Students planning to pursue studies in New Zealand for more than three months need to apply for a New Zealand Student Visa. The visa enables the applicants to study a full-time course in New Zealand for a specified time period. Student visas usually take up to eight weeks to process, but this time can exceed if more information is required.
With close to 50,000 foreign students in New Zealand each year and a total number of applications over 150,000, it can be claimed that studying in New Zealand is a solid choice for international students. Because only a small number of overseas students are accepted, they must also apply for a study visa. Students who have received and accepted a letter of offer may apply for a student visa. The processing period for visa applications ranges from 8 to 10 weeks, however it might take longer depending on the amount of applications submitted for a given academic session.
Table of Contents
New Zealand Student Visa Requirements
Students need to provide the following documents along with the student visa application for New Zealand.
- Valid passport along with two passport-size photographs. The passport must be valid for a minimum of 3 months beyond your stay duration in New Zealand.
- Completely filled visa application form.
- Application fee payment receipt.
- Offer of a place from a New Zealand institution or a university. These forms are generally issued after the tuition fees are paid.
- Letter from your present college/institution to confirm your status as a study abroad student.
- Health and character certificate
- Health insurance receipt
How to apply for student visa in New Zealand online?
Candidates should be aware that filing a New Zealand Visa Application online is the preferable approach. When compared to the postal approach, the online option is not only faster but also less expensive.
As discussed above, gather your papers and scan and prepare all of your major and supporting documents in PDF format. Make sure you have a photo of yourself scanned and linked. Candidates are advised to check the official website for the embassy’s photos requirements.
NOTE: The New Zealand High Commission takes an average of 63 calendar days to process visa applications, depending on the individual’s history. As a result, students must apply for their visas at least three months prior to the start of their study. Fill out the online application – You must first establish an online account and complete the form.
Some universities may require students to submit additional documents. These might be documents that provide proof of the financial and academic status of students.
- Academic Transcripts or degrees or diplomas from previously attended schools/colleges.
- Test scores of IELTS, TOEFL or PTE as required by the university.
- Proof of adequate financial resources to support the studies.
New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time After Approval
As per immigration New Zealand, students must allow at least four weeks or 20 working days for processing of visa applications submitted online and around five-six weeks for New Zealand student visa applications submitted as hard copies. During peak periods, it may even take up to three months for the visa to process, hence it is advisable to apply for it as soon as possible.
Check Out: MBA in New Zealand
New Zealand student visa ilelts requirements
IELTS is an exam conducted worldwide to evaluate the communication and language skills of students planning to study in any English-speaking country. Students applying for New Zealand Student Visa need to fulfill the minimum IELTS test score requirements.
Most of the reputed universities in New Zealand accept IELTS test scores as proof of English Language Proficiency.
Students need to secure a minimum test score of 5.5 in order to apply for a diploma program. They need to secure a minimum score of 6 for bachelor’s degree and graduate diplomas and a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for post-graduate diplomas and masters programs.
PTE Requirements for New Zealand Student Visa
PTE or Pearson Test of English is an English Language Proficiency Test that allows students to prove their language proficiency. It is approved by most universities in New Zealand. It is a 3-hour long computer test divided into three sections i.e. Speech and Writing, Reading and Listening. For undergraduate programs, a minimum PTE score of 50 is required and for studies at the graduate level, a minimum score of 64 is required.
New Zealand Student Visa Interview Questions
The New Zealand Student Visa application process requires students to submit the application form and all the necessary documents. After payment of visa fees, students can schedule an appointment for the visa interview with the New Zealand embassy. This is the final stage of the application process. One of the officers will ask the applicant a few questions to assess and determine whether he/she is eligible to get the visa or not. Here is a list of a few questions that one can expect in the New Zealand student visa interview.
Ques : Which institution did you attend in India or where did you study?
Students must mention the name of the institution along with the city from where they have completed the undergraduate program.
Ques : Why did you select New Zealand for further studies?
Mention key highlights and state the benefits of studying at that particular university/college and how it will be a boost for your career.
Ques : Have you been to New Zealand earlier?
Depending on your situation, say a yes or no. In case you have visited earlier, say yes and give a brief summary of your visit including duration of stay, nature of stay, etc. The officer may even ask additional questions if necessary.
Ques : Do you have any friends or relatives in New Zealand?
In case you have a relative or friend, say a yes and also mention your relation with them. If you have a friend, you need to mention how and for how long you have known them.
Ques : Why did you choose that specific college/university?
Give reasons as to why you selected that specific university. You can also go through the official university website to better understand the benefits of studying that particular course and highlight those benefits in front of the officer.
New Zealand Student Visa : Application cost
Students who apply for a Student Visa online must pay a Visa fee of NZD 330 plus INR 747 (approximately) as a receiving centre costs (New Delhi). Candidates who apply for a Student Visa by mail must pay USD 222 plus about Rs. 1,124 as a receiving centre fees (New Delhi). Candidates should be informed that handling costs vary depending on the Visa Center, therefore they should check the official website before applying for the exact amount.
Check Out: Visa interview questions
New Zealand Student Visa Age Limit
There is no upper age limit for a New Zealand student visa if the applicant is accepted to a New Zealand college or university. However, the lower limit depends on the completion of the student’s undergraduate degree program.
New Zealand Student Visa Delay
The average time for visa application processing is 90 days. During peak times, however, applicants might experience a delay and the visa might take longer than usual to process. Hence, New Zealand Immigration suggests applying for a visa well in advance, so that you arrive in the country on time.
How Much Funds Needed For New Zealand Student Visa?
Before applying for a New Zealand student visa, you need to plan your studies, figure out how you will support yourself while in New Zealand and check what documents you’ll need to submit along with the application.
In order to support yourself while studying in New Zealand, you need to show that you have one of the following:
- NZD 15000 for the first year of study
- NZD 1250 for each month if the program you have selected is less than 36 months duration.
- Any scholarship like New Zealand Aid Programme Scholarship
- A sponsor or a family member who is willing and has agreed to support the studies financially for you while you are in New Zealand.
People also read : MBBS in New Zealand for Indian Students
New Zealand Student Visa Rejection
New Zealand is among the most preferred destinations to study abroad. It receives a large number of visa applications every year, especially from India. Students need to apply for a New Zealand student visa and submit all the relevant documents to the issuing authorities for approval. Some of the common mistakes that students make whole the application process are:
- During interviews, the authorities might get an impression that the student has applied for the visa for some other purpose in disguise. If they feel that the real motive is settling and starting work in the country or taking up employment illegally, then they might reject the application.
- Students must also be careful that they don’t submit any fraudulent documents as this might lead to cancelation of the application.
- Maximum universities across the world require students to provide proof of English Language Proficiency. If a student fails to secure the minimum test score in either IELTS, TOEFL or PTE, then the application might get rejected.
Thus, if the issuing authority gets the impression that the candidate won’t fit in the workplace environment, doesn’t provide good work ethics or is not proficient in English, the visa might be denied.
Recommended read : MBA from New Zealand
Where to Apply for a student visa in New Zealand?
The contact information for the several New Zealand High Commissions situated around the country is provided below:
New Zealand Consulate General
Mumbai, India
Street 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: [email protected]
Immigration New Zealand (INZ), New Delhi Centre
Telephone: +91 11 4259 6300
Fax: +91 11 4761 2990
Email: [email protected]
New Zealand High Commission
Sir Edmund Hillary Marg
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110 021
Telephone: 0091-11-4688 3170
Fax: 0091-11-4688 3165
Email: [email protected]
Check Out: Top engineering colleges in New Zealand
FAQs
Ans: The New Zealand student visa is valid for the entire duration of the program if it is upto 12 months. If the course duration exceeds 12 months, you need to renew the visa through the International Student Office of the respective university after one year
Ans: Depending on the duration of the program and the level, students can stay for a period of 1 – 3 years after completing studies and they can work in the country.
Ans: Students can extend their visa by renewing it each year. This can be done online or with the help of education providers on the university campus.
Ans: Students can apply for a visa for upto3 years post completion of their degree program if they qualify. Depending on the level of qualification, the post-study work visa lasts either 1,2 or 3 years.
Ans: Yes, you can get the New Zealand study visa without appearing for the IELTS exam. However, the New Zealand Immigration authority conducts an interview to check whether the candidate has good English Language proficiency and communication skills
Comments (0)