Benefits of studying in New Zealand have become a typical search query amongst international students who wish to study abroad. Most students have highly searched ‘what are the New Zealand study visa requirements?’. From offering the best academic education to providing a job opportunity with the best minds in the industry, New Zealand has been on the top list to consider when searching for the best study abroad countries.
Most students who wish to study in New Zealand often worry or are unaware of the New Zealand study visa requirements for Indian students. So to help understand this better, this blog covers all details related to New Zealand student visa updates to help you get started.
Types Of New Zealand Student Visa 2024
International students have various ways to apply for a New Zealand student visa. The country offers various options to choose from, such as:
|
Visa Name |
Type Of Visa |
Duration Of Visa |
|
Fee Paying Student Visa |
Full-time study visa for international students for which one needs to pay the full cost of their courses and enroll with an approved education provider |
Upto 4 years |
|
Exchange Student Visa |
International students selected for the student exchange schemes can apply for this visa and study full-time courses in a school-to-school exchange, exchange program organization scheme, or a tertiary exchange |
Upto 4 years |
|
Foreign Government Supported Student Visa |
For students having a foreign government loan or scholarship. |
Upto 4 years |
|
MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Student Visa |
For Indian students and other international students to acquire a New Zealand scholarship administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) |
Upto 4 years |
Post-Covid Updates On Study Visa NZ
When Covid-19 hit, multiple abroad study countries were impacted regarding the visa process. New Zealand was one amongst them. Thus the country has made specific changes that you should be aware of:
New Zealand has declared a five-step plan to re-open its borders and welcome international students once again. Below mentioned are some crucial points for international students to keep in mind during the New Zealand student visa application process:
- 14 March 2024 onwards, students who enter New Zealand from any other country through an existing border class exception will be able to self-isolate themselves upon arrival, rather than going through Managed Isolation and Quarantine
- 12 April 2024 onwards at 11:59 pm, the border reopens to student visa holders currently outside New Zealand, providing they still meet their visa requirements.
- July 2024 onwards, a new border class exception of up to 5,000 international students will be able to enter New Zealand
- October 2024 onwards, all visa categories will reopen, including visitor and student visas. This means that international students can plan to study in New Zealand in 2023
Note: Since the government guidelines keep changing frequently, check the New Zealand student visa update once again on official immigration websites when applying.
Read: View Latest update on NZ visa processing
General Queries On New Zealand Study Visa Process
Before you can proceed towards understanding the New Zealand study visa process, here are the general queries you should be aware of:
|
Eligibility Requirement |
Provide a place or confirmation of enrolment from an approved education provider
Have enough funds to pay your New Zealand visa fees, college/university fees, and to bear all personal expenses
|
|
Duration Of The Study Visa |
Upto 4 years |
|
English Language Requirement |
Does not set any requirements for international students |
|
What To Do In Case Visa Expires? |
Apply for another student visa or a work visa. |
|
When To Apply For New Student Visa? |
Anytime |
|
Top Perks NZ Study Visa Provides |
Study full-time courses at selected institutions as stated on your visa, which includes schools, tertiary (study after secondary school), and English language study
Work part-time jobs up to 20 hours a week while studying full-time in the holidays, depending on your visa conditions
Live an independent student life in NZ when you’re 18 |
Documents Required For NZ Student Visa Application
Before you can submit your NZ student visa application, you need to submit a set of relevant documents. Check the list below to ensure you submitted all the required ones:
- Valid passport – Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your period of stay in New Zealand
- Completed Student Visa Application Form (INZ 1012)
- Application fee payment receipt
- An offer of a place – You need to have an offer from one the universities in New Zealand. The forms are usually issued after the tuition fees have been received
- Letter from your current institution confirming status as a study abroad student
- Health insurance receipt
- Health and Character certificates to prove your intention of staying in New Zealand is genuine
- Two passport-sized photographs
Also apart from the above, additional documentation may be required. During the personal interview, additional documents may be requested by the interviewer. These may be documents to prove evidence of academic or financial status.
- Academic transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended
- Scores from tests that your college required, such as TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT scores
Read: Use Yocket Prep to excel in GRE exams
- Your plan of action to pay or manage all educational, living, and travel expenses
What does Student Visa New Zealand Cost?
One of the most common questions enquired by international students globally is ‘what is the student visa New Zealand cost?’.
These costs differ based on certain factors such as:
- Country Name
- Region Chosen
- Choice of Submission
Let’s learn about them all below regarding international students who are applying from India:
|
Region Chosen |
Choice Of Submission |
Costs Of Paper Submission |
Costs Of Online Form Submission |
|
Mumbai |
Online form/Paper |
Immigration cost (Application cost) - INR 22,600
Receiving Center Fees (VAC Service Fee)- INR 1,520 |
Immigration cost (Application cost) - NZ$ 430
Receiving Center Fees (Passport Fee)- INR 1,010 |
|
Delhi |
Online form/Paper |
Immigration cost (Application cost) - INR 22,600
Receiving Center Fees (VAC Service Fee)- INR 1,520 |
Immigration cost (Application cost) - NZ$ 430
Receiving Center Fees (Passport Fee)- INR 1,010 |
|
Bangalore |
Online form/Paper |
Immigration cost (Application cost) - INR 22,600
Receiving Center Fees (VAC Service Fee)- INR 1,520 |
Immigration cost (Application cost) - NZ$ 430
Receiving Center Fees (Passport Fee)- INR 1,010 |
|
Chennai |
Online form/Paper |
Immigration cost (Application cost) - INR 22,600
Receiving Center Fees (VAC Service Fee)- INR 1,520 |
Immigration cost (Application cost) - NZ$ 430
Receiving Center Fees (Passport Fee)- INR 1,010 |
|
Hyderabad |
Online form/Paper |
Immigration cost (Application cost) - INR 22,600
Receiving Center Fees (VAC Service Fee)- INR 1,520 |
Immigration cost (Application cost) - NZ$ 430
Receiving Center Fees (Passport Fee)- INR 1,010 |
Note: Since we shared insights on the top Indian regions, we have shared New Zealand student visa fees in Indian rupees. You can adjust the currency type accordingly on the official immigration website based on your country and region.
How To Apply For New Zealand Study Visa Process?
To help you successfully cater to the NZ student visa application process, you need to understand how to apply for the same. To apply for student visa New Zealand, the students mostly opt for the online mode since it is less time-consuming and affordable than posts.
Ensure you follow the below-listed instructions:
- Log in to the student visa application portal of New Zealand and fill in all the details.
- Upload all the documents required in PDF format.
- Pay the application fee
Note: The average New Zealand student visa processing time is approximately 63 calendar days depending on the individual’s background. So the students need to apply for their visas at least three months before the commencement of their respective courses.
Read: How to avoid NZ visa rejection?
Why Is Study Visa NZ Interview Process Important?
Once you complete the below steps, the study visa NZ interview process concludes all the former requirements.
The visa interview is a crucial and essential step in the process of applying for a New Zealand Student Visa. The interview aims to understand your credibility, your goals for the future in New Zealand, and how genuine you are in acquiring this visa.
The interview involves a few questions about why you want to move to New Zealand, how long you plan to stay there, your financial position, etc. Remember to prepare all the necessary information and have valid reasons prepared for your answers. Focus on being honest and staying confident.
Read: Top NZ visa interview Q&A
Wrapping Up….
Multiple international students flock to New Zealand due to the excellent educational system and better career opportunities. Over the years, New Zealand has proved to be the right choice for international students globally to pursue any form of higher education. If you wish to learn more about the New Zealand study visa requirements for Indian students, speak to our Yocket counsellors today. Get on a free 15-minute consultation call for a quick engagement.
