Vanuatu student visas restrict work and require proof of living costs

Check the study conditions before accepting outside work

Vanuatu’s Immigration Department says a student visa does not permit employment or business activities unrelated to the holder’s study programme. Its Study page also says students cannot change their visa status under that route. This current guide, checked on 2 November, explains existing conditions rather than announcing a new restriction.

The Study page describes a temporary route for private or self-sponsored students undertaking secondary, tertiary or technical education. It requires written advice from the institution confirming enrolment and says applicants should be outside Vanuatu when applying. Students must continue their programme and notify the Director in writing if they intend to change it. Eligible family members may accompany them for the same period. Because the page refers both to a period of up to one year and to programme-based validity, confirm the exact expiry on the granted visa instead of assuming the entire degree is covered.

Prepare financial evidence and arrangements for children

The Department’s detailed Student Visa checklist requires evidence of funds or income of at least VUV 40,000 per applicant per month. It separately requires a security deposit equivalent to an air ticket, including airport taxes, to the applicant’s country of nationality or another country where that person can reside. A household should therefore budget for each accompanying applicant rather than treat the published monthly amount as a single family allowance.

That checklist also requests passport evidence, two named passport photographs, enrolment evidence and medical examination results for adults. For a child under 18 living without a parent or legal guardian, it requires parental or guardian consent and an adult host who is a Vanuatu citizen or holds permission covering the stay. The host must undertake responsibility for accommodation, food and welfare. Use this checklist to organise the evidence with the institution before booking travel; it does not publish a guaranteed decision deadline.

Resolve the published fee discrepancy before paying

The two official webpages disagree on charges. The Study page lists VUV 5,150 for applicants under 18 and VUV 15,450 for adults. The detailed checklist instead lists VUV 2,880 and VUV 14,400. Neither should be silently presented as the confirmed payable rate. Ask Immigration for written confirmation of the current amount, payment method and any exemption before sending money. These are per-applicant charges, separate from tuition, living funds and the security deposit.

Check approval to teach the particular course

The Vanuatu Qualifications Authority’s Approval to Deliver resource explains that a registered institution needs approval to deliver the specific accredited course. Accreditation and the provider’s registration alone do not establish that final teaching approval. The assessment examines the provider’s plans, resources, processes and staff for delivering that programme.

Use the Authority’s dedicated approval page and linked guidance to ask the institution which course-specific approval covers the offered place. This is the provider’s quality-assurance responsibility, not another immigration application for the student to submit. The Authority says a VQA-endorsed qualification requires study at a registered provider, completion of an accredited course and the provider’s approval to deliver it. A proposed international move should be based on that complete education position as well as the immigration decision; permission to enter cannot cure a missing teaching approval.

Match the course to the student’s existing qualifications

The Authority’s Choosing the Right Course guide adds a practical check before tuition is paid. It asks learners to identify their intended occupation, existing qualifications and skills, and whether they meet the course’s entry requirements. It also asks them to check the provider’s location and the course’s cost, including whether scholarship support is available.

Use that guide’s links to registered providers and accredited courses to check the exact institution and programme, rather than rely only on an agent’s advertisement. A course choice should fit the learner’s prior education and the place where study will actually occur. The guide does not grant an individual scholarship, approve a visa or authorise outside work. Take admissions and recognition questions to the institution and Authority, while asking Immigration to resolve the conflicting charges before travel.