New Zealand has a well-regarded education system with a strong focus on academic excellence, research, and practical learning. Many institutions also have strong links with industries, providing students with opportunities for internships and practical experience. New Zealand offers a wide range of study options across various disciplines.
Steps to Apply for a Visa in New Zealand
Determine the type of visa you need
Visit the New Zealand Immigration website (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/). Check the visa tool or visa type section. There are various categories such as visitor visas, work visas, student visas, and more.
Gather the required documents
Once you have identified the visa category, check the specific requirements for that visa type. One needs to provide a valid passport, application forms, proof of funds, evidence of travel plans or accommodation, and other supporting documents.
Create an account on the New Zealand Immigration website
Create an account on the New Zealand Immigration website. This account will allow you to submit an online application, track the progress of your application, and receive updates from the immigration authorities.
Complete the application form
Fill out the visa application form accurately and provide all the necessary information.
Pay the application fee
Most visa applications require a fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and your country of residence. The fee can be paid online using a credit or debit card.
Submit your application
Submit your completed application and pay the required fee through the portal.
Biometrics and medical examination (if required)
Depending on your nationality and the type of visa you're applying for, you may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at a Visa Application Center or provide a medical certificate from an approved panel physician.
Wait for a decision
After submitting your application, you'll need to wait for the immigration authorities to process it. The processing time depends on the type of visa and other factors. You can check the estimated processing times on the official immigration website.
Decision and notification
Once a decision has been made on your visa application, you will be notified through the contact details provided in your application. If approved, you may receive an electronic visa label or a physical visa sticker in your passport.
Travel to New Zealand
If your visa is approved, you can make your travel arrangements and ensure that you have all the necessary documents, such as your passport and visa approval letter, before departing for New Zealand.
Qualification for a Student Visa
An international student must meet the following requirements to enter New Zealand on a student visa:
- The applicant's offer letter for a course approved by the Ministry of Education of New Zealand or NZQA must have been confirmed.
- To stay in New Zealand to study, candidates must provide proof of around INR 8,00,000 per year.
- To maintain one's standard of living in New Zealand, an applicant must have NZD 1250 per month.
- A trip to somewhere other than New Zealand to demonstrate that the applicant genuinely has the funds necessary to study and live in New Zealand.
Cost of Visa Application
Students who are submitting their Student Visa Application online are required to pay a base Visa fee of NZD 375 which is INR 19,200 (approximately). Candidates who are applying for their Student Visa online from New Delhi are required to pay NZD 430 which is INR 22,000 (approximately) as the receiving centre fees (New Delhi).
Those applying for a student visa in New Zealand on paper (offline mode) should note that the immigration costs would be INR 22,600, in addition to these students are required to pay a receiving Centre fee of INR 1,520. Applicants are still required to check the official website before applying for the exact amount charged. New Zealand student visas for Indians would cost around INR 24,000 for an offline application.
Documents Required for a New Zealand Student Visa
Candidates willing to apply for a New Zealand visa for their further studies must have the following documents for the visa application process:
Valid Passport
A valid passport should necessarily be there for students. The validity of the passport should last at least a few months after the period of stay in New Zealand.
Application form
INZ 1012 should be filled completely.
Application fee payment receipt
The fees mentioned should be paid while applying for a visa.
Offer letter from university
You need to have an offer of a place from a New Zealand institute/university. The forms are usually issued after the tuition fees have been received.
Health insurance receipt
You may be required to show Health and Character certificates, to prove that your intention of staying in New Zealand is genuine. The insurance should cover any medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation expenses.
2 passport size photographs
You may be required to provide recent passport-sized photographs as per the specifications provided by the New Zealand Immigration authorities.
Character documents
You will need to provide police clearance certificates or similar documents from your home country and any other country where you have lived for a significant period. This is to demonstrate your good character and that you do not pose any security or criminal concerns.
Other documents
Other documents include transcripts, diplomas, degree and certificates from schools and colleges one has attended. Test scores of TOEFL, GRE, GMAT is required.
Scholarships for Students Studying in New-Zealand
- New Zealand Scholarships
- University Scholarships
- New Zealand Development Scholarships
- Fulbright New Zealand Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- Industry-Specific Scholarships
For further assistance or queries, students can contact us, Edwise International and avail our wide range of services for students on destinations like study in UK, study in USA, study in Canada, study in Australia, study in Singapore, study in New-Zealand, study in Ireland, study in Germany, study in France and many other countries.
FAQs - New Zealand Student Visa
Is it easy to get a student visa in New Zealand?
Provided you fulfill the standard prerequisites (location offer, finances, health/character checks), acquiring a New Zealand student visa is usually clear-cut, with approximately 50–90% of applications processed within 2–7 weeks, although it’s best to apply for student visa New Zealand at least three months prior to the start of the course to avoid delays.
Can I get PR if I study in New Zealand?
Yes, studying in New Zealand can result in permanent residency (PR), although there are some additional requirements. Students, post completing a Level 7 or higher qualification, can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, enabling them to work in the country for a maximum of 3 years. Acquiring pertinent professional experience during this period can increase students’ eligibility for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, a common pathway to PR. Nevertheless, fulfilling standards pertaining to professional experience, job-offer, age, points, health, and character is necessary to acquire PR.
How much does a New Zealand student visa cost?
As of October 1, 2024, for overseas fee-paying students, applying for a student visa New Zealand cost NZD 750- raised from NZD 375 previously.
Can I work more than 20 hours on a student visa in NZ?
Students holding a student visa NZ are permitted to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic term, nevertheless they are allowed to work full-time during designated breaks and holidays, with PhD or research-Master’s students having no time constraints.
How much IELTS score is required for a New Zealand student visa?
For a study visa in New Zealand, an overall IELTS score of 6.0 or higher, with no band less than 5.5 for undergraduate programs, and 6.5 or higher for postgraduate programs is required by the majority of institutions.
What are the key requirements to apply for a New Zealand student visa?
The typical New Zealand student visa requirements are:
The student needs to hold an offer of admission from an accredited educational institution as well as provide evidence of adequate finances to pay for tuition fees and living costs. The student also needs to hold a valid passport, fulfill health and character requirements, and provide proof of future travel plans.
How much bank balance is needed for a New Zealand student visa?
For a New Zealand education visa, students are required to demonstrate at least NZD $20,000 annually for living expenses, as well as enough to fund their tuition costs and return travel or an additional NZD $1,000.
How long does it take to process a New Zealand student visa?
It generally takes about 20-30 working days to process a New Zealand student visa, nevertheless the duration can differ based on the application and country of origin as part of the overall New Zealand study visa process.
What documents do I need to submit for a New Zealand student visa application?
To apply for a New Zealand student visa, students generally require a valid passport, an admission offer from an accredited educational institution, evidence of adequate finances, and a return travel ticket or evidence of finances for one. They may also require medical and police certificates, as well as proof of tuition payment.
Can I extend my student visa in New Zealand after my course ends?
Yes, after the completion of their course, students can extend their student visa NZ provided they enroll in a new course and fulfill all visa prerequisites. Nevertheless, they ought to submit their application before the expiration of their current visa.
What are common reasons for a New Zealand student visa rejection?
Inadequate proof of finances, missing or inaccurate documentation, concerns regarding the candidate’s sincere intention to pursue studies, and failure to fulfill health or character prerequisites are among the common reasons for a New Zealand student visa rejection.
Can I apply for a post-study work visa after studying in New Zealand?
Yes, students who have completed a qualified degree at an accredited institution are eligible to apply for a post-study work visa in New Zealand. This visa enables them to work in the country for a maximum of 3 years, based on their credential and where they’ve studied.
