New Zealand is one of the leading study abroad destinations for pursuing higher studies abroad. Many factors that make this country the standout choice among study abroad aspirants are the country’s leading institutions, affordable cost of study, and ample opportunities. With top-ranked universities like University of Auckland, University of Otago, Victoria University Wellington and more, the country has received a perfect score of 100 100 in education as per the Global Liveability Index 2024
International students planning to pursue higher education in New Zealand must have a valid student visa to study at any institution located in the country. This blog is your comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about New Zealand student visas.
We’ll cover the types of study visas, eligibility criteria, application steps, and more. So, let’s dive in and equip you with all the required information.
What is a New Zealand Study Visa?
A New Zealand study visa or a New Zealand student visa is an official document issued by the Government of New Zealand for international students to study in their country. It allows them to pursue full-time programs including degree programs, diplomas and certificate courses. When it comes to New Zealand study visas, there are various types of student visas. Let us understand that in the next section.
Types of Study Visas in New Zealand
Students from all over the world study in New Zealand for various courses based on which the government has categorized student visas.
Listed below are the types of New Zealand Student Visas:
- Exchange Student VISA: Under the Exchange Student VISA category, students can study full-time programs in New Zealand’s tertiary exchange visa category. Depending on the exchange length of the program, the duration of the exchange visa is up to 4 years.
- Fee-Paying Student VISA: A Fee-Paying Student Visa in New Zealand lets you study a single course for up to four years.
- Foreign Government-Supported Student Visa: With this type, international students can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week while pursuing a full-time degree program.
- Pathway Student Visa: International students can study in New Zealand on a pathway student visa for up to five years. They can pursue three consecutive courses and work 20 hours a week part-time.
Now that you know the type of student visa in New Zealand, let’s understand the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for New Zealand Study Visa
It’s time to check the eligibility requirements for securing the New Zealand Study Visa. International students are required to fulfil the following criteria:
- Acceptance into a Recognized New Zealand University: Students should have a valid offer letter or a letter of acceptance from a New Zealand University for a full-time program. This ensures that their institution is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
- English Language Proficiency: International students should establish proficiency in English. Thus, they are required to appear for standardized language tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE and secure a score of at least 6.5 bands.
- Financial Stability: To pursue higher studies in New Zealand, students should be financially sufficient to support themselves and bear the cost to study in New Zealand. On average, the tuition fees of New Zealand institutions range between $20,000 and NZD 45,000. The cost of living in New Zealand is around NZD 20,000, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other living expenses.
- Health Insurance: International students must have health insurance to study in New Zealand. It covers all primary medical services, from general practitioners and specialists to emergency care. All institutions offer on-campus health services and support, including counselling and mental health resources.
- Character Certificate: Students are required to provide a character certificate from the police station stating that they have no serious criminal convictions under their name.
- Proof of Intent to Leave the Country: This requirement is to ensure that students do not overstay their visas and return to their home country after completing their studies. Students can demonstrate this by discussing their future goals and how they plan to work in their home country after graduation in their statement of purpose.
- Duly Filled Application Form: It is mandatory to fill out the New Zealand Student Visa application form and to pay the application fee. Students have the option of submitting the application form online or in-person.
Applying for a New Zealand student visa can be a tedious process. However, if you meet the above-mentioned required criteria, there are high chance of getting your student visa approved.
In the next section, let us understand the required documents to apply for a New Zealand student visa.
Required Documents for a New Zealand Study Visa
There are many documents a student must submit to secure a study visa for higher education abroad in New Zealand. Enlisted below is the list of documents:
- A Letter of Acceptance from a recognized New Zealand University
- Academic Transcripts & Degree
- Proof of Funds
- English Language Proficiency Test Scores
- Proof of Employment, if any
- A valid passport
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Health Insurance
- Student Visa application form
- Passport photographs
- Covering Letter
- Visa Application Fees
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can start applying for a New Zealand Student Visa.
Step-by-Step Process for a New Zealand Student Visa
Applying for a New Zealand study visa is streamlined and efficient process. In this section, we have mentioned about the step-by-step process:
- Step 1: Create an Immigration New Zealand Account
- Step 2: Online Application Form
- Step 3: Upload Documents
- Step 4: Payment of Application Fee
- Step 5: Provide Biometric Information
- Step 6: Submit the Application
- Step 7: Appear for the interview
- Step 8: Wait for the Visa Decision
- Step 9: Fly to New Zealand
The processing time for a New Zealand student visa is ideally 24 working weekdays depending on various factors like the applicant’s home country and the volume of applications. So, we advise students to apply for the New Zealand student visa well in advance to be on a safer side.
With all the information at your end, we are sure you will be ready to apply for a New Zealand study visa. However, we suggest you approach your nearest study abroad consultancy and process your Visa through experts. They are generally well-versed with the entire process and can help you with your queries and doubts as well. So, why wait further? Connect today and begin your journey to study abroad in New Zealand.
