From April 2021, up to 1,000 priority returning degree and post-graduate international students and their families will be able to return to New Zealand to continue their studies.
The Ministry of Education will determine criteria for distributing the cohort. Places will not be restricted to universities. Students can also return to their studies at institutes of technology and polytechnics, wānanga or private training establishments.
Eligible students will have already completed some of their study in New Zealand but were unable to return to New Zealand due to the border restrictions.
International students entering New Zealand under this exception are required to apply for and be granted a new student visa in line with immigration requirements. Successful applicants will be required to complete standard Managed Isolation and Quarantine. They will need to book their space through the allocation system and are liable for the standard charges for managed isolation.
Due to employment pressures as a result of COVID-19 and increased living costs, eligible students will need to prove that they have $20,000 per annum to support themselves for the duration of their visa, as well as additional funds to pay for Managed Isolation and Quarantine.
Partners and dependent children of nominated students may be included in applications, in line with current visa requirements.
The Government has previously approved a border exception for up to 250 PhD and post-graduate international students.