Improvements to the Pathway Student Visa
The Government is making new changes to the Pathway Student Visa (PSV) to give international students more flexibility in their study plans, including options for secondary school students, study pathways at lower levels, and more time for English language studies.
Key points
- ✓From 20 July 2026, secondary school students (Years 12 and 13) will not need to name an exact tertiary course when applying — just the qualification level and education provider.
- ✓The PSV will now support study pathways at NZQCF levels 1 to 4, including English language study, foundation programmes, and vocational certificates.
- ✓Some first-time PSV holders moving to NZQCF levels 1 to 8 can spend up to 30 weeks studying English, increased from 20 weeks.
- ✓Changes support the Government's International Education Going for Growth work to make the PSV easier to understand and maintain New Zealand's attractiveness as a study destination.
The Pathway Student Visa (PSV) lets international students study more than one 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.
From Monday 20 July 2026, secondary school students (Years 12 and 13) 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 will be able to use the PSV for study pathways that lead to, or move between, the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) levels 1 to 4. This includes English language study, foundation programmes, and vocational certificates.
Some first-time PSV holders moving to NZQCF levels 1 to 8 will 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, including making the PSV easier to understand and helping maintain New Zealand's attractiveness as a study destination.
Information on this page is for general guidance only. Always refer to Immigration New Zealand for authoritative requirements.
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