New Zealand Student Visa Guide: According to records, nearly 90,000 students apply for New Zealand student visas each academic year. Currently, the New Zealand government is aiming for a two-fold increase, i.e. 180,000. New Zealand has become a popular study-abroad place to visit in recent years, with a significant increase in its worldwide student population. This is undoubtedly due to its highly regarded educational system, lower cost of enrollment than several other top destinations, and student-friendly atmosphere.
However, lots of Indian student applications were rejected between July 2019 and February 2020. The main reason is that New Zealand’s International Education Strategy 2018-2030 has changed, emphasizing the importance of letting only students with legitimate study goals enter the country.
Major Highlights & Covid Updates:
- The New Zealand government announced that 1000 international students will be granted a border class exemption beginning in mid-2022.
- 400 pilot interns, 300 students at the sub-degree level, and 300 students at the degree level and above make up the international tertiary students.
- Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all countries’ entry to New Zealand is strictly regulated.
- New Zealand has designated Brazil, India, Pakistan, and Papua New Guinea as very high-risk countries due to the high number of covid cases.
Types of New Zealand Student Visa:
New Zealand offers various types of visas to students who are seeking admission to NZ universities. The types of New Zealand Student Visa are as follows:
| Types | Eligibility | Benefit | Duration |
| Vocational Trainee Student Visa | The candidate must be a recipient of a New Zealand Short Term Training Scholarship or Enrolled at Manukau Polytechnic | The visa allows New Zealand Short Term Training Scholarship scholars to take a training placement
It also allows shipping company professionals to study a nautical programme of study at Manukau Polytechnic And work up to 20 hours in a week |
Up to 1 year (New Zealand Short Term Training Scholarship scholars) or Duration of the program at Manukau Polytechnic |
| Pathway Student Visa | Letter of admission from a recognized university that offers a pathway programme, as well as proof of financial support | The visa allows students to take three courses in a row on a single student visa while working up to 20 hours per week. | The duration is 5 years |
| Fee-Paying Student Visa | Payment of full tuition fee and an offer letter from a recognized university in New Zealand | The visa allows students to take full-time courses at a New Zealand university while also working up to 20 hours per week. | 4 years |
| Foreign Government Sponsored Visa | Proof of government loan or scholarship covering entire tuition fees | The visa allows international students with a federal loan or scholarship to study full-time in New Zealand while working up to 20 hours per week. | 4 years |
| Exchange Student Visa | Proof of enrollment in a student exchange program | The visa allows students to enroll in a full-time exchange programme while also working up to 20 hours per week. | Up to 4 years |
Visa Requirements:
If you plan to enrol in a full-time programme or take a course that lasts longer than three months, you will need a student visa. You must have the necessary documentation on hand in order to apply for a student visa to study in New Zealand:
- An affirmation letter from a New Zealand Qualifications Authority-recognized degree-granting institution.
- Scores of the English Proficiency Test
- Proof that you have enough money to cover your tuition costs and that you have at least 15,000 NZD in your bank account to cover your rent and bills.
- A passport that is valid for up to three months after you leave New Zealand, as well as passport-size photos that are allowable.
- A copy of your return air ticket or evidence that you can finance one to your native country
- If you are under the age of 18, you must obtain a written declaration from a New Zealand institution or individual stating that you will be able to find suitable housing in New Zealand.
- It’s possible that a medical certificate and a chest x-ray will be required.
- A visitor visa will suffice for a short course of 3 or less than 3 months.
- If you’ve been accepted into an exchange programme, you’ll need to apply for a student visa and meet wellness and personality requirements for the period of stay in New Zealand.
Visa Application Process:
Candidates seeking admission to New Zealand universities are required to go through the New Zealand student visa application process. The application process to obtain the visa is a bit complex. Candidates can learn more about the student visa application process below:
- At the New Zealand Visa Immigration, create a RealMe account.
- Verify your email address using a verification link sent to you after you create a RealMe account.
- Create a new student visa application by clicking the ‘Create New Student Visa Application’ tab.
- You will be directed to a form and asked to verify if it is the correct form for you by answering a range of questions.
- Provide identification and contact information, such as a passport number and a phone number.
- Give specifics about the course you want to take in New Zealand.
- Provide information about financial assistance.
- After that, you’ll be asked to submit a medical certificate as well as a character reference.
- You will now be asked to disclose information about your education and work background.
- Upload all supporting paperwork.
- You will then be directed to a declaration page, where you must concur to the proclamation and finish the registration process.
Candidates must visit the Visa Application Centre or an Immigration New Zealand office within 20 days of completing the online visa application to submit their passport and visa processing fee of 35 NZD (non-refundable).
Candidates will be issued an e-visa within 4 weeks if their student visa application is approved; otherwise, you may contact the programme manager for more information.