New Zealand Student Visa from India

New Zealand student visa

New Zealand Student Visa From India

The number of international students in New Zealand increases by around 50,000 annually, and it can be said that studying in the country has risen to be a good choice. It is essential to know about the visa requirements and apply for the same early so that you need not have a last-minute rush. Those who get an offer from a recognised university in New Zealand can apply for a visa. It will take 8-10 weeks to process, and thus you should apply early. You can apply online or offline through a visa centre or immigration advisor. You can also check the status of your application both online and offline.

AECC India will help you on every step of your application, right from applying for your visa to getting admission to the university. You can learn more about studying in New Zealand from AECC India, and you can contact us anytime for any information you need regarding studying abroad.

New Zealand Student Visa Latest News


The New Zealand government has come up with several updates and changes to the existing rules and regulations. A few rules have been tightened, and some new ones have been added. It is essential to know the latest updates regarding the same before you finalise your journey. The New Zealand Immigration officials will start processing student and visitor visa applications beginning July 31, 2022. This is earlier than their pre-decided date of October 2022. Also, 5000 students can enter New Zealand through a border exception once their visas are approved. The changes made are explained below.

  • Revised post-study work rights: A considerable change has been made in post-study work rights. There is no change for the degree-level students, but non-degree students will be permitted to work in the country only if their qualification is related to one that comes on the Green List; that is, those included in the labour market skill shortage. These job roles include Construction, Health and Social Services, Primary Industries and Science, Engineering, ICT, Electronics and Telecommunications, etc. Graduate students can have three years of post-study work. Also, no students can apply for a second work permit.
  • More financial resources required: The old rule required international students to have NZD 15,000 per year irrespective of their course and program. The new law requires NZD 20,000 for Higher Education and English-language students and NZD 17,000 for primary and secondary students. Additionally, those who have to shift to a work permit will have to show NZD 5000. Students also need to provide the full first-year tuition fees upfront.
  • Balanced work opportunities: New Zealand plans to decrease the number of low-skilled migrant workers coming into the country. As such, students who pursue courses that result in jobs with more demand in New Zealand will have a better chance to work or immigrate to New Zealand.

Types of New Zealand Student Visa


If you wish to study in New Zealand, you should remember that there are four significant types of student visas you can choose from. You can learn more about them from the table below.

Types of Visas

Description 

Duration of Stay

Fee Paying Student Visa

This is a full-time visa where you have to pay the full study cost

Up to 4 years

Exchange Student Visa

It is for those selected for the student exchange scheme & studies full-time courses in a school-to-school exchange, tertiary exchange or an exchange program organisation scheme

Up to 4 years

Foreign Government Supported Student Visa

It is for those who have a foreign loan or scholarship

Up to 4 years

MFAT-Funded NZ Scholarship Student Visa

It is for those who acquire a New Zealand scholarship funded by MFAT

Up to 4 years

New Zealand Student Visa Fees


You can apply for a visa online or offline through an immigration advisor or visa centre. If you submit your application online, you must pay a visa fee of NZD 330 (INR 16,864) + INR 747 as the receiving centre (New Delhi) fees. If you apply through the post, you must pay NZD 328 + INR 955 as the receiving centre (New Delhi) fees. The fees can vary considerably if you apply through an immigration advisor or visa centre. Thus, you should check the official website before applying.

New Zealand Study Visa Requirements


You must submit the following documents to complete the visa application process.

  1. Valid passport: Your passport should have a validity of at least three months beyond your period of stay.
  2. Two passport-size photographs.
  3. Health insurance.
  4. Completed New Zealand student visa application form.
  5. Student visa application fee payment receipt.
  6. Health and Character Certificate.
  7. Letter of acceptance from a recognised university in New Zealand.
  8. Academic documents.

New Zealand Student Visa IELTS Requirements


New Zealand gives much importance to the IELTS score of the international students who study there. The IELTS requirement for all the programs is given below.
  • If you want to study a Bachelor’s course in New Zealand, you should score 5.5 in all bands and an overall score of 6.0.
  • For a Master’s course, the score for each band should be 6.0, and the overall score should be 6.5.
  • For a degree in Teaching or Education Studies and Engineering, the per band score and overall score should be 7.0.

New Zealand Student Visa Process


As mentioned above, you can apply for a New Zealand student visa online and offline. The steps you must follow will differ depending on the mode you select. A step-by-step guide on how to apply for a student visa through both ways is described below.

The steps to follow for online application are

  • Create an account: The first step is to create an online account for your visa application. It can be created at the New Zealand Immigration Online official website.
  • Fill up the application form: You can fill up the application form after that. Always be careful and watch out for mistakes.
  • Have all the documents handy: It is advised to have all the required documents handy before you start your application. 
  • Upload the photograph: In the next step, you have to upload your photograph. There are rules regarding the size, clarity etc. It is better to go through the website and know the specifications.
  • Complete the application: You can fill up the application form and upload the necessary documents.
  • Submit the passport and pay the application fee: You must send your passport and the student visa application fee. Your passport should reach the Immigration New Zealand office or Visa Application Centre within 20 days of applying. Otherwise, your application will be rejected, and there will be no refund either.
The steps for office application are as follows:

  • Download the application form: The New Zealand student visa application form can be downloaded from the website.
  • Fill up the application form: The application form should be filled with care. You should not make any mistakes while filling.
  • Get the supporting documents: You must check all the academic and unacademic papers you need to furnish before moving forward with the application. 
  • Get the photograph ready: You should keep the photographs you need for the application ready. The specifications of the same will be available on the website.
  • Keep the fee ready: You should keep the application fee ready with you to submit it at the time of application. The mode of payment accepted should be checked beforehand.
  • Submit the application: You can submit the student visa application at a visa centre or Immigration New Zealand office. It is there that you have to pay the application fee.

New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time


According to Immigration New Zealand, it takes around 20 days to process a student visa that is applied for online. Alternatively, it takes around 5-6 weeks to process a student visa that is applied in offline mode. It can even take up to three months, so it is advisable to start early. It is again dependent on the educational institution.

The table below gives you an idea of the average time institutions take to process applications.

Education Provider

50% Completed Within

75% Completed Within

90% Completed Within

Schools 

10 days

17 days

28 days

Private Training Establishments (PTEs)

24 days

45 days

70 days

Institutes of Technology and Polytechniques (ITPs)

29 days

52 days

4 months

Universities 

15 days

28 days

50 days

How to Get New Zealand Student Visa from India?


If you wish to study in New Zealand from India, you need to fulfil a few requirements. The documents you must submit are more or less the same for all international students.

However, a list of the documents you need to furnish is listed below for your reference.

  1. Fully filled and signed application form.
  2. Valid passport.
  3. Two colour passport-size photographs.
  4. Pay the visa fees in addition to the immigration charge.
  5. Medical certificates, including a chest x-ray.
  6. Police certificate (if required).
AECC India will help you on every step of your application, right from applying for your visa to getting admission to the university. You can learn more about studying in New Zealand from AECC India, and you can contact us anytime for any information you need regarding studying abroad.

FAQ

What is the age limit for New Zealand student visa?
Ans: There is no age limit to applying for a New Zealand student visa.
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