Renewing your student visa

You must have a valid student visa for the full length of your study. Find out what to do when your visa is about to expire.

You can renew your visa through the Immigration New Zealand website. When you apply, make sure the following details are correct:

your education provider: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
programme of study (qualification)
study location.

If you want to change your programme of study, email international-support@vuw.ac.nz before you apply. Your visa may need to be updated first.

Apply online

How to renew your visa

Re-enrol

To renew your student visa, you must be enrolled in full-time study for a full year:

Bachelor’s and Master’s (coursework)—45 points or three courses per trimester (unless you're in your final trimester).
PhD, Master’s by thesis, and professional doctorate—full-time enrolment as approved by your supervisor and the Faculty of Graduate Research.

Pay your fees

Immigration New Zealand requires you to pay tuition for a full academic year or for your entire programme—whichever is shorter.

Once your enrolment and payment are confirmed, you’ll receive:

Confirmation of study (your Offer of Place).
Fees Assessment (proof of payment).

Prepare your documents

You’ll need to upload PDF versions of these documents in your online visa application:

Bachelor's and Master's (coursework degree students)

confirmation of study
fees assessment
student records (potted history) from Pūaha
proof of living costs: $20,000 NZD per year, or $1,667 NZD per month if you're studying for less than a year
proof of funds for return travel (estimate ticket costs)
medical certificate and/or chest x-ray (if required)
police certificate (if required).

PhD, Master's by thesis (thesis and research degree students)

confirmation of study
fees assessment
Candidate Development Plan (CDP) report or academic progress letter from your supervisor
a letter from FGR confirming your expected submission date
proof of living costs: $20,000 NZD per year or $1,667 NZD per month if you're studying for less than a year
proof of funds for return travel (estimate ticket costs)
medical certificate and/or chest x-ray (if required)
police certificate (if required).

Find out about visa renewals on Faculty of Graduate Research's website.

Use Immigration New Zealand's Student Visa Guide.

Keep your passport valid

Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your visa’s end date. To renew your passport, contact your country’s embassy or consulate in New Zealand.

Medical and police certificates

Medical and chest x-ray certificates:

must be submitted within three months of being completed
valid for 36 months
you may need new certificates if:
- it’s been more than 36 months since your last certificate
- you’ve stayed in a high TB-risk country for three or more months.

Police certificate:

must be submitted within six months of being issued
valid for 36 months (or 24 months for exchange students)
if not in English, you must submit a translated version
required from:
- your home country
- any country where you’ve lived for five or more years since age 17.

More information

Contact us—Immigration New Zealand
Who needs an x-ray or medical examination—Immigration New Zealand
Police certificates—Immigration New Zealand

Changing visa status or need help?

If your visa changes to a visitor visa or work visa during your studies, you need to let us know.

If you're granted residency or permanent residency, contact us right away. This could affect your Studentsafe Inbound University insurance and any medical claims.

If you have questions, email us or visit us in person. Our office is at Level 4, Hunter Building, Kelburn Parade.