Study In New Zealand: All About New Zealand Student Visa

The decision to study abroad for higher education is accompanied by a list of required documents. After receiving the CAS letter from your dream university, apply for a student visa. Student visas allow you to study and work in the country for a certain term. You need a New Zealand study visa to study for longer than three months. Read on to know How to Get a New Zealand Student Visa

Visa Types and Its Conditions

There are several types of New Zealand student visas. Given below shows the most popular visa options for International students:

• Fee Paying Student Visa: This visa allows you to study in New Zealand for up to 4 years and also permits you to work during your stay.
• Guardian of a Student Visitor: Visa Guardians or parents of international candidates studying in New Zealand can avail of this visa to stay with their child. The duration of this visa depends upon the student visa of the child.
• Exchange Student Visa: Exchange Student Visa is for international exchange students. This New Zealand study visa has a duration of up to 4 years.
• MFAT Funded NZ Scholarship Visa: Candidates awarded a scholarship administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade can apply for this particular visa type.
• Student and Trainee Work Visa: Students who need to gain practical training in between their course duration can visit New Zealand to gain that particular knowledge. For example, candidates requiring medical or dental training can apply for this visa type.
• Vocational Trainee Student Visa: This visa is for candidates willing to seek professional training under a scheme or scholarship administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
• Foreign Government Supported Student Visa: Candidates with a foreign government-approved loan or scholarship can apply for this visa.
• Pathway Student Visa: This allows students to pursue 3 consecutive courses in New Zealand with a single visa. The duration of this visa is up to 5 years.

Documents Required for New Zealand Student Visa

If you want to study full-time at one of New Zealand’s universities, you must first apply for a student visa. Documents are documents that you must submit with your New Zealand student visa application. It is best to have the documents ready ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress. Some examples of such requirements are as follows:

• Every applicant requires to have a Valid travel document i.e a valid passport which must be valid for at least three months or beyond
• Student Visa Application Form (INZ 1012) needs to be filled and acknowledged by NZ authorities
• The final submission of your application requires you to pay a fee that varies on your mode of submission. After successful payment collect the receipt and don’t forget to carry it at the time of the interview
• Acceptance Letter from your host institution confirming your eligibility for a particular course
• You need to have an offer of acceptance from a New Zealand institute or university. The forms are usually issued after the tuition fees have been received
• Duly signed certificates like Medical clearance, Health security, and character certificate are required to prove that you are a fit for travelling and staying abroad.

New Zealand Student Visa IELTS Requirements

For IELTS, international students must submit a minimum overall band score of 6 to be eligible for admission to top universities as well as for the New Zealand student visa. IELTS requirements differ depending on universities, courses as well as the level of degree.

New Zealand Student Visa Fees

The application fee for a New Zealand student visa differs as per the application mode. Below shows the charges for both of them:

• Immigration Costs for Application: minimum of 301 NZD [Online Mode (Approx.)/Offline Mode (Approx.)]
• Receiving center fees: 15NZD [Online Mode (Approx.)] and 23NZD [Offline Mode (Approx.)]

Note: These are the estimated values. They are subject to change. Please ensure you check the appropriate offices/official websites for current prices.

Apply using a printed form (INZ 1012)

Apply for the New Zealand Student Visa offline. Get the application form (INZ 1012) and complete in columns. Also, apply at least 8 weeks before visiting New Zealand. This form is available online or at your country’s NZ embassy. Check where to send additional documents if you apply by print. Visas are processed in 47 days. The embassy will discuss the latter section with you.

Online Application Process

A New Zealand student visa application can also be made online. To proceed with the visa application, you can create a RealMe account and follow the processes outlined above. RealMe is a safe way to submit visa applications. It is best to have the necessary documents available in the exact size and format ahead of time. The visa application takes 47 days to process. This requires you to organize your visit accordingly.

New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time

New Zealand Immigration aims to process student visa applications on 30 weekdays. On average, New Zealand processes student visa applications on 18 weekdays. Almost 90% of applications for international students are processed within 50 weekdays.

Top Universities in New Zealand

Planning to study in New Zealand? Check out the top universities in New Zealand for international students:

• University of Auckland
• University of Otago
• University of Canterbury
• Victoria University of Wellington
• University of Waikato
• Massey University
• Lincoln University
• Auckland University of Technology

FAQs

What are the requirements for a New Zealand student visa?

• Candidates must have a valid passport, a Student Visa Application Form (INZ 1012) that has been filled out and acknowledged by NZ authorities, an acceptance letter from your host institution, and certificates such as medical clearance, health security, and character certificate to prove that you are fit to travel and stay abroad.

How long is a New Zealand study visa?

• The New Zealand student visa is 4 years

Can you work on a New Zealand study visa?

• Yes, you can work part-time on a student visa in New Zealand.

Can students get PR in New Zealand?

• Yes, students can apply for PR in New Zealand.