As a country with all universities ranked in the top 500 globally (according to QS World University Rankings 2025), New Zealand offers many scholarship opportunities and talent-attracting policies for Vietnamese students. It also allows international students to bring their families along!
This advantage enables students to maintain connections with their families while studying, while their family experiences life in a developed country. But how can you bring your family to New Zealand for your studies? Follow along with IMMI Centre in the article below!
How does Studying in New Zealand with Family Work?
Studying in New Zealand with family means that while studying, living, and working in New Zealand, international students can sponsor their spouse and children to join them. Moreover, family members enjoy benefits such as the ability to work, start a business, and more.
With excellent support policies for international students, an open job market, and strong support for those with families, New Zealand graduates find employment within two years in most cases.
Programs for Studying in New Zealand with Family
You can study in New Zealand and bring your family if you qualify for programs from Level 7 and above or as a parent accompanying a child as a guardian. Under these two categories, you and your family can live together in New Zealand during your studies:
1. For Level 7 and Above Programs
Students studying programs at Level 7 and above, such as Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate programs, can sponsor their spouse and children. In this case, your spouse can apply for a work visa, and your children can attend public schools with domestic student rights.
2. Studying Under the Parent-as-Guardian Program
According to New Zealand Immigration regulations, the guardian program applies to international students aged 6-17 who require a guardian. For Vietnamese students, parents typically choose this program for children under 12-13 to support them in their studies and adjustment.
The guardian program helps young students feel less isolated when adapting to a new environment. Having a parent close by not only helps them feel more secure but also aids in easier adjustment to life in New Zealand, boosting integration into the local community and education system.
Requirements for Studying in New Zealand with Family
1. For Level 7 and Above Programs
The Partner Visa allows international students in New Zealand to sponsor their spouse or fiancé to live and work together. You can apply for the Partner Visa while in New Zealand or from your home country when applying for a student visa. To qualify, you must prove your relationship to Immigration New Zealand through the following criteria:
Your relationship must be voluntary, stable, and long-term, with evidence to show it is genuine.
Your partner must be at least 18 years old (or have parental or guardian consent if under 18).
New Zealand recognizes all legal relationships, whether same-sex or opposite-sex, for the Partner Visa.
Additionally, you must provide documents to prove the relationship. Immigration will assess based on:
How long you have known each other and lived together
Shared documents, like joint credit cards, lease or property ownership, or shared bank accounts
Shared responsibilities in life
Evidence of long-term commitments
Shared assets or responsibilities support the application
Having children together strengthens the authenticity of the relationship
Testimonials from friends or family about your relationship may also be considered
2. Studying Under the Parent-as-Guardian Program
Requirements for a guardian:
The guardian must live with and care for the student during their study period in New Zealand.
Guardians may apply for part-time work or study permissions from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Guardians are ineligible for student or work visas (Accredited Employer Work Visa, Specific Purpose or Event Work Visa).
Guardians must legally have the right to care for the student, possess a good health and character record, and have a positive immigration history.
Proof of sufficient finances to support life in New Zealand is required.
Eligible Study Levels for Bringing Family
For students enrolling in Level 7 and higher programs per the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), the specific eligible levels are:
Level | Qualification |
Level 7 | - Bachelor’s Degree |
- Graduate Certificate | |
- Graduate Diploma | |
Level 8 | - Bachelor Honours Degree |
- Postgraduate Certificate | |
- Postgraduate Diploma | |
Level 9 | Master’s Degree |
Level 10 | PhD |
***Benefits and Considerations
For Level 7 and Level 8 programs, ensure the course is on the Green List—New Zealand’s priority occupation list—or meets requirements for the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV).
Students can help their spouses apply for a work visa depending on the course level, enabling spouses to support children’s visa applications.
For Master’s and Doctoral students, spouses qualify for an Open Work Visa, allowing them to work freely without needing a job offer. For those with a Post Study Work Visa, spouses also qualify.
For non-degree Level 7 programs or lower (e.g., Graduate Diploma Level 7, Diploma Levels 5 or 6, Certificate), spouses must work in relevant fields to qualify for a work visa.
Spouses with work visas can bring children eligible for free education as domestic students in New Zealand public schools.
Advantages of Studying in New Zealand with Family
For the student:
Family reunification alleviates emotional strain during studies.
Opportunity to expand social and professional networks in a diverse environment.
Post-graduation options to work, pursue permanent residency, or settle.
For family members:
Spouses receive full-time work visas for high-quality employment.
Children have access to free schooling from primary to secondary school. Children aged 5-18 can attend public schools in New Zealand.
Guardians under the parent-as-guardian program may be introduced to jobs with a minimum wage of NZD 15.25/hour.
Top Educational Institutions in New Zealand
Top institutions meeting the level criteria for international students bringing family include:
Victoria University of Wellington
Lincoln University
The University of Auckland
Massey University
Auckland University of Technology
University of Otago
There are many other universities and private institutions in New Zealand offering programs for students wishing to study with family. Contact IMMI Centre for detailed consultation.
FAQs
How long does the New Zealand Family Visa processing take? Processing times are generally efficient, with most applications resolved within 18 months, often faster.
Are there restrictions on the spouse’s (partner’s) Work Visa? Spouses or partners with a Work Visa can work in any field and for any employer, provided the job is legal in New Zealand.
What costs should you prepare for when studying in New Zealand with family? Ensure you have sufficient funds to support your family, covering:
Visas for all family members
Airfare
Accommodation
Insurance
Living expenses
Childcare fees and school tuition for international schools
With a top-tier education system, supportive policies, and a welcoming environment, New Zealand provides opportunities not only for students but for their families to learn, work, and grow together. Contact IMMI Centre now to make IMMI Centre your partner in fulfilling your and your family’s dream of studying in New Zealand!
Contact Information
Vietnam Office
8th Floor, 92 Yen The, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, HCMC
Hotline: +84 364 183 784
Sydney Office
Level 1, 4 Railway Parade, Burwood, NSW 2134
Hotline: +61 2 9715 4752
Perth Office
Level 1, 162 Grand Boulevard, Joondalup WA 6027
Hotline: +61 8 6145 4029
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