Aljawaz Your guide to study abroad How to obtain a student visa in New Zealand? It is the most common question among international students. To get a student visa in New Zealand you have to meet some requirements which will be listed in the coming lines.
New Zealand has proved its presence among the best destinations to study abroad due to having the strong international categories and world-class education in its universities.
Besides, New Zealand Universities are ranked at the top in the World Universities Rankings as we previously mentioned in our article the best universities in New Zealand.
To study in this beautiful country, you have to meet some conditions and requirements. Let’s get to know them together, starting with:
Table of Contents
Types of student visa in New Zealand
In case you plan to study in New Zealand for more than three months while you are from another country, you will need a student visa. For courses less than three months, you can study in New Zealand with a temporary visa (visitor visa). For courses more than 3 months, you must obtain a student visa.
In order to pursue study in New Zealand, you have the choice between a:
- Fee-paying student visa: for which you have to provide the proof of enough finances to fund your stay and study along with a letter of acceptance from a INZ (Immigration New Zealand) approved institution
- Student visa supported by a foreign government: for which you have to deliver the paperwork indicating that the foreign government will pay for your tuition and living expenses
- Exchange student visa: for which you have to prove you have been approved for a recognized exchange program, and initiate your visa process from outside New Zealand.
How to apply for a visa?
To apply for a student visa in New Zealand, you can apply online or in person before traveling.
To submit a personal application within your country, you will need to contact the nearest consulate or New Zealand embassy to you in your country to obtain an application form or appointment.
You must apply at least six weeks before traveling to New Zealand.
Requirements for a student visa in New Zealand
The application fee varies depending on your country of origin.
However, in general you will need :
Acceptance letter to a university in New Zealand
For your student visa application in New Zealand, you will need to provide proof of admission to an accredited educational institution in New Zealand.
Evidence of Sufficient Financial Means
You will need proof of sufficient funds to pay the tuition fees (this may include proof of loan coverage, scholarships, etc.).
You must prove that you own at least NZ $ 15,000 ($ 10,870) for each year if your study period is longer than nine months.
Also, it can be done by a sponsor who is willing to pay for your studies or a loan or scholarship or government support or sufficient bank balance To cover all of your tuition fees, including living costs too.
Plane ticket
a copy of your air ticket or proof that you have enough money to buy one. In addition to, proof of additional money or consent from the sponsor to pay future travel costs. Also, this is to show that you intend to leave the country and can bear travel costs once you finish your studies.
Medical certificates as well as good manners certificate
In case you plan to study in New Zealand for more than 12 months, you will need to provide:
- General medical certificate, chest x-ray certificate, and maybe a TB examination.
- If you are less than 18 years old, you will also need to provide proof of residency. In case you are 17 or older, you must obtain a (good manners) certificate from the police.
Beside the above-mentioned documents, you will also need:
- 2 personal colorful photographs;
- A valid passport for at least three months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand;
- Evidence of paying the application fee.
New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time and Cost
The processing time for a student visa in New Zealand can last from 25 to 90 days. But it can take longer if more information is needed.
The variation in the processing time can also depend on the type of education provider you apply to, along with other factors. But no matter how long is the processing time, you should always start to apply within the 3 months before the beginning of your courses.
Moreover, the cost of a student visa application depends on the mode of application (online or via mail). It also depends on the country you are applying from. To serve as reference, the most common visa international students apply for in New Zealand is the fee-paying student visa. And this one cost NZ$295 for an online application from outside New Zealand.
You can view the complete list of visa requirements for students and apply online for the visa on the INZ website. In conclusion, hope our article “How to obtain a student visa in New Zealand?” answers all your inquiries.
In case you plan to study in New Zealand, we recommend you to read the following article:
