The following is a brief guide only and is offered in good faith. For accurate details of a child's right to attend school in New Zealand call The Immigration Service at 9144100 - ext 6

If a family is coming to New Zealand on a Work Permit to arrange Student Visas and Student Permits before, or on, entry to New Zealand. The Immigration Service warns that it may take between one day and sixty days for Student Permits to be issued after entry.

The following students should have access to a State-funded education in New Zealand, up to and including the year they turn 19 years of age:

· Students who are NZ Citizens
· Citizens of the Cook Islands
· Holders of an Australian Passport
· Students who have NZ Permanent Residence
· Dependent children of a holder of a current NZ Work Permit, provided the children have student permits
· Children who have Refugee status

It should be noted that the status of a parent does not automatically guarantee access to State-funded education; for example, the child of a Permanent Resident does not qualify unless the child is also a Permanent Resident.

All foreign students must bring to their enrolment interview their own passport as well as the passport of their parent or guardian. Any student who is not a permanent resident or a citizen of New Zealand must have a current student visa and permit at enrolment. This is best arranged on entry to New Zealand and, on request, should be granted automatically to the children of a parent who holds a work permit.