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New Zealand Student Visa Requirements - Complete Details

Written by  Rachit Agrawal

Reviewed by  Priyanka Bhargava

Published: Mon, September 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  Updated: Mon, September 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  9 mins read

New Zealand Student Visa Requirements - Complete Details

Written by  Rachit Agrawal

Reviewed by  Priyanka Bhargava

Published: Mon, Sep 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  Updated: Mon, Sep 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  9 mins read
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New Zealand Student Visa Requirements

New Zealand is home to some of the best universities in the world. It’s a hub for international students, making room for cultural exposure. It’s a popular study destination among students and parents. Students that wish to study in New Zealand for a period of more than 3months have to apply for a student visa. Students can apply for a visa online or via post. 

The fee for the online visa is about NZD 295 plus handling charges, while that of postal applications is about USD 222 plus receiving center fees. The online application method saves time and money. The student must have their documents in PDF format. The visa application process takes about 2months, and hence, students are advised to apply well in advance. Students must remember that the application date is the day the application fee is paid. 

The minimum IELTS score should be 5.5 in each section for the New Zealand student visa. The types of student visas include Fee Paying Student Visa, Pathway Student Visa, Exchange Student Visa, and Foreign Government Student Visa. An Indian student would usually require a Fee Paying Student Visa. The international students who have graduated from universities in New Zealand can apply for the Post-study Work Visa (PSW)

How to apply for a New Zealand Student Visa?

New Zealand is a popular study destination among students and parents. The students that wish to study for a period of more than 3months have to apply for a student visa. The preferred method of visa application is the online method. The online method saves time and money. 

Key points –

  1. The student should visit immigration.govt.nz, should create an account and fill the visa application form.
  2. The fee for the online visa application is about NZD 295 plus handling charges. 
  3. The fee for the postal visa application is about USD 222 plus receiving center fees.
  4. The handling charges and receiving center fees may vary, hence students are advised to check the official website for the same.
  5. The student should have all his documents in the PDF format.
  6. Students are advised to check the official website for the photograph instructions. 
  7. The visa application process takes about 2months, and hence, students are advised to apply well in advance. 

New Zealand Student Visa Requirements

The preferred method for visa application is the online method. The students will have to create an account on the official site, fill the application form and pay the fee. The visa application process takes about 2months, and hence, students are advised to apply well in advance. Students must remember that the application date is the day the application fee is paid. 

The requirements are as follows :

  1. The student must have a valid passport.
  2. The student must have the completed Student Visa Application form.
  3. The student must have the receipt of the payment of the application fee.
  4. The student must have his passport size photographs.
  5. The student may be required to submit his bank statements as well. 
  6. The student must have the transcripts and certificates of his previous education.
  7. The student must have his IELTS/TOEFL test scores.
  8. The student must have a Health Insurance receipt.
  9. The student must have his Character certificate. 
  10. The student must have an Acceptance Letter from the particular New Zealand university/school, among other requirements. 

New Zealand Student Visa IELTS Requirements

The requirements for IELTS Student Visa Requirements mainly consists of the personal information about the student, his/her background, why they chose the university and course, course details, university details, financial status, the offer letter of the university, eligible scores, photographs, all the educational required documents, etc.

All this information is needed while going for the IELTS exam and applying for the New Zealand Student visa requirements.

  • All academic transcripts or documents.
  • IELTS  band score of 5.5
  • 6 months valid passport.
  • Selection letter from the University.

New Zealand Student Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

 The embassy of New Zealand required the personal information about the student which contains details about the student’s financial status, about the course details, the selection letter, details about the university, Student’s English Proficiency scores, High Schools transcripts, 6 months valid passport and the student should apply for a full-time course in New Zealand.

The course should be a recognized course from the New Zealand government and the student should show financial proof that he/she can fund the course.

  • Financial Proof.
  • 6 months valid passport.
  • Recognized course from the New Zealand government.
  • Full-time courses should be applied for.

New Zealand Student Visa Status

Students can check their status for their applied student visa anytime online. Usually, the process for getting the visa takes about 5 to 6 weeks at the most, if any individual wants to check their status he/she can log into the account and view the approval notification available, after that the individual can check for the visa verification records and can check their submitted visa records.

Employees and students who have applied for the visa can check their details and can track their visa status.

  • The visa may arrive after 5 to 6 weeks.
  • Students and employees can go to their logged-in visa account and can go to visa approval notifications.
  • After the above process, individuals need to go to the visa verification record corner and can check their visa verification records.
  • After the above process, the individual can check their eligibility status and can know about their visa status.

Documents Required for getting the New Zealand Student Visa

There are many documents that are needed by the New Zealand embassy for getting the New Zealand Student Visa. Students need to collect all the necessary requirements or documents and should submit them properly on time with the exact details needed.

All the documents should be scanned and verified and the individuals should carry the original and a copy of that document. From the offer letter to a valid passport, all the requirements should be fulfilled. The necessary documents are as follows:

  • 6 months valid passport.
  • Student visa application form.
  • Application form fee receipt.
  • Selection letter.
  • Letter from the current institution, the student is enrolled in.
  • Health insurance receipt needed.
  • Character certificate.
  • 2 passport size photographs.

Valid Passport

Every country will need a passport as it is the main and the basic document requirement needed. Without a passport, nobody can cross the border. The passport should be a real passport and should be a valid one. Every passport has a validity date that expires after a particular time and the passport should be renewed. Therefore, if particularly somebody is applying for a student passport for New Zealand they should have a passport which should be at least 6 months valid.

Proof of Funds

Every student applying for the New Zealand visa should also show their proof of financial funds as to how will they fund the course they have applied for. Many students at the end of the course are not able to give the total amount or course fee needed, therefore the government beforehand nowadays has started to take the valid fee proof of the student, whether the student will be able to pay their fees in the future or not.

Proof of Acceptance by the Respective Institution

Students applying for a Student visa must show the applied university details to the embassy. It is proof to look out if, in reality, the student has got an offer or selection letter or not. They verify and confirm with the respective institution whether the student has got admission and then approve their visa status. Therefore, the institution also should be verified by the New Zealand government and the course applied should be verified by New Zealand’s Ministry of Education.

Medical Examination Report

The medical examination report confirms the health inspection of the student, whether the student is suffering from any serious condition or not. Sometimes the embassy does not allow student visas for some students who have very serious health conditions as it may take a toll on the student’s health while traveling. Therefore, if the student is healthy enough to travel, the embassy allows the visa processing further.

New Zealand Student Visa Application

New Zealand is a popular study destination among students and parents. The types of student visas include Fee Paying Student Visa, Pathway Student Visa, Exchange Student Visa, and Foreign Government Student Visa. An Indian student would usually require a Fee Paying Student Visa. The international students who have graduated from universities in New Zealand can apply for the Post-study Work Visa (PSW). 

Key points –

  1. Students that wish to study in New Zealand for a period of more than 3months have to apply for a student visa. 
  2. The visa application can be done online or via post.
  3. The fee for the online visa application is about NZD 295 plus handling charges. 
  4. The fee for the postal visa application is about USD 222 plus receiving center fees.
  5. The handling charges and receiving center fees may vary, hence students are advised to check the official website for the same.
  6. The students will have to create an account on the official site, fill the application form, and pay the fee.
  7. The visa application process takes about 2months, and hence, students are advised to apply well in advance. 
  8. Students must remember that the application date is the day the application fee is paid.
  9. The student must have the Acceptance Letter from the particular New Zealand school/university.
  10. The other documents required include a valid passport, transcripts of the previous education, Health Insurance, Character Certificate, among others. 
  11. The student may be required to submit his bank statements as well. 
  12. Students are advised to check the official website for the photograph instructions. 

New Zealand Student Visa Application Form

The student visa application process is a straightforward one. The visa application process takes about 2months, and hence, students are advised to apply well in advance. Students must remember that the application date is the day the application fee is paid. The student may wish to take help from an agent/counselor for the application process.

Key points :

  1. The visa application can be done online or via post.
  2. The students will have to create an account on the official site, fill the application form, and pay the fee.
  3. The form should be filled in English. 
  4. The form should be filled in capital letters.
  5. The student must enter his permanent address. 
  6. The student should not make any spelling errors and should not provide incorrect information. 
  7. The student should submit the entire form, including the blank pages.
  8. The students are advised to read and check the form before submitting the same.

http://www.bu.edu/abroad/files/2016/06/S18_UofA_INZ-1012-Student-Visa-Application.pdf 

New Zealand Student Visa Cost

New Zealand is home to some of the best universities in the world. It’s a hub for international students, making room for cultural exposure. It’s a popular study destination among students and parents. Students that wish to study in New Zealand for a period of more than 3months have to apply for a student visa.

Key points –

  1. In order to view the fee, the student will have to visit the official website.
  2. The student will then be required to enter his nationality on his passport, the Location where he can apply, and the Region.
  3. The student will also be required to select his Preferred method of submission, that is, online form or paper.
  4. The handling charges and receiving center fees may vary depending on what the student enters above.
  5. The application cost is about NZD 310. If the application is rejected, this cost is not refunded.
  6. An International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 35 is charged and is included in the cost.
  7. Online payments can be done through a credit or debit card, such as Visa, MasterCard, or UnionPay. 

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/visa-factsheet/full-fee-paying-student-visa#receiving 

New Zealand Student Visa Rejection

If the student visa is rejected, it does not mean that he cannot apply again. A visa rejection is disheartening, but it’s not the end of the world. The student should have a clear understanding of why his visa has been rejected. He should ensure that the previous mistakes are not repeated again. The students may wish to take help from counselors/agents for the same.

Reasons for the rejection of the student visa is as follows –

  1. If the student is not proficient in the English language and his TOEFL/IELTS test scores do not meet the university requirements, his visa will be rejected.
  2. If the student submits false documentation or provides false/incorrect information, his visa will be rejected.
  3. If the student has a criminal record, his visa will be rejected, among other reasons. 

New Zealand Student Visa Rejection Rate 

New Zealand is a popular study destination among parents and students. It’s a hub for international students, making room for cultural exposure. New Zealand attracts about 90,000 students every year, with the aim to increase the same. Their education strategy focuses on allowing students with genuine and legitimate studying objectives only. The rejection rate is not constant every year. 

Key points - 

  1. 37% of Indian student visas were rejected in New Zealand in 2019.
  2. 23% of Indian student visas were rejected in New Zealand in 2018.

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assist-migrants-and-students/assist-students/international-markets/student-visa-decision-data 

New Zealand Student Visa Rejection Reasons

New Zealand attracts about 90,000 students every year, with the aim to increase the same. Their education strategy focuses on allowing students with genuine and legitimate studying objectives only. A visa rejection is disheartening, but it’s not the end of the world. The student should have a clear understanding of why his visa has been rejected. He should ensure that the previous mistakes are not repeated again. 

Reasons for the rejection of the student visa is as follows –

  1. Sometimes, the authorities feel that the real motive of the visa applicant is to take up a job in a foreign country illegally, instead of being a student. 
  2. If the student is not proficient in the English language and his TOEFL/IELTS test scores do not meet the university requirements, his visa will be rejected.
  3. If the student submits false documentation or provides false/incorrect information, his visa will be rejected.
  4. The bad experiences of previous students of particular nationalities have left a bad impression in the eyes of the authorities, leading them to be more skeptical and stringent.
  5. If the student is unable to prove that he can pay the tuition fee and airfare, his visa will be rejected. 
  6. If the student has a criminal record, his visa will be rejected, among other reasons. 

New Zealand Student Visa Gap Acceptable

A gap year is a period when the student takes a break from studying, either to gain some work experience, prepare for some entrance test, among other reasons. This break can be taken after school and before college/university. The visa authorities usually ask an explanation for gap years, and hence students should be prepared with suitable answers and reasons. 

Key points :

  1. The student can apply for a New Zealand student visa even after a gap of 10years.
  2. The student should be able to prove that he was productive during his gap years.
  3. The student should be able to prove that he was not involved in harmful or illegal activities during the gap years.
  4. If the student was idle during the gap years, it will give a bad impression to the authorities. 
  5. The authorities will give the student a chance to explain their side of the story with respect to the gap years.
  6. If the authorities are not convinced or satisfied with the student's reason and explanation for the gap years, his visa may get rejected. 

New Zealand Student Visa Stay Back

The types of student visas include Fee Paying Student Visa, Pathway Student Visa, Exchange Student Visa, and Foreign Government Student Visa. An Indian student would usually require a Fee Paying Student Visa. The international students who have graduated from universities in New Zealand can apply for the Post-study Work Visa (PSW). 

Key points :

  1. The PSW can be open or employer-assisted.
  2. The PSW can last for 1,2 or 3years depending on the student's qualification level and university.
  3. The PSW allows the student to work for any employer and do any job.
  4. The PSW allows the student's partner to apply for a work visa.
  5. The PSW allows the students dependent children to study for free, without fees, just like domestic students. 
  6. The PSW improves the student's chances of getting a residence visa. 

New Zealand Student Visa Success Rate

New Zealand is a popular study destination among parents and students. It’s a hub for international students, making room for cultural exposure. New Zealand attracts about 90,000 students every year, with the aim to increase the same. Their education strategy focuses on allowing students with genuine and legitimate studying objectives only. The acceptance rate is not constant every year. 

Key points - 

  1. The overall visa acceptance rates for all nationalities was about 85% in 2015-16 and about 89% in 2018-19. 
  2. 63% of Indian student visas were rejected in New Zealand in 2019.
  3. 77% of Indian student visas were accepted in New Zealand in 2018.
  4. In comparison to the previous year, New Zealand reported a growth of 9.8% in international students in 2018. 

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assist-migrants-and-students/assist-students/international-markets/student-visa-decision-data 

FAQs

✅ How long does it take to get a student visa in New Zealand?

Ans: A student visa in New Zealand can take up to at least 5 to 6 weeks at the most after the whole processing of the visa. Sometimes the processing ends fast and the visa can be collected before the given date and vice versa.

✅ Is IELTS required for a New Zealand student visa?

Ans: No, not necessarily IELTS is required for a New Zealand student visa, any English Proficiency exam scores can be given during the documentation whether it can be IELTS or TOEFL or any other English Proficiency score proof.

✅ How much is a New Zealand student visa?

Ans: Students who are applying for the New Zealand institutes should apply for a New Zealand student visa which is for 330NZD + Rs.722 approximately for the process of the student visa.

✅ Is there any interview for a New Zealand student visa?

Ans: Yes, there is an interview round for the individual who is applying for the student visa for New Zealand. In the interview session, the individual should contain all the detailed documents and requirements and are presented with a list of questions to be answered for.

✅ Is it expensive to study in New Zealand?

Ans: No. New Zealand is comparatively cheaper than countries like the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Ireland, etc. which are believed to be educational hubs with reputed institutes.

✅ How can I get PR in New Zealand?

Ans: There are basic 5 requirements to get PR in New Zealand which are as follows:

  • Age should be less than 55 years.
  • Good command over the English Language.
  • Good health and character certificates should be needed.
  • A job or selection offer letter should be present.
  • Proof and reason to stay in the country should be given.
About the Author
RA
Rachit Agrawal
Study Abroad Expert & Co-Founder @ AdmitKard
Rachit believes in the power of education and has studied from the top institutes of IIIT Allahabad, IIM Calcutta, and Francois Rabelias in France. He has worked as Software Developer with Microsoft and Adobe. Post his MBA, he worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, The Boston Consulting Group across multiple geographies US, South-East Asia and Europe.