The Vanuatu student visa costs 2,880 VUV for applicants under 18 and 14,400 VUV for adults aged 18 and over. It is issued by the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services for foreign nationals who plan to study at any institution in Vanuatu. The visa is granted for the exact period of the program of study, and applicants must provide an offer letter from a Vanuatu or regional institution confirming their placement.
For a complete overview of all visa categories, see our Vanuatu eVisa guide. If you need a detailed document checklist, visit our Vanuatu eVisa requirements page.
What Is the Vanuatu Student Visa?
The Vanuatu student visa is a purpose-specific entry authorization issued by the Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services. It is designed for foreign nationals who intend to pursue academic or vocational studies at an educational institution located in Vanuatu.
Key features of the Vanuatu student visa include:
- Issued under the Immigration Act no.17 of 2010, the legal framework governing all Vanuatu visa categories
- Available as a “Study” category through the official Vanuatu eVisa portal at evisa.gov.vu
- Granted for the exact duration of the program of study, not a fixed period
- Requires an offer letter from a Vanuatu institution or a regional institution confirming the applicant’s placement
- Features age-based fee categories: a reduced fee for applicants under 18 and a standard fee for adults
The Vanuatu student visa serves a distinct purpose from tourist and business visas. While tourists can visit Vanuatu visa-free from many countries, anyone enrolling in a study program must hold a valid student visa regardless of their nationality.
Vanuatu Student Visa Fees
The Vanuatu Department of Immigration and Passport Services sets student visa fees based on the applicant’s age:
| Category | Fee (VUV) | Fee (USD approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Applicants under 18 | 2,880 VUV | ~$24 USD |
| Applicants aged 18 and over | 14,400 VUV | ~$120 USD |
Important payment details:
- Payment is made directly to the government cashier by cash or check
- There is no online payment facility available for student visa fees
- Applicants who believe they are exempt from fees must provide supporting documentation to justify their exemption status
- Failure to pay the correct age-based fee may result in delays or complications in processing the visa application
The fees shown are current as published by the Vanuatu Department of Immigration at immigration.gov.vu. Exchange rates are approximate and may vary.
For the full fee breakdown across all visa types, see our Vanuatu eVisa fee guide.
Vanuatu Student Visa Requirements
Applicants for the Vanuatu student visa must provide the following documents:
Standard Requirements (All Applicants)
- Application form – available online through the immigration website
- Valid passport – with validity of more than 6 months beyond the intended stay
- Offer letter – from a Vanuatu institution or a regional institution confirming the applicant’s placement in a program of study
Additional Requirements
- Fee receipt – proof of payment to the government cashier (2,880 VUV for under 18 or 14,400 VUV for 18+)
- Supporting documentation for exemptions – if claiming fee exemption, applicants must provide evidence to support their exemption status
The offer letter is the most critical document for the student visa application. It must clearly confirm that the applicant has been accepted into a specific program of study at the institution. Without a valid offer letter, the application cannot be processed.
If any required document is missing, the application will be rejected by the Department of Immigration.
How to Apply for a Vanuatu Student Visa
The application process for the Vanuatu student visa involves the following steps:
- Obtain an offer letter from a Vanuatu institution or regional institution confirming your placement in a program of study
- Complete the application form – available online through the Vanuatu immigration website
- Pay the visa fee to the government cashier based on your age category (2,880 VUV for under 18 or 14,400 VUV for 18+) by cash or check
- Gather all required documents including passport copy, offer letter, and fee receipt
- Submit the application through the official Vanuatu eVisa portal at evisa.gov.vu under the “Study” category, or directly to the Department of Immigration
- Await the decision – the student visa will be granted according to the period of the program of study
The Department of Immigration is located at:
- Address: Kumul Highway, Tamarama Building, Port Vila, Vanuatu
- Phone: (+678) 22354
- Email: [email protected]
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Postal: Po Box 9092
For any clarification or assistance regarding visa application charges, contact the Vanuatu Immigration Department directly.
Vanuatu Student Visa Duration and Validity
The Vanuatu student visa is granted for the exact period of the program of study awarded to the student. This is a key difference from other Vanuatu visa types, which have fixed validity periods.
| Visa Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | Period of program of study |
| Tourist Visa | Up to 120 days |
| Business Single Entry | 3 months |
| Business Multiple Entry | 10 months |
| Work Visa | Varies by permit |
The student visa duration aligns with the academic calendar and program length specified in the offer letter. This means a short language course might result in a visa valid for a few months, while a full degree program could result in a visa valid for several years.
If the program of study is extended, the student may need to apply for a visa renewal or extension through the Department of Immigration.
Who Can Study in Vanuatu?
Foreign nationals of any nationality can apply for a Vanuatu student visa. The student visa is available regardless of whether the applicant’s country has a visa-free arrangement with Vanuatu for tourism purposes.
Key eligibility points:
- All nationalities are eligible to apply for a student visa
- Visa-exempt countries (including Australia, New Zealand, the US, UK, EU states, Japan, and others) allow visa-free entry for tourism only – a student visa is still required for study
- Non-exempt countries must apply in advance through the eVisa portal
- Under-18 applicants (minors) pay a reduced fee of 2,880 VUV and may require additional parental or guardian consent
- Regional institution students – the offer letter can come from a Vanuatu institution or a regional institution, expanding options for Pacific Island students
If you are entering Vanuatu on a tourist visa and wish to switch to a student visa, you may need to apply for a change of status through the Department of Immigration. Contact [email protected] for guidance on in-country visa transitions.
Student Visa vs Other Vanuatu Visas
Understanding the differences between the student visa and other Vanuatu visa categories helps applicants choose the correct visa type:
| Feature | Student Visa | Tourist Visa | Business Visa | Work Visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Study at institution | Tourism, leisure | Business activities | Employment |
| Study allowed | Yes | No | No | No |
| Business activities | No | No | Yes | Limited |
| Employment | No | No | With permit | Yes |
| Fee (adult) | 14,400 VUV | 5,150 VUV (non-exempt) | 20,000-35,000 VUV | Varies |
| Duration | Program period | 120 days | 3-10 months | Varies |
| Key document | Offer letter | Return ticket | Business letters | Work permit |
If you are traveling to Vanuatu for any purpose involving study, education, or academic research, you must apply for a student visa. For information on other visa types, see our guides on Vanuatu tourist visa, Vanuatu business visa, and Vanuatu work visa.
Studying in Vanuatu: Key Information
Vanuatu offers educational opportunities for international students in a unique Pacific Island setting. Key considerations for students include:
- Institutions – Vanuatu hosts educational institutions including campuses of regional universities such as the University of the South Pacific, as well as vocational training centers and language schools
- Location – Most institutions are located in Port Vila, the capital city on Efate island
- Language – English and French are widely spoken alongside Bislama, Vanuatu’s national language
- Cost of living – Vanuatu offers a moderate cost of living compared to Australia and New Zealand, though import costs for goods can be higher
- Climate – Tropical climate with a wet season (November-April) and dry season (May-October)
- Legal framework – All visa matters are governed by the Immigration Act no.17 of 2010, administered by the Department of Immigration and Passport Services
For official information about studying in Vanuatu, contact the Department of Immigration at [email protected] or visit the eVisa portal at evisa.gov.vu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Vanuatu student visa cost?
The Vanuatu student visa costs **2,880 VUV** (~$24 USD) for applicants under 18 years old, and **14,400 VUV** (~$120 USD) for applicants aged 18 and over. Payment is made by cash or check to the government cashier. Fee exemptions may be available with supporting documentation.
What documents do I need for a Vanuatu student visa?
You need a completed application form, a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, and an **offer letter** from a Vanuatu institution or regional institution confirming your placement in a program of study. You also need proof of fee payment to the government cashier.
How long is a Vanuatu student visa valid?
The student visa is valid for the **exact period of the program of study** specified in your offer letter. Unlike tourist visas (120 days) or business visas (3-10 months), the student visa duration is tied to your academic program length.
Can I apply for a Vanuatu student visa online?
Yes, applications can be submitted through the official Vanuatu eVisa portal at **evisa.gov.vu** under the “Study” category. The application form is also available on the immigration website at immigration.gov.vu.
Can I work in Vanuatu on a student visa?
The student visa is specifically for study purposes. If you wish to work while studying, you may need to apply for a separate work permit from the Department of Labour. Contact the Department of Immigration at [email protected] for guidance on combining study and work authorization.
Do I need an offer letter for a Vanuatu student visa?
Yes, an **offer letter** from a Vanuatu institution or a regional institution confirming your placement is a mandatory requirement. Without this letter, your student visa application cannot be processed.
Can minors apply for a Vanuatu student visa?
Yes, applicants **under 18** can apply for a student visa at a reduced fee of **2,880 VUV**. Minors may require additional parental or guardian consent documentation. Contact the Department of Immigration for specific requirements for minor applicants.
Where do I submit my Vanuatu student visa application?
Applications can be submitted online through the **evisa.gov.vu** portal or directly to the Department of Immigration and Passport Services at Kumul Highway, Tamarama Building, Port Vila, Vanuatu. For assistance, call (+678) 22354 or email [email protected].
Can I extend my Vanuatu student visa?
If your program of study is extended, you may need to apply for a visa renewal or extension through the Department of Immigration. Contact them at [email protected] for guidance on extending your student visa.
What is the legal basis for the Vanuatu student visa?
The Vanuatu student visa is issued under the **Immigration Act no.17 of 2010**, which governs all visa categories and entry requirements for Vanuatu. The Department of Immigration and Passport Services is the issuing authority for all visa types.
