---
title: "New Zealand English course visa: 3-month visitor study and student work hours (2026)"
description: "Immigration New Zealand rules for English study: visitor courses up to three months, when you need a student visa, Code of Practice schools, and 25-hour work conditions."
site: EnglishHubSA
language: pt
canonical: https://www.englishhubsa.com/pt/guides/new-zealand-english-student-visa
alternate_en: https://www.englishhubsa.com/en/guides/new-zealand-english-student-visa
---
# New Zealand English course visa: 3-month visitor study and student work hours (2026)

*Visa · Updated 2026-09-11*

> Immigration New Zealand lets visitor-visa holders study courses totalling up to three months. Longer English study needs a student visa from a Code of Practice provider. Visitors cannot work. Some full-time English students on a student visa can work up to 25 hours a week if the course meets the 14-week Category 1 rule or the 24-week test-score rule. Apply about three months ahead.

![Cape Town coastline with Table Mountain rising behind the city](https://www.englishhubsa.com/assets/hero-cape-town-8w-z6Bs6.jpg)

## When a New Zealand English course needs no student visa

Immigration New Zealand says you do not need a student visa for a short course of less than 3 months if you already hold a visitor, work, or student visa. The visitor guide caps study at a total of three months in each 12-month period the visitor visa is valid. A 16-week English course needs a student visa. Visitors cannot work.

## Student visa documents for a longer English course

Enrol with a provider that is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. Get an offer of place, proof of funds, and health and character evidence. Immigration New Zealand recommends applying 3 months before travel and allowing at least 8 weeks to process. Confirm the course is approved to take overseas students.

## English-language student work hours in New Zealand

From 3 November 2025, eligible student visas can allow 25 hours of work a week. English students qualify only if the course is full-time and meets published tests. One path is at least 14 consecutive weeks at a university or NZQA Category 1 provider. Another is at least 24 teaching weeks with an acceptable English test no more than 2 years old, such as IELTS overall 5.0. Read the conditions on your eVisa.

## Research checklist before you book Auckland or Queenstown

Ask whether the provider is a Code signatory and, for work rights, whether it is Category 1. Get course weeks in writing, not marketing months. Price Auckland rent without wages. New Zealand is a strong native-English option and an expensive, long-haul one from Europe, Africa, and much of Asia.

## Cape Town as a cheaper alternative to New Zealand English

Cape Town usually costs less than Auckland for a 3–12 month immersion because rand pricing undercuts New Zealand tuition and rent. EnglishHubSA's cost guide puts Cape Town living costs, excluding tuition, around USD 700–1,100 a month. New Zealand can beat Cape Town on work hours if you meet the 14-week or 24-week tests. Cape Town's limits are neighbourhood safety and weaker language-visa work rights.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I work in New Zealand on a visitor visa while I study English?

No. Immigration New Zealand's visitor guide states a visitor visa does not allow you to work.

### Do all English students get 25 hours of work?

No. Work is a visa condition. Full-time English study must meet the 14-week Category 1 path or the 24-week test-score path. Check the eVisa.

### What is the Code of Practice?

New Zealand providers that enrol international students must be signatories to the Ministry of Education Code of Practice for pastoral care. Ask the school to confirm in writing.

### Where do I confirm the current New Zealand rule?

Use immigration.govt.nz pages 'Visas for studying in New Zealand' and 'Working on a student visa', plus visitor guide INZ 1018.