can assess your specific situation and determine the best pathway for your children’s education.
Book a free consultation to discuss your family’s options.
03. How long can your child stay?
A Dependent Child Student Visa is valid for the same length as the parent’s visa. Once approved, your child can attend primary, intermediate, or secondary school anywhere in New Zealand. In many cases, they’ll be treated as domestic students and won’t have to pay tuition fees.
04. Can your child work?
Work rights depend on your child’s age and school year. Children under 16 cannot work in New Zealand. If your child is in Year 12 or 13 (final two years of secondary school), they may be able to work with appropriate permissions, but you should check the specific conditions on their visa.
Children under 18 will need written permission from their school and parents or legal guardians before starting work.
05. Processing times and costs
Processing times vary based on your immigration status and whether additional assessments (such as health or character waivers) are required. Individual circumstances can also affect processing speed.
Don’t risk delays or rejection that could interrupt your child’s education. Our licensed advisers have extensive experience with Dependent Child Student Visa applications across all visa categories and can identify the most efficient pathway for your situation.
No surprises: We’re transparent about costs, realistic timeframes, and requirements from the start, so you can plan your family’s move with confidence.
Book a free consultation to secure your children’s educational future in New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Dependent Child Student Visa in New Zealand?
Eligibility depends on your visa type and meeting specific income or scholarship requirements. Our licensed advisers can assess whether your children qualify and guide you through the application process.
What is the processing time for a Dependent Child Student Visa?
Submitting a complete, accurate application from the start reduces the risk of delays. Our advisers thoroughly review your documentation before submission to ensure everything meets Immigration New Zealand's requirements.
Who is eligible for a Dependent Child Student Visa?
Eligibility varies significantly by visa type; some work visas require minimum earnings of NZD $43,322 to $55,844 per year, while student visa holders typically need to be PhD students or in approved exchange programmes. Book a consultation to find out if your children qualify based on your specific visa.
What documents are required for a Dependent Child Student Visa?
You may also need to provide passport photos, medical certificates, and police certificates depending on your child's age and circumstances. Our advisers ensure your documentation is complete and properly formatted before submission, reducing the risk of delays or requests for additional information.
Can dependent children study as domestic students in New Zealand?
Getting this visa right is essential to access these benefits. Our licensed advisers guide families through the application requirements to ensure your children can attend school without paying international student fees.
