Language courses in New Zealand: how to choose a programme and city

Programme and length

Compare learning goals, teaching hours, group size, fees, accommodation and refund terms. Check the provider’s status and participation in the Code of Practice.

Visitor Visa can permit up to three months of study. For a longer course, check English Language Student Visa and the offer-of-place requirements.

Source: Visitor Visa » Immigration New Zealand (checked 2026-10-15); English Language Student Visa » Immigration New Zealand (checked 2026-10-15).

Two routes to part-time work

One route requires full-time study of at least 24 teaching weeks, an accepted English result no more than two years old and the other INZ conditions. The IELTS example is overall 5.0, rather than the AEWV score.

The other route requires at least 14 consecutive weeks of full-time English at a university or NZQA Category 1 provider. The INZ conditions and your eVisa still apply; paying for a course is not work permission.

Source: Working on a student visa :: Immigration New Zealand (checked 2026-10-15); U13.15 Work conditions for students enrolled at a tertiary institution or private training establishment (checked 2026-10-15).

Hours, funds and insurance

An eligible visa may allow up to 25 hours a week. A visa still stating 20 hours needs an approved change first.

Applicable language-student living funds are NZ$20,000 per year or NZ$1,667 per month for a shorter course. Tuition, outward travel and insurance are separate. Future earnings do not replace funding evidence.

Source: Student fund requirements :: Immigration New Zealand (checked 2026-10-15); Working on a student visa :: Immigration New Zealand (checked 2026-10-15).

After the course

Pure English study is not by itself an eligible Post-Study Work Visa qualification, and does not guarantee work or residence.

If you plan further education, check admission, the next visa and qualification requirements separately before making non-refundable payments.

Source: Post-Study Work Visa » Immigration New Zealand (checked 2026-10-15).

Related reading

• Study in New Zealand: education options, preparation and relocation plan
• Cost of living in New Zealand: rent, groceries, transport and first-month budget
• Where to live in New Zealand: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and other cities

FAQ

Does any English course give work rights?

A language course does not itself give work rights. Check Visitor Visa conditions for short study and English Language Student Visa for a longer programme. Part-time work depends on the programme and your visa conditions. Check the provider, course length and INZ work rules before paying.