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 will renew your visa through the Immigration New Zealand website. When you apply, make sure the following details are correct:
- 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.
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 are 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: NZ$20,000 per year or NZ$1,667 per month if 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: NZ$20,000 per year or NZ$1,667 per month if 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 3 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 3 months of being completed
- are valid for 36 months
- you may need new ones if:
- it’s been more than 36 months since your last certificate
- you’ve stayed in a high TB-risk country for 3 or more months.
Police certificate:
- must be submitted within 6 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 tell us.
If you're granted residency or permanent residency, contact us right away. This could affect your Studentsafe Inbound University insurance and medical claims.
If you have questions, email or visit us. Our office is at Level 4, Hunter Building, Kelburn Parade.