Improvements to the Pathway Student Visa

The Government is making new changes to the Pathway Student Visa (PSV). This will give international students more flexibility in their study plans.

The PSV lets international students study more than 1 course on the same visa, as long as the courses are part of a planned study pathway. For example, a student might move from school or English language study into further higher-level study.

The current visa works well for students with clear study plans. These changes will give more flexibility to students planning their studies, especially those whose plans become clearer over time. This includes:

• more options for secondary school students
• more study pathways at lower levels, and
• more time to complete English language studies.

Together, these changes mean students can keep their options open for longer and choose from a wider range of study pathways.

What's changing

From Monday 20 July, there will be changes to the Pathway Student Visa.

• The PSV will provide more flexibility for secondary school students (Years 12 and 13). Students will not need to name an exact tertiary course when they apply. They will need to confirm the qualification level they plan to study, and which education provider they intend to study with.
• The PSV will provide more study pathways at lower levels. Students can now use the PSV for study pathways that lead to, or move between, NZQCF Levels 1-4. This includes English language study, foundation programmes, and vocational certificates)
• The PSV will provide more time to complete English language study. Some first-time PSV holders moving to NZQCF Levels 1-8 will now be able to spend up to 30 weeks studying English before starting their next qualification. This is an increase from 20 weeks.

These changes support the Government's International Education Going for Growth work. This includes making the PSV easier to understand and helping maintain New Zealand's attractiveness as a study destination.

All international students still need to meet the Pathway Student Visa requirements, including:

• health and character requirements, and
• showing that they are genuine students.

More information about the visa

For more information on the Pathway Student Visa, visit: Pathway Student Visa