A further border class exception for 1,000 international students has been approved by the New Zealand Government for the following international students:

·       400 pilot trainees

·       300 students at degree level and above, and

·       300 students at the sub-degree level.

The students are expected to start arriving from mid-2022. The Ministry of Education will work with government agencies and the international education sector, including Universities New Zealand, Te Pūkenga, Aviation New Zealand and the PTE sector, to identify eligible students. Providers will be in touch with nominated students.

The first steps for students to do are:

·       Notify their education provider of their intention to study in New Zealand. If they are already registered with the education provider – they don’t need to do anything, the provider will reach out to them and guide them through the nomination process.

·       Do not apply for a visa with Immigration New Zealand until they hear that their nomination is confirmed by their education provider.

·       Once their education provider has confirmed the nomination, they will need to make sure they meet the above criteria to be travel ready (see travel ready check list). 

Travel Ready Checklist

Students will need to confirm they can meet the following requirements:

·       Meet all COVID-19 prevention requirements (https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-vaccination-requirement-non-citizen-travellers-new-zealand)

·       Have received the full course of an approved vaccine

·       Have evidence that they have at least NZD $20,000 annually for living costs (or NZD $1,667 for each month of study if the programme of study is less than thirty-six weeks)

·       Have evidence that they can pay for managed isolation and quarantine (providers may choose to assist students with some or all costs)

·       Can successfully book an Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) space timed to their course start date (MIQ places are not guaranteed)

·       Are ‘travel ready’ to arrive in New Zealand from about March to July 2022, including access to flight routes that easily link to New Zealand

·       Can enter NZ and complete 14 days isolation in MIQ. MIQ spaces may not align with programme start dates

·       Agree to the information being shared by government agencies to help them arrive in NZ

·       Be aware that there may be changes to In Study Work Rights and Post Study Work Rights that may be implemented at the time of their application for a visa

·       Demonstrate English competency as per the NZQA requirements.

·       Have the support of their family to travel and study in New Zealand.

Education providers will supply information to prospective students when it becomes available.

–       Source:  Ministry of Education, New Zealand