Many students from other countries study in New Zealand each year. New Zealand gets over 150,000 applications from international students each year, and about 50,000 get accepted. This means a lot of students want to study there.
In 2023, the number of visas given to students increased by 98% compared to the year before. This shows that New Zealand is becoming even more popular for studying. Since only a limited number of spots are available for international students, many students apply for a student visa to ensure they can study there.
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New Zealand Student Visa Details
You must have a New Zealand student visa if you intend to stay in New Zealand for at least three months. This visa allows you to study full-time in New Zealand for a certain period. Please refer to the International Student Guide to New Zealand, which applies to Indian students.
- Saying what program you’re allowed to study
- Telling the name of your school or college
- You can show where your school or college is in New Zealand
- Making sure you’re getting the right healthcare.
New Zealand Student Visa Requirements
You must meet certain requirements to obtain a New Zealand student visa. These requirements may include:
- Get into a New Zealand school or college.
- Pay for your education.
- Prove that you have the money to stay there.
- Make sure you have health insurance and travel insurance.
- Sort out where you’ll stay.
- Make sure you’re healthy and have a good record.
- Be a full-time student.
- Prove that you can speak English well, if necessary.
- Ensure the validity of your passport.
- Make sure you fill out the visa forms and get your fees paid.
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How to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa Online
It is important to know that applying for a New Zealand visa online is the best way. This way, it’s quicker and more affordable to send by mail. Using New Zealand Immigration Online, here’s how:
1. Take all your documents and convert them into a PDF file on the computer.
2. You need to have a scanned picture of yourself prepared.
3. The embassy’s official website provides you with the photo specifications.
4. Please refer to the instructions for completing the application when visiting the New Zealand Immigration website.
Where to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa Offline
Here are the contact details for various New Zealand High Commissions in India:
1. Immigration New Zealand (INZ), New Delhi Centre
– Telephone: +91 11 4259 6300
– Fax: +91 11 4761 2990
– Email: nzisnewdelhi@dol.govt.nz
2. New Zealand High Commission, New Delhi
– Address: Sir Edmund Hillary Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021
– Telephone: 0091-11-4688 3170
– Fax: 0091-11-4688 3165
– Email: nzhc@airtelmail.in
3. New Zealand Consulate General, Mumbai
– Address: Level 2, 3rd North Avenue, Maker Maxity, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400 051, India
– Telephone: +91-11-42596300 or email
– Fax: +91 22 6770 9003
– Email: inzmumbai@ttsvisas.com
Please note that contact information may change, so checking the official websites or contacting the respective offices directly for the most up-to-date details is advisable.
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New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time
The processing of a student visa application in New Zealand for international students takes, on average, between 30 and 90 days. Those figures from August 31, 2022, are based on data from three months.
For different types of education providers, the time taken for the assessment and processing of study visas varies:
| For ITPs (Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics) | For PTEs (Private Training Establishments) | For Schools | For Universities |
| 50% of applications are processed in 32 days. | 50% of applications are processed in 30 days. | 50% of applications are processed in 21 days. | 50% of applications are processed in 22 days. |
| 75% of applications are processed in 48 days. | 75% of applications are processed in 47 days. | 75% of applications are processed in 31 days. | 75% of applications are processed in 39 days. |
| 90% of applications are processed in 62 days. | 90% of applications are processed in 67 days. | 90% of applications are processed in 45 days. | 90% of applications are processed in 66 days. |
Scholarships for Studying in New Zealand
In New Zealand, many international students are worried about how to pay for their studies. Don’t worry, though! The New Zealand Government and other universities offer scholarships to help students.
To study in New Zealand, here are some of the best scholarships you can apply for:
- CCSE Graduate Scholarship For SC and other candidates
- Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarships
- Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
New Zealand Student Visa Fees for Indians
When applying for a student visa to study in New Zealand, you must pay the New Zealand student visa fee. These fees cover the costs associated with processing and managing your visa application.
You must pay these fees as part of the application process if you are an international student planning on studying in New Zealand. The amount you need to pay can vary based on factors like the type of course, how long you’ll be studying, and where you’re from.
Below are student visa fees, along with the average tuition fees
| Education | Average Tuition fees (INR) | Visa Fees (INR) |
| Undergraduate | 11L | 19k |
| Postgraduate | 13L | 19k |
New Zealand Student Visa Dependents
In most cases, your spouse and dependent children can apply for a visitor visa simultaneously when you’re studying in New Zealand. Your partner may work part-time when he or she is a Work Visa holder. But they can’t work when they have a visitor visa.
You must be in a real and stable relationship and have a New Zealand student visa for a level 7 qualification in an area with a shortage of skills or a postgraduate qualification to obtain a student’s spouse visa.
Additional Information
Complete this course within the time limit specified in your acceptance letter. If you are not yet offered a job, you may use the Post-study Work Visa for up to 12 months to seek employment within your field.
Your program must be as follows in case of working part-time, up to 20 hours a week:
- It’s got to be at least two years.
- Lead to a qualification that gets you points for a Skilled Migrant visa.
- In a higher education institution that aims to improve English language skills with an IELTS score of 5.0 or higher.
If your full-time study lasts at least one academic year, you can work during the holidays. There’s no limit to working hours if this is a master’s or doctorate program.
Summing Up
Getting a student visa to New Zealand doesn’t just mean considering the student. It means thinking about their family. It is very important to know who can work, for how long, and the rules on different kinds of visas.
If you are a student, your partner and children may be allowed to come with you, but the type of visa they will receive depends upon their circumstances. You must finish your studies as soon as possible, and you can get a special visa to work for up to one year after that if you have not worked yet.
For more information on how to apply for a New Zealand student visa, yo can contact our LeapScholar Team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can my family join me in New Zealand while I’m studying?
Ans. Yes, when you’re studying in New Zealand, your family, including your spouse and dependent children, may be allowed to accompany you. They may be issued with a visitor’s visa for an identical duration as your student visas. On the other hand, specific visa types and eligibility criteria may differ depending on your circumstances, so it is essential to contact New Zealand’s immigration authorities or consult an expert to be as up-to-date as possible with relevant information.
Q. What are the requirements for a Student’s Spouse Visa?
Ans. You must have a real and lasting relationship with your partner who holds a New Zealand student visa to be eligible for the Student’s Spouse Visa. The authenticity of a relationship is decisive for its approval. In addition, in areas with a shortage of skills or pursuing postgraduate studies, you must fulfil certain criteria, such as your partner’s level 7 qualification.
Q. Are there any restrictions on working during vacations?
Ans. Yes, if you’re enrolled in a full-time program of study for at least one academic year, you can work full-time during your vacation in New Zealand. In addition, you can work full-time during the Christmas and New Year holidays if your course is at least two semesters but less than 120 credit hours. This flexibility allows students to take advantage of working experience during breaks, free from usual restrictions on their work hours each week.
Q. Can I apply for a post-study work visa if I don’t have a job offer yet?
Ans. Yes, even if you’re not yet offered work in New Zealand, you can apply for a post-study working visa. You must complete the course in accordance with the minimum period set out in your acceptance letter to qualify for this aid. You may work for up to 12 months on this visa, which allows you to gain experience in your field while looking for a job. The transition from study to employment in New Zealand is an excellent chance for recent graduates.
Q. How much funds are required for a New Zealand student visa?
Ans. To apply for a New Zealand student visa, you need to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, return travel, and other costs associated with your study. The estimated cost of living for a student in New Zealand is INR 10L per year. The specific amount of funds required may vary depending on your circumstances and course length.
Q. Is it easy to get a New Zealand student visa?
Ans. If you meet the eligibility criteria and provide the required documents, getting a New Zealand student visa is generally considered a straightforward process. You must be accepted into an approved course, demonstrate sufficient funds, meet health and character requirements, and have a valid passport. The processing time may vary, but it typically takes four to six weeks. Check with your institution or immigration authorities for specific information.
Q. What course is in demand in New Zealand?
Ans. Popular courses in New Zealand include healthcare, information technology, engineering, business, and hospitality. Nursing, software engineering, data science, business administration, and hotel management courses are popular among international students. The government also lists skill shortage areas, including construction, agriculture, and healthcare. Choose a course that aligns with your interests and career goals.
Q. Is IELTS required for New Zealand?
Ans. Yes, IELTS is accepted for English language proficiency for international students applying to study in New Zealand. Other accepted tests include TOEFL and PTE Academic. The required minimum score may vary depending on the institution and course. Check with your institution for specific information.
Q. Which course is best for PR in New Zealand?
Ans. Healthcare, engineering, construction, IT, and business management courses can increase your chances of getting a Permanent Residency (PR) in New Zealand. Specific courses that can lead to PR include nursing, software engineering, civil engineering, construction management, ICT, and business administration. Eligibility criteria may vary, so choose a course that aligns with your interests and skills.
Q. Is New Zealand cheap to study?
Ans. Studying in New Zealand can be affordable compared to other popular study destinations. However, the cost of living is generally high, and international students pay higher tuition fees. Scholarships and financial aid options are available. Research costs before making a decision.
Q. What job pays the most in New Zealand?
Ans. The highest-paying jobs in New Zealand are in engineering, ICT, healthcare, and management. High-paying jobs include CEO, surgeon, software architect, investment banker, and anaesthesiologist. Salaries range from INR 75L to 10 cr. per year and vary by industry, location, and experience. Research salaries and living costs before choosing a career.
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