your roadmap
The whole journey from Nepal to New Zealand, end to end — including the one decision, made at enrolment, that quietly sets how long you can work afterwards.
Seven stages. Note where the money moves: under Approval in Principle your tuition is paid after the visa assessment, which puts less of your family's money at risk than most destinations here.
Shortlist NZQA-approved programmes
Approval is the eligibility gate. Check your programme's qualification level now — it decides your post-study work length, and you only get that visa once.
English
Sit a test, or confirm your provider accepts an MOI letter.
Apply and get your Offer of Place
Directly to each provider; two to four is typical.
MoEST NOC
After the offer, before any remittance.
Lodge the visa online
With Immigration New Zealand, paying the application fee.
Medical, X-ray, biometrics
Panel physician in Nepal for study over 12 months, police certificate, then VFS Kathmandu.
Pay tuition, travel, settle in
Under AIP you pay once approved. Then arrival, IRD number, bank account and enrolment.
Accommodation splits along familiar lines, and the city you chose for cost reasons will shape what is available.
Halls of residence
The standard first-year option, catered or self-catered. Apply early — places are limited.
Flatting
Shared private rentals, the normal choice after first year and for postgraduates.
Homestay
Living with a local family — common for younger students and a fast way into the language and routine.
Carry in hand: passport with visa, Offer of Place, financial evidence, your NOC, medical and police certificates, accommodation details, and proof of tuition payment. New Zealand's biosecurity checks are strict — declare food, and do not bring anything agricultural.
To work and be taxed correctly: apply for an IRD number — without one you are taxed at a penalty rate
Healthcare: student health cover is normally arranged through your provider — confirm what your policy covers before you need it
Work rights: 25 hours per week in study, raised from 20 in November 2025; full-time during scheduled breaks
Then a bank account, a SIM and enrolment. Sort the IRD number early — without it you are taxed at a penalty rate, which is a pointless loss on the part-time hours you are allowed to work.
The Post Study Work Visa is granted only once per person, and its length is tied to the qualification you use it on.
This is the single most consequential thing on New Zealand's pages, and it is decided at enrolment rather than at graduation. If you are weighing a diploma now against a degree later, work out which one your post-study work visa should attach to before you commit — because you cannot re-run it.