8 minsNew Zealand is fast becoming a popular destination to study, thanks to its diversity, climate, welcoming environment, safety, beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and more. New Zealand is home to some top-ranking universities, and you can stay and work for up to three years after completing your studies!
So, if you’re considering New Zealand for further studies, now’s a good time. But first, you will need a student visa or a New Zealand study permit. The good news is that the number of student visa holders increased by 98 per cent in March 2023 compared to the numbers from August 2022.
In this article, we explore the entire visa process, including various visas available for Indians, how to apply for them, the relevant documents required, visa fees, funds to factor in, and more.
Types of New Zealand student visas
New Zealand offers several visa categories for international students, depending on the duration and nature of their study programme. Let’s look at the visas that Indian students are eligible for.
Typically, a Fee-Paying Student Visa is the most sought-after for Indian students.
Fee-Paying Student Visa
For students enrolled in full-time courses with a duration of more than three months and up to four years. Courses can be from secondary and tertiary schools and include English language studies.
Additionally, part-time work up to 20 hours is allowed during studies; full time during breaks.
Note: Dependent visas (partner, children) are allowed.
Exchange Student Visa
For students participating in an approved student exchange programme in New Zealand, up to four years. This is for full-time studies on school-to-school exchanges. Part-time work up to 20 hours is allowed during studies; full time during breaks.
MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Student Visa
For students who receive funding from a New Zealand scholarship managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) or Education New Zealand (ENZ), for full-time studies up to four years. Schools can be secondary or tertiary and can include English language studies.
Part-time work up to 20 hours is allowed during studies; full time during breaks.
Note: Dependent visas (partner, children) are allowed; they can apply separately for their visas. Partners can get a work visa for the visa duration and children can get study visas.
Foreign Government Supported Student Visa
For students who are recipients of a foreign government scholarship or loan. This is for full-time studies greater than three months and up to four years. Part-time work up to 20 hours is allowed during studies; full time during breaks.
Note: If your country has an educational agreement with New Zealand, you can apply for this visa. Dependents can apply for visas separately.
Pathway Student Visa
For students enrolled in a pathway programme that leads to further study in New Zealand. A maximum of three courses can be studied consecutively. The duration of this visa is up to five years.
Part-time work up to 20 hours is allowed during studies; full time during breaks.
Note: Dependent visas are not allowed in this application; dependents must apply separately.
For the second and third courses you wish to pursue, you must meet the prerequisites.
Vocational Trainee Student Visa
For trainees who have received a New Zealand Short Term Training Scholarship award from Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship.
If you're enrolled in a nautical programme at Manukau Polytechnic, you can stay in New Zealand for the duration of your study program. Or, if you're a recipient of the New Zealand Short Term Training Scholarship, you can stay for a maximum of 12 months.
Part-time work up to 20 hours is allowed during studies; full time during breaks.
Note: If you’re a recipient of the New Zealand Short Term Training Scholarship award, then you can work as a trainee in a private, tertiary, or government training institute.
Dependent visas are not allowed in this application; dependents must apply separately.
Student and Trainee Work Visa
For trainees and students who want to obtain practical or work experience in their chosen area of study. Studies can include religion, dental, medical training, and apprenticeship. The visa duration ranges from six months (for trainees) to four years (for apprentice jockeys)
Note: Apply for a student visa for studies of more than three months at a tertiary institute. Dependent visas are not allowed; dependents must apply separately.
Occupational Registration Visitor Visa
For students who want to register for occupations in New Zealand. This visa is applicable for three months of stay or less only. You can apply for this visa if:
● You’re already residing in New Zealand.
● You’ve applied for permanent residency.
You need additional time for get occupational registration done.
Note: Apply for a student visa if your occupational registration exceeds three months.
| Wondering how to apply for a visa? Here's all you need to know about applying for visas to study abroad. |
Post-Study Work Visa
For students who have completed their course in New Zealand and wish to work post their studies. The duration of this visa is up to three years based on your qualification level (level 7 and above). However, if the level is 8 and below, then the duration of the visa is equal to the length of your study. For example, if your course is for 32 weeks, you will be eligible for a 32-week visa only.
Note: Dependents can apply for work visas and children can study as domestic students.
| Here's our comprehensive article on Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand! |
Preparation before applying for a New Zealand student visa
Yes, preparation before applying! If that sounds complicated, rest easy. Let’s give you some pointers. It’s all about planning.
- Select your course.
- Complete English language requirements - take up IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent.
- Apply for your desired course at a university in New Zealand. The university or institute must be approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or Ministry of Education.
- Get an acceptance letter from the university.
- Keep your documents ready.
- Check your finances and show proof of financial support either through your finances or scholarships.
- Book air tickets.
- Apply for a visa.
Requirements for a New Zealand student visa
Here are the types of documents you must keep ready before applying for a student visa in New Zealand.
General Requirements
Applicants must keep the following ready:
|
1 |
Proof of identity- copy of passport pages, PAN card, Aadhar card |
|
2 |
An offer of place from an approved educational institution in New Zealand - course name and type, duration of study, type of study (full time, part time, online etc) |
|
3 |
Proof of payment of tuition fees |
|
4 |
Valid passport (should be valid for a minimum of three months after your stay) |
|
5 |
Two passport size colour photos |
|
6 |
Visa application fee payment proof |
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7 |
Visa application form |
|
8 |
Air tickets to New Zealand |
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9 |
Travel and health insurance |
Academic Requirements
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1 |
Educational qualification proof - school, diploma, or degree completion certificates |
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2 |
Academic transcripts |
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3 |
Academic performance record |
|
4 |
Attendance record |
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5 |
GRE or GMAT scores as applicable |
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6 |
Statement of purpose |
English Language Proficiency Requirements
For a New Zealand study permit or student visa, you will need to show proof of fluency in the English language, such as the tests given below. Among these, IELTS is the most popular and a recognized test for work, study, and immigration.
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● International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test scores (should be 5.5 or higher), Or, ● Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE, C1/C2 (Cambridge English), or MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) scores |
Financial Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying in New Zealand. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.
That is, you must show proof of funding to cover expenses, approximately NZD 17,000 to NZD 20,000 per annum, which includes the following documents:
|
1 |
Source of funds, such as bank statements, fixed deposits, tax returns, or assets (property) owned |
|
2 |
Sponsorship letter or document if applicable by a New Zealand citizen or an organization |
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3 |
Scholarship awards if any |
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4 |
Proof of study duration |
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5 |
Proof of Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS) if applicable |
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6 |
Financial undertaking by a non-New Zealander if applicable |
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7 |
Educational loan sanction letter by nationalised or recognized banks if applicable |
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must meet certain health and character requirements. If you’re 17 years or older, then you must have a good character record (not committed a felony or crime, not arrested, and so on) and obtain a police certificate to show proof of the same.
Note: If you’re an international fee-paying student, then you may be exempt from a medical examination, but you must provide a chest X-ray report.
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1 |
Chest X-ray reports |
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2 |
Medical examination reports (either full or limited) as applicable |
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3 |
Police character certificates in English for ages 17 and above |
Professional Requirements
If you are employed, then you must submit the following documents for your visa application:
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1 |
Employment letter with your role and designation |
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2 |
Pay slips |
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3 |
Bank statements showing salary deposits |
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4 |
Income tax returns |
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5 |
Provident fund or pension account statements |
How to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa
Once accepted into a programme, students must apply for a student visa either online or via a printed form. The visa given is dependent on your chosen study level and its duration. Make sure to apply for the relevant visa at least eight weeks prior to your intended travel date to New Zealand.
Online Application
Here’s how to apply for the visa online:
- Keep all the necessary documents ready for submission (as outlined above).
- Create a RealMe New Zealand government account.
- Apply online on the Immigration New Zealand website.
- Upload a copy of your recent valid passport - the address page, all the relevant visa pages, and the page with your photo.
- Upload your photo showing your full face in a JPG or JPEG format.
- Upload the rest of the documents as PDFs (mandatory).
- Make the payment.
- Submit your application.
Printed Application
To apply for NZ visa via a printed form, do the following:
- Download the Student Visa Application form (INZ 1012) and fill all the details.
- Schedule an appointment at a visa processing centre (VFS Global) nearest to you.
- Provide all the required documents during your appointment.
- Make the payment for the application fees.
- Monitor your visa application.
How to Apply for a Dependent/Family Visa
When applying for your visa, it’s possible to include your partner, spouse, or children.
Follow these steps to do so:
- Go to the Additional Applicants Details page in your online application.
- Specify the following details:
- Name and other personal information of the dependent
- Health and character records
- Photos
- Passport pages
- Upload relevant supporting documents.
Note: There are no visa fees for dependents if you are applying for general visitor visas. However, if you’re applying for a group visitor visa, then you must pay for each member included with the application.
New Zealand study visa fees
|
Type of Visa |
Fees in NZD (Online) |
Fees in NZD (Printed) |
Processing Time |
|
Fee-Paying Student Visa |
430 |
478 (including Receiving Centre fees) |
6 weeks |
|
Exchange Student Visa |
430
|
478 |
2 weeks |
|
MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Student Visa |
395 |
441 |
5 weeks |
|
Foreign Government Supported Student Visa |
430 |
478 |
5 weeks |
|
Pathway Student Visa |
395 |
441 |
6 weeks |
|
Vocational Trainee Student Visa |
488 |
478 |
5 weeks |
|
Student and Trainee Work Visa |
735 |
795 |
5 weeks |
|
Occupational Registration Visitor Visa |
246 |
288 |
6 weeks |
|
Post-Study Work Visa |
700 |
758 |
5 weeks |
Check the New Zealand student visa pages for more information.
New Zealand student visa validity and conditions
Review these points once you obtain your visa:
- Apply for an entry permit when you land in New Zealand by filling an arrival card or provide the details digitally.
- Ensure you have a multiple-entry visa to New Zealand
- Ensure you have enough money to buy air tickets, travel within, and sponsor your dependents. Alternatively, show proof of sponsorship support.
- Make sure to have enough funds for living and other expenses for the length of your stay.
- Keep your travel and medical insurance updated during your stay in New Zealand.
- If you have dependents, then they must stay with you during your stay.
- You must attend your university regularly and study full time as noted in your visa.
- You should show study progress.
- You should leave the country before your visa expires.
Tips for a successful student visa application
● Start the process early: Begin the visa application process well in advance of the selected course start date to allow sufficient time for visa processing.
● Follow instructions: Go through the visa application instructions and requirements carefully to ensure all the necessary documents are submitted correctly.
● Provide accurate information: Ensure all the information provided in the visa application is accurate, truthful, and supported by appropriate documentation.
● Stay informed: Monitor and track any updates or changes to New Zealand immigration policies and procedures that may affect your visa application.
For any questions or concerns about the visa application process, reach out to the nearest New Zealand embassy, consulate, or immigration office, or consult an expert consultant like IDP for assistance.
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How Can We Help You?
While studying abroad can be an exciting time and opportunity, we know it can be time-consuming and stressful. Hotcourses India, along with IDP counsellors, are here to help and make it a smooth experience. This article should get you started in the right direction.
However, if you still want to get personal attention and help regarding the visa process, we are always glad to lend a hand. Our expert team of IDP consultants can guide you through the entire process, and keep you informed about the latest developments and requirements regarding New Zealand applications.
We also add value by undertaking any translations that you may require and providing courier services as needed. Get in touch with us now for a free consultation.
Source: immigration.govt.nz, www.govt.nz
Editor's Note: This article was originally published in January 2022 by our content writer, Roshna Mohan. We have since revised it to include up-to-date information and ensure its comprehensiveness.
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