Free education for Children
Free Public School Education
In New Zealand, when a parent holds citizenship, permanent residency, or a valid work visa, their children are eligible for free public schooling from Year 1 to Year 13. For families pursuing long-term study abroad in New Zealand, one parent may study while the accompanying spouse obtains a work visa. Through this work visa, dependent children can attend public schools free of charge. This pathway allows families to reduce early study abroad education costs and may also provide an opportunity to pursue New Zealand permanent residency in the future.
Partner work visa eligibility while studying
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While studying Level 9 or Level 10 programmes (Master’s or Doctoral degrees)
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For enrolment in Level 7 or Level 8 qualifications on the Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL), with full-time study commencing before 7 September 2022
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When studying Level 7 or Level 8 qualifications listed on the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) eligible list or the Green List, provided the programme meets Immigration New Zealand requirements
Examples of tuition-free education for dependent children
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When one parent is enrolled in an eligible Master’s programme such as an MBA, Business Master’s, IT Master’s, or other higher-level commercial qualification, the accompanying partner may be eligible for a work visa that allows dependent children to access free public education in New Zealand
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When one parent studies a Green List bachelor’s degree (such as architectural studies, architectural science, electrical and electronics engineering, etc.), the accompanying partner may be eligible for a work visa that allows dependent children to access free public schooling in New Zealand
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When one parent studies a qualification on the Post Study Work Visa eligible list (such as a Graduate Diploma in Teaching, Primary Education, or a construction-related diploma), the accompanying partner may qualify for a work visa that allows dependent children to access free public education in New Zealand
Advantages of Free Education
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Economic benefit of long-term tuition savings when two or more dependent children access free public education in New Zealand under one visa arrangement
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Spouse is eligible for a work visa, enabling full-time employment
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Economic opportunities available during the 3-year Post-Study Work Visa period, along with continued access to free public education for dependent children
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Opportunities for career development through earning a New Zealand degree and strengthening English language skills for long-term professional growth
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Opportunity to apply for New Zealand permanent residency after gaining employment in relevant skilled industries following study in New Zealand
Recommended Programmes
- Green List programmes: Construction Engineering, Architectural Accounting, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Food Engineering, Early Childhood Education, etc.
- Master’s: Business, Accounting, IT, etc.
Free Education for Children at New Zealand Kindergartens and Preschools
New Zealand offers a program called ECE20, providing free early childhood education for children of citizens, residents, and also those of parents on work or tourist visas at New Zealand kindergartens and preschools across early learning education settings nationwide. Regardless of parents’ visa status, the New Zealand government guarantees 20 hours per week of free early childhood education, ensuring pre-primary children aged 3 to under 5 receive a minimum education level provision standard.
With pre-primary children under 5 years old, whilst residing in New Zealand, short-term visitors can experience high-quality early childhood education at New Zealand kindergartens without the burden of education costs.
What is a New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser?
The immigration adviser system, implemented from 4 May 2009, aims to protect migrants through accurate legal advice from advisers verified by the Immigration Advisors Authority under the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and to facilitate fast and efficient immigration processing through cooperation between immigration advisers and Immigration New Zealand. Therefore, when seeking immigration advice or applying for visas in New Zealand, it’s important to first verify that your adviser is a New Zealand government-licensed immigration adviser.
Licensed immigration advisers can be searched on the Immigration Advisors Authority website.
Verify New Zealand Government Licensed Immigration Adviser →
We hope you will safely pursue your study-to-immigration or immigration consultation with Education New Zealand-certified consultants who hold New Zealand government-licensed immigration adviser qualifications, and achieve your dreams in New Zealand together.
