New Zealand student visa | 8 things you need to know!

Applying for a student visa for New Zealand is difficult. There is so much you have to figure out before you even think of applying, like what are the New Zealand student visa requirements, which visa will work for you, what are student visa requirements are, and learn how to apply. And in the middle of it all, you have to look at medical papers, travel insurance, and get documents that will prove you have enough money! 

To give you an idea of what should be done and to make your visa process smooth sailing, we have compiled all the information you need in this blog. So read on!

1. Which type of New Zealand student visa will I need?

You will find student visas for students from specific countries or for those who want to study in New Zealand for a specific reason. But on an overall basis, there are 3 kinds of student visas that will let you study full-time in New Zealand-

• Fee-paying student visa – this visa will let you study a single course for up to 4 years, work part-time, and live by yourself in New Zealand.
• Pathway student visa – using this, you can take 3 courses, one after the other, for up to 5 years, and work part-time.
• Dependent child student visa – this is for people who are in New Zealand on a study or work visa and allows their dependents to live and study in New Zealand as a domestic student in a primary or secondary school.

2. What is the New Zealand student visa application process?

The first thing you need to do is see how COVID-19 is affecting students who want to pursue their education in New Zealand. After you know that and are sure you can apply for a fee-paying student visa, follow these steps to complete the process for your New Zealand student visa application-

• Collect your documents

We will take a look at the list of documents required for your visa application in the next section. But the point is – don’t rush in the end moment to find these papers. Keep them ready in advance.

• Choose how you want to apply

While most students prefer to apply online because it’s faster, you can also decide to apply using a printed form.

• Apply

If you choose to apply online, set up a New Zealand Government RealMe account and start filling out your application form. Otherwise, download the Student Visa Application form (NZ 1012) and fill it.

• Submit your application

In case you want to apply offline, you may want to check where to send the form and the supporting documents.

• Pay the New Zealand visa fees (around $57)
• Wait for a decision

It takes between 4 to 6 weeks for a student visa to be processed. But you can always check the progress on your visa application online.

• Get your visa!

3. New Zealand student visa requirements

There’s a bunch of documents you will need to keep handy before applying for your fee-paying student visa. Your New Zealand student visa requirements will include-

• An offer of placement from an educational institution approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
• Evidence that you have money for your tuition fees.
• Proof that you have enough money to live on in New Zealand (NZD$15,000 for your first year of study, NZD$1250 for each month if your program of study is less than 36 months, a scholarship, or a sponsor).
• A ticket out of New Zealand or proof that you have enough funds to buy one.
• Medical certificates from a doctor approved by INZ.
• Police certificates from the Regional Passport Office.
• Approved medical and travel insurance.
• Your passport and acceptable passport-style photo(s).
• Translations of any documents not in English.
• New Zealand student visa fees (around $57).

The New Zealand government might also ask you to share other documents, like a cover letter and a Statement of Purpose. These will help them make a faster decision on your visa application.

4. COVID updates

According to the New Zealand immigration website, “Student visa applicants who are outside New Zealand can study online without a visa.”

When New Zealand’s border restrictions are lifted, these students will have to provide evidence of their online study to support the visa application.

Remember – if you choose to study online in your home country first, you will still need to meet standard student visa requirements to be granted a New Zealand student visa.

5. Will this student visa allow me to work?

Yes. You can work part-time for 20 hours a week while studying and take up a full-time job during the holidays.

There are two other benefits of a fee-paying student visa. One of them is being able to study a full-time course at a school, tertiary institution, or English language study. The other perk of a New Zealand student visa is that you can live by yourself (but only if you’re above a certain age).

Also, the visa’s multiple entry-level conditions can allow you to travel anywhere in and out of New Zealand!

6. For how long will my student visa be valid?

Your student visa will be valid for the same length of time as the study you’ve paid for. This means that, if you want to stay back, you will need to land a job before you graduate and get a post-study work visa before your student visa expires.

The good news is that New Zealand has always welcomed people with skills. Companies in Auckland, Marlborough, or West coast have several job openings in sectors such as health, media, law, engineering, and IT. There are also opportunities for people with skills in trades and business services.

To find employers who are hiring, you can head to websites like Working In, Workhere, or New Kiwis, get yourself a job, and apply for your work visa!

7. Who does not need a student visa for New Zealand?

You will need a student visa if you want to study full-time in New Zealand for more than 3 months. 

If your course will last for 3 months or less, you can study in New Zealand through a visitor visa. You can also study part-time for up to 9 months, as long as you apply to vary the conditions of your visitor visa.

You can also study on a work visa in case your course is 3 months or less and your employer wants you to do a course.

However, you will not need a student visa if-

• You are a citizen of New Zealand or Australia
• If you are a resident of New Zealand
• You have a permanent visa for Australia

8. Can I get a work visa after graduation?

Oh, yes! A post-study work visa in New Zealand will let you work for any employer and in almost any job for up to 3 years after your graduation.

With this work visa in your hands, your partner can also apply for a work visa and your children can study for free, just like any other domestic student.

The visa you get, however, can last up to 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the level of your qualification and where you studied.

So, if you’re planning to live in New Zealand permanently, it’s best to get a job in an occupation where there’s a shortage of skilled workers. It will definitely improve your chances of getting a residence visa.

So, there you have it – an ultimate guide on how to turn from a student in New Zealand into a permanent resident of the country!

If you have any more questions or doubts, or if you need help preparing for the exam, feel free to drop a comment or reach out to us. We’d be very happy to help!

Liked this blog? Read: Studying in New Zealand | Top universities, cost, visa, and more!

FAQ

1. How much does a New Zealand student visa cost?

Answer- If you are submitting your application fee online, you need to pay a visa fee of NZD 330 + INR 747. 

2. How long does it take to get a student visa to New Zealand?

Answer- It will take around four weeks (20 working days) to process applications submitted online and five to six weeks for applications submitted as hard copies. 

3. Is New Zealand cheap to study?

Answer- It costs anywhere between NZ$ 13,000 and NZ$ 16,000 per academic year, including living costs, etc.