Definition of domestic and international students
Discover what it means to be a domestic or international student at the University of Waikato. Understand your status and what it means for your study journey, fees, and opportunities.
Domestic students
According to the Education Act, a domestic student is a person who is:
- a New Zealand citizen; or
- the holder of a residence class visa granted under the Immigration Act 2009 who satisfies the criteria (if any) prescribed by regulations made under subsection (2); or
- A person of a class or description of person required by the Minister, by notice in the Gazette, to be treated as if they are not international students.
For more information, please see the New Zealand Ministry of Education's definition of a Domestic student.
International students
If you hold a resident visa or a permanent resident visa, or if you're a resident or citizen of Australia, you will be considered a domestic student, and domestic fees will apply.
With a resident visa, you qualify to apply as a domestic student. However, if you wish to apply for a Student Loan to cover your fees, you'll only be eligible once you become a permanent resident and have held that status for three years or more. For more details on Student Loan eligibility, visit the StudyLink website.
If you currently hold a work visa, student visa, or visitor visa, you will be classified as an international student, and international fees will apply.