An unprecedented number of students are choosing to study in New Zealand. Because of the country's breath-taking scenery, amazing cities, kind people, and plenty of job and educational opportunities, pursuing higher education here is a wise decision.
In order to continue your studies in the country, you must submit your visa application atleast 4 months before the class start date. Although completing the visa application might appear complicated at first, it can be made easier if you follow the guidelines and plan beforehand.
We want to make sure that this is as easy and seamless for you as possible. Your comprehensive guide to know all the essential details related to New Zealand student visa is provided here.
A New Zealand student visa is a government document that authorises international students to enter the country to study.
All international students need to get a student visa. However, the type of student visa will vary based on the course duration and the means of payment.
Types of New Zealand Student Visa
- Fee-paying Student Visa
To study in New Zealand full-time, apply for this visa. You must enrol with an authorised education provider and pay the entire cost of your courses.
- Exchange Student Visa
Apply for this visa to study full-time in New Zealand if you are currently studying abroad and have been accepted into an authorised student exchange program.
- MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Student Visa
You could apply to study full-time on this visa if you are supported by a New Zealand scholarship administered by Education New Zealand (ENZ) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
- Student and Trainee Work Visa
Students and trainees who wish to gain real-world job expertise in their area can apply for this visa. This can involve, but is not restricted to, apprentice jockeys, dentistry or medical trainees, and religious trainees.
- Dependent Child Student Visa
To bring your dependent children to New Zealand to attend primary or secondary school, apply for this visa. You need to have the proper student or work visa.
- Vocational Trainee Student Visa
Training recipients who have been granted a New Zealand Short Term Training Scholarship by Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are eligible to apply for this visa.
- Foreign Government Supported Student Visa
You can apply for this visa in order to study full-time for a period of 3 months or more in New Zealand, if you have a foreign government loan or scholarship.
- Pathway Student Visa
With this visa, you can enrol in up to three courses consecutively on a single student visa. You need to have the money to cover your tuition fees and an offer of admission for a Pathway Student Visa.
The table below discusses the various student visa types, the duration of stay that the visa allows, estimated cost associated with the process and the processing time.
|
New Zealand Student Visa Types |
Length of Stay for New Zealand Student Visa |
Estimated Cost of New Zealand Student Visa |
New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time |
|
Fee-paying Student Visa |
Till 4 years |
From NZD $375 |
80% within 6 weeks |
|
Exchange Student Visa |
Up to 4 years |
From NZD $375 |
80% within 2 weeks |
|
MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Student Visa
|
Up to 4 years |
From NZD $375 |
80% within 5 weeks |
|
Student and Trainee Work Visa (Jockeys must be aged 16 or over) |
|
From NZD $700 |
80% within 5 weeks |
|
Dependent Child Student Visa (19 and under) |
A dependent child can stay Same length as parent’s visa |
From NZD $375 |
80% within 9 weeks |
|
Vocational Trainee Student Visa |
You can stay for the length of the programme of study at Manukau Polytechnic (Nautical students) or the length of the award up to 12 months (New Zealand Short Term Training Scholarship scholars). |
From NZD $375 |
80% within 5 weeks |
|
Foreign Government Supported Student Visa |
Up to 4 years |
From NZD $375 |
80% within 5 weeks |
|
Pathway Student Visa |
Up to 5 years |
From NZD $375 |
80% within 6 weeks |
Application Process: Steps to Study in New Zealand
Applying to study in New Zealand involves several key steps:
- Choose the Courses and Universities: Look into and choose a university / college and course that complement your academic and professional objectives.
- Fulfil the Conditions: Ascertain that your IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or GMAT scores, among other academic and language proficiency requirements, are met.
- Prepare Your Application: Gather all necessary documents, such as transcripts, CV, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose for your offer letter.
- Apply for an offer letter through application form, online portal, website or through consultant.
- Apply for a Student Visa: After receiving your acceptance letter, apply for a New Zealand student visa.
- You can submit your entire visa application online through Real Me Account.
- You have to pay the relevant New Zealand student visa fees. Currently, the cost of a New Zealand student visa varies based on the application process and the applicant's location.
- You will have to present the documents like formal academic offer, financialevidence that you can pay your tuition fees by yourself or through your financial supporter, financial evidence for living expenses (NZD 20000 for a year) and airfare (NZD 2000), Medical, Police Clearance Certificate, a supporting letter, statement of purpose, accommodation guarantees (for anyone under 18), etc.
- Await Your Student Visa Process to Get Completed:
- After completion of your application form and submission of file, you need to check your real me account regularly for updates
- This will be followed by an interview process. Your eligibility for the study visa to New Zealand is determined by this. The interview is frequently conducted over the phone call.
- The entire process for acquiring a student visa for New Zealand takes around five to six weeks (in most of the cases). As a result, you must provide adequate time before your course starts to finish organising everything. It is advisable to apply at least three months in advance.
- In case of Approval (AIP), Visa officer will ask to pay the tuition fees and living expenses before giving final e-visa.
- Plan Your Journey: Arrange for accommodation, health insurance, and other logistics before your departure.
Before providing you the New Zealand student visa, the New Zealand Immigration department will notify you if any additional information or clarifications are needed. Additionally, if your application was submitted online, you would normally receive an e-Visa after it has been accepted.
To make it easier for you to present this at the border when you get there, print it off and save it on your phone. You may also request that your passport be labelled by immigration services. But there are additional charges associated with this.
Final Words
Hopefully, these facts will be useful to you if you want to apply for a New Zealand student visa. Additionally, Western Overseas, is always available to support and guide you through the process.
To guarantee a successful beginning, the professionals at Western Overseas will walk you through every step of the procedure, handle the paperwork and get you ready for the interview.
Phone - +919115017017 
WhatsApp - +919896512412 
Email - info@western-overseas.com