New Zealand Border exceptions for a small number of international students with visas

The New Zealand Government has established a new category that will allow 250 international PhD and postgraduate students to enter New Zealand and continue their studies, in the latest set of border exceptions.

The exception today is a balanced decision that recognises the vital role international education will play in the recovery and rebuild of New Zealand and the need to continue the fight against the pandemic.  It will enable us to welcome back a good portion of those PhD and Masters students who are caught off-shore, and who need to be in New Zealand to complete their work.

These are students who hold or held a visa for 2020, and whose long-term commitment to study here was disrupted by COVID-19. Priority will be given first to those who need to be in the country for the practical components of their research and study. The first students are likely to arrive November 2020, with the majority arriving in the new year.

The number of international students we are granting exceptions for is a very small proportion compared to the numbers we are used to.  I acknowledge that other international education providers, such as schools and Private Training Establishments, will be disappointed that their students are not a part of this border exception group.

Find more information on the New Zealand Government web site here, or write to StudyNewZealand EU <- click for e-mail

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