Can I Travel to NZ with an Australian Student Visa?

"Traveling to New Zealand on an Australian Student Visa

1. Leaving Australia Temporarily

Yes, you can leave Australia and travel to another country — including New Zealand — if your Australian student visa has a valid “multiple entry” condition.

Most Australian student visas are multiple-entry, meaning you can leave and re-enter freely while your visa is valid.

Check your visa grant notice for the line that says:

“Travel: Multiple entries permitted.”

If it says this, you’re good to go.

???? 2. Re-Entering Australia

You can re-enter Australia on the same student visa as long as:

The visa is still valid (not expired), and

You still meet the conditions (e.g., remain enrolled, have valid health insurance, and meet financial requirements).

When you return:

You’ll pass through immigration as a student visa holder, not a tourist.

Make sure to carry your enrolment confirmation (CoE) and OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) proof — officers can request these.

???????? 3. Entering New Zealand

Your Australian visa does not grant entry to New Zealand — the two countries have separate visa systems.

However, depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for visa-free entry or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

Indian citizens: must apply for a New Zealand visitor visa in advance.

Citizens of visa-waiver countries (e.g., the US, UK, Canada, Japan) can apply online for an NZeTA, valid for short visits (up to 3 months).

???? 4. Practical Travel Example

You’re an Indian student in Melbourne with a valid student visa until 2026.

You plan a 10-day trip to New Zealand during semester break.

✅ Apply for a New Zealand visitor visa.

✅ Leave Australia and return before your student visa expires.

✅ Carry your CoE, OSHC, and passport on return.

You can re-enter Australia without reapplying for the visa.

⚠️ 5. Important Tips

Always confirm your travel rights on your visa grant letter before flying.

If your visa is “single entry only”, you’ll need to apply for a new student visa to return — though this is rare.

Ensure your passport remains valid for your entire trip and visa period.

✅ In summary:

You can travel to New Zealand and re-enter Australia on the same student visa as long as it allows multiple entries and remains valid.

Just remember — you’ll need a separate visa (or NZeTA) for New Zealand itself."