Planning to Study in New Zealand? Here's All You Need to Know About New Zealand Visa

New Zealand has been a provider of quality education for a long time and has been hosting international students from all over the world for years now. Universities in New Zealand are popular for their high standards of teaching and research facilities. Are you planning to study in New Zealand? You will need to obtain a student visa if you want to study a full-time course in New Zealand with a duration of more than 3 months. In this article, we will present detailed information on Student Visa for New Zealand.

How to get a student visa for New Zealand?

1. Apply for the university and collect your acceptance letter. 

Before you go for a Student visa application, apply for admissions to the University in New Zealand. Once your admission is confirmed, you will obtain an acceptance letter from the University. This letter will help you to move forward with your student visa application. You have a spectrum of choices in Universities in New Zealand. Here are few top universities in New Zealand:

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

2. Find out the type of New Zealand student visa you will need

Check out which kind of visa you will need to enter New Zealand. Generally, 2 kinds of student visas will let you opt and study courses full-time courses in New Zealand-

• Fee-paying student visa – With this visa, the holder can study a single course for up to 4 years and also work part-time in New Zealand
• Pathway student visa – With this visa, the holder can study 3 courses, one after the other, for a maximum of up to 5 years, and also work part-time in New Zealand. 

3. Collect your documents

Now, let us look at the list of supporting documents required for your visa application. Collecting the documents at the end moment can make you face difficulties. So it is better to be ready with your documents in advance. 

• An acceptance letter from an approved education institute in New Zealand
• Proof that you have enough funds to pay your tuition fees
• Your passport and acceptable passport-style photo(s)
• Proof of funds for staying in New Zealand for studies($15,000 per year, to cover your living expenses)
• An accommodation guarantee, if you’re under 18
• Your visa application fee
• a medical certificate and chest x-ray, 
• A police certificate.

4. Choose how you want to apply

To make an application for a New Zealand student visa, you can apply online or in-person before traveling. While most of the students choose to apply online because it is faster, you can also choose to apply in person. 

5. Apply for the New Zealand student visa

To apply in person within your home country, you will need to contact your local New Zealand consulate or embassy for obtaining an application form or booking an appointment. You can also apply online by visiting the official website www.immigration.govt.nz. You will need to create an account online. You should apply for the visa at least 6 weeks before you intend to travel to New Zealand.

6. Submit your application

In case you want to apply for a Visa offline, you need to visit the centre. Check where to submit the form and the supporting documents. Do it carefully.

7. Pay the New Zealand visa fees.

Student Visa New Zealand Cost around $57. You should note that the handling charges could change depending on the Visa Centre, hence you should check the official website before applying for the exact amount at the time. 

8. Wait for a decision and get your visa

You can keep checking the status of your visa application online. You will obtain your visa once processed. Now you are ready to fly to New Zealand.

New Zealand student Visa Processing Time

The Visa Processing Time for the New Zealand student Visa is 20 working days. Many times the processing time can take up to 3 weeks. While applying for a student visa, one should always keep in mind the processing time.

New Zealand Student Visa Interview Questions

The interview is one of the final processes candidates might have to go through to obtain a student visa. There is a certain set of questions the interviewer will ask the candidate. Here are some of the sample questions which are probably asked in the visa interview:

• What is your previous education?
• Why New Zealand?
• Have you visited NZ before?
• Why have you chosen this particular University?
• Where will you be staying in New Zealand?
• Are you planning to work?
• Who will cover the funds?

Can international students work in New Zealand on a student visa?

International students studying full time courses with a student visa are allowed to work in New Zealand with the time limitation. They will be allowed only to work for up to 20 hours per week during term time and may work full-time during all scheduled holiday periods such as Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays. Work experience required in their higher studies doesn’t count in this 20-hour limit. However, International students can’t be self-employed.

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Checklist Before going to Study in New Zealand
Study in New Zealand for Indian Students
Stay back and Work permit after Study In New Zealand