New Zealand’s Pathway Student Visa allows international students to study up to three courses one after another on a single visa.

Eligible students can remain in the country for up to five years, depending on the length of their approved study plan.

Applicants must have an offer from an approved pathway education provider and show that they can cover tuition fees and living costs, either through personal funds, a sponsor or a scholarship.

The visa currently costs from NZD $750, and most applications are processed within eight weeks.

Under the visa, students can complete their planned qualification pathway and take a break of up to 16 weeks between programmes. They may also work up to 25 hours a week while studying, depending on their course, and work full-time during holidays where permitted.

Holders of the visa can travel in and out of New Zealand while it remains valid. Those moving to a second or third course must meet the entry requirements for those programmes to stay under the same visa.

Applicants need full medical and travel insurance, must meet health and character standards, and show they plan to leave when the visa expires. The study pathway must be clearly set out in a letter of support from the education provider, and applications can only be submitted online.

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