Students today recognize the advantages of studying abroad over studying in their home country. Pursuing a degree abroad offers a range of opportunities and motivates students to enhance their skills to meet international standards. New Zealand is a popular destination among students seeking education abroad due to its renowned universities committed to producing top graduates for the global industry. This New Zealand Student visa guide outlines how to pursue education in New Zealand and related topics.
What are the Types of New Zealand Student Visas?
Visas allow people to stay in foreign lands until their purpose is fulfilled. The New Zealand government issues various visas, including study visas. The processing period for visa applications in New Zealand begins in July.
Student Visa
A student visa is for those who pursue a degree lasting more than 3 months, and allows for a longer stay and up to 20 hours of work per week.
Visitor Visa
A visitor visa can be used for short-term study, but it’s not issued specifically for that purpose. It’s suitable for courses with a duration of less than 3 months. The NZeTA fee for a New Zealand visitor visa fees in Indian Rupees is approximately INR 553.20, and the IVL fee is INR 1613.50.
Working Holiday Visa
Working people who want to serve their holidays are eligible for this type of visa. Now, this person can use this working holiday visa to complete a course that has a duration of not more than 6 months. Typically, people aged between 18 to 35 can avail of it.
Pathway Visa
This is a special visa kind that the New Zealand government issues. Pathway Visa allows a person to pursue 3 consecutive courses or gives them a study permit that extends up to the maximum duration of 5 years (whichever is lower). It must be made sure that recognized bodies approve the study plan before the Visa application is made.
New Zealand Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students
New Zealand’s government has set up several requirements and standards for its visa applicants. Meeting up with these requirements is a vital step that advances you toward acquiring your visa. These are the most basic New Zealand study visa requirements.
- Applicants must have all the necessary documentation.
- A student must be proficient in the English language.
- A letter of acceptance recognized by the Ministry of Education of New Zealand is mandatory to produce.
- Candidates should be in good health and must submit a medical certificate proving their sound health.
- Students must pass the personal interview hosted during the visa application process.
New Zealand Study Visa Documents
As stated before, applying for a New Zealand study visa will require the submission of a lot of necessary documents. Also, you will need to submit those documents along with attestations that prove your application’s authenticity and your cause’s reliability. The necessary documents that you have to submit will be as follows:
- A passport with validity
- Passport-size photographs
- Documents showcasing travel history
- Acceptance letter from the desired university
- Visa application form
- Past academic records
- University tuition fee receipts
- Application fee receipt
- Proof of funds, such as bank statements
- Police certificate
- Medical certificate
- Written proof of accommodation (if under 18)
- Scholarship certificate (if any)
These are the documents that are vital for completing the New Zealand Study Visa application process. Most of these steps are also applicable to acquiring New Zealand work visa for Indian.
New Zealand Visa Fees
When planning to study in New Zealand, obtaining a visa is crucial. Visa fees vary based on the course, duration, and other factors, which can be overwhelming. This guide covers everything you need to know about New Zealand student visas and their fees.
| Category | Visa Fee (INR & NZ$) |
| Family Visa | 77,950 INR (1,670 NZ$) |
| Student Visa | 310 NZ$ (16,246 INR) |
| Permanent Visa | 8,868 INR (190 NZ$) |
| Visitor Visa (Online / Offline) | 7,048 INR (151 NZ$) and 7,935 INR (170 NZ$) |
| Work Visa (Online and Offline) | 16,570 INR (355 NZ$) and 17,503 INR (375 NZ$) |
| Holiday Work Visa | 7,935 INR (170 NZ$) |
| Transit Visa | 6,768 INR (145 NZ$) |
New Zealand Student Visa Qualifications
There are certain eligibility/qualifications that every visa applicant must fulfill in order to complete the application process without any hassle. Let us look at the New Zealand Student Visa eligibility now.
- The applicant should have a good command of the English language (in both spoken and written form).
- Students have to present the necessary documents during the application process.
- Applicants must be able to maintain a total of NZD 1250 every month.
- There are no maximum age restrictions set for acquiring a New Zealand student visa. Thus, anyone above the age of 18 can apply for a Student Visa.
- There are no score requirements to pursue education abroad in New Zealand. The applicant is only expected to have passed their 12th grade.
- Students must not have an existing/current criminal record while entering the country.
How to Apply for New Zealand Student Visa Process?
The New Zealand student visa process is quite simple. The process can be done online or even through visa offices available offline. Let us look at the procedure now.
- Start off by applying for your desired course in your chosen university and receive a letter of acceptance.
- Next up, work on acquiring your medical certificate and police certificate to prove your medical fitness and legal eligibility.
- Then approach the visa application portal/office and submit a visa application with the required documentation.
- Later, complete the visa registration fee payment.
- You must now proceed by paying your first-year tuition fee, which could also be done before the application process.
- After waiting for a few days, you will get a notification with an approval letter from the visa approval officials.
By following these steps, you will successfully obtain your New Zealand visa for Indians from the official government of New Zealand.
FAQs
Can I travel to New Zealand with an Australian tourist visa?
You can visit, work, and live in New Zealand if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Before visiting New Zealand, you do not need to obtain a visa. You must have an NZeTA if you are a permanent resident of Australia.
Is IELTS required for New Zealand work visa?
To work in New Zealand, you need to meet the minimum English level required by the government, which is demonstrated through IELTS scores for various visas, including those for skilled migrants, business travelers, and residents.
Do Indian citizens need visa for New Zealand?
Indian nationals who intend to visit New Zealand for leisure or business purposes must submit an application for a visiting visa at the closest New Zealand visa application center in order to enter the country.
How much funds needed for New Zealand student visa?
NZD 15,000 is required to pay for living expenses each academic year in New Zealand. If you apply after 31 July 2022, you will be required to pay NZD 20,000/17,000 per year for the mandatory study. This is the minimum amount required to transfer to your FTS account.
What courses qualify for the New Zealand study visa process?
Engineering, Accounting, Nursing, Social Work, Medical, Computer and IT, Education, Teaching, and Automotive are some courses that qualify for a New Zealand study visa.
What are the requirements for studying in New Zealand?
A Passport with validity
Passport-size photographs
Documents showcasing travel history
Acceptance letter from the desired university
Visa application form
Past academic records
University tuition fee receipts
Application fee receipt
Proof of funds, such as bank statements
Police certificate
Medical certificate
Written proof of accommodation (if under 18)
Scholarship certificate (if any)
What are the New Zealand passport Visa Free Countries?
As of January 2023, New Zealand passport holders can now enjoy visa-free travel to 141 countries and territories. This is a remarkable achievement for New Zealanders as it means they can experience the world with fewer restrictions.