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Who can enrol at a New Zealand school#
Every person between the ages of 5 and 19 is entitled to enrol for free education at state and state-integrated schools if they are a domestic student.
A domestic student is a:
- New Zealand citizen
- New Zealand resident (this includes Australian citizens).
See the definition of a domestic student for school and tertiary level.
Definition of a domestic student in New Zealand
Students who are not eligible to enrol as domestic students may be able to enrol as international students.
Enrolling students from overseas
Exchange students who are here in a programme approved by us are regarded as domestic students (time-bound).
Enrolment eligibility#
Schools need to make sure students who enrol are eligible to do so.
This flowchart sets out who is eligible to enrol at New Zealand schools and what to do if you are unsure.
Children without a valid visa#
Children who do not have a valid visa to be in New Zealand might be able to apply to enrol at school.
How to check if a student is eligible to enrol#
Your school is allowed to ask for documented evidence that verifies a student’s right to enrol as a domestic student.
If a student is a New Zealand citizen and there is a good reason they cannot produce a form of documentation listed in Appendix A, contact us. We can also help you with advice on how to enter these students in ENROL.
Email: [email protected]
Check a visa status#
Immigration New Zealand has an online service for your school to confirm the visa status of overseas students. The service does not confirm a student's identity.
You will need a RealMe account to use the online service, VisaView. This is explained in the guide on the Immigration New Zealand website.
Using VisaView to check if someone can study at your organisation – Immigration New Zealand
Record student categories in ENROL#
Your school must enrol and record students in the right category in ENROL. This is important for funding and audit purposes. Domestic students are funded by us through your operational funding. International students must pay to enrol at New Zealand schools.
You must record the student and their required documentation when they:
- first enrol in a New Zealand school
- move to enrol at another New Zealand school
- provide updated documents to continue their enrolment, such as new proof of eligibility.
Once a student has been recorded on ENROL there is no ongoing requirement to copy and retain their proof of entitlement to enrol.
See more information about using ENROL.
ENROL: the school student enrolment register
Your school must manage school records as required by the Public Records Act 2005.
Mōhiohio anō
More information
Contact Immigration New Zealand about visa or other immigration issues.
Information about enrolment and the documents required for enrolments can be obtained through the e-admin contact centre.
Phone: 04 463 8383
Email: [email protected]
