A new student visa has been unveiled by the Government, and Ministers say it'll help retain and attract foreign students.

The visa will allow international students to undertake up to three consecutive study programmes, and will be valid for five years.

Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce said the pathway programme approach will make New Zealand more competitive with countries such as Australia which already offer it.

He says the new visa is an important initiative to help the Government in its goal of doubling the value of international education by 2025.