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How to Apply for New Zealand Student Visa

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A foreign student who wants to study in New Zealand for a period of more than 3 months will have to obtain a New Zealand Student Visa. This visa is granted to those students who have already been accepted for a programme of study that has been approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

Even the education provider must be approved by the NZQA or the Ministry of Education in New Zealand.

The New Zealand student visa is also applicable for students who have been offered a place in an approved student exchange scheme. It is also applicable for any student who studies by distance learning with a New Zealand education provider, and needs to come to New Zealand to undertake practical study, sit for exams or meet other requirements, and needs to stay for more than 3 months in New Zealand.

However, if a student wants to undertake one or more short term courses that do not extend for more than 3 months and that are approved or exempted by the NZQA, a student visa is not required by such a student.

University of Otago, New Zealand. Photographer by Ulrich Lange
University of Otago, New Zealand. Photographer by Ulrich Lange

Validity of New Zealand Student Visa

With a New Zealand Student Visa you can stay in New Zealand for a maximum of four years. There are three ways through which Immigration New Zealand (INZ) decide the length of a student visa. They are –

  • In case you are a ‘full fee paying student’ your student visa is generally granted for the same length as the tuition you have paid for.
  • In case you are studying with an education provider that Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has a Memorandum of Understanding with, you can apply for a Length of Course visa.
  • In case you are a full scholarship or fees scholarship student, your student visa will be valid for the period of your scholarship up to a maximum of four years.

Eligibility Criteria for New Zealand Student Visa

To be eligible for New Zealand Student Visa you must fulfil the following conditions:

  • You must provide an “Offer of Place” letter issued by an education provider that is approved by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or the Ministry of Education
  • Your programme of study must be approved by NZQA
  • You must have taken admission for a full-time course of study
  • You must have a passport with a validity that extends the duration of the visa you are applying for by at least 3 months
  • You must show proof that you have enough money to pay for your tuition fees, travel and living costs in New Zealand as well as for your return transportation
  • You must show evidence that you plan to leave New Zealand after you finish your programme of study. You can provide your return travel ticket as proof for that.
  • You must meet the health and character requirements for New Zealand Student Visa

Steps to follow to apply for New Zealand Student Visa

Before you apply for New Zealand student visa, prepare all the required supporting documents in PDF format. Make sure that you have a Visa or a MasterCard credit or debit card to pay the student visa application fee.

You will also have to decide whether you want to make an online application or a paper application. Once you are sure about the mode of application you want to make, you can go ahead with the following procedure:

Steps to make an Online Application for New Zealand Student Visa

You can make an online application for your student visa using New Zealand Immigration Online Service.

Step 1: Create an Online Account for visa application

Create an account to make an online application for student visa at New Zealand Immigration Online.

Step 2: Fill in the application form

Carefully fill in the details in the online application form

Step 3: Gather all the required documents

Make sure that all the supporting documents are ready for submission along with the online application form.

Step 4: Provide photograph for visa application

You must provide an appropriate photograph of yourself for the visa application form. Check the acceptable photo requirements.

Step 5: Complete the online application

Submit your application online after following all the mentioned steps.

Step 6: Submit your Passport and handling fee

Send your passport and the appropriate handling fee to a Visa Application Centre or Immigration New Zealand office. Your passport must reach the Visa Application Centre or Immigration New Zealand office within 20 days of your online application, else your application may be rejected and you may not receive a refund of your visa application fee.

Steps to make a Paper Application for New Zealand Student Visa

You can make a paper application for your student visa to New Zealand if you cannot make an online application. Before you apply for the student visa go through the New Zealand Student Visa Guide.

Step 1: Download the application form

You can download the student visa application form from the internet.

Step 2: Fill in the application form

Carefully fill in the details to complete the application form

Step 3: Gather all the required documents

Make sure that all the supporting documents are ready for submission along with the application form.

Step 4: Provide photograph for visa application

You must provide an appropriate photograph of yourself for the visa application form. Check the acceptable photo requirements.

Step 5: Keep the visa application fee ready

Keep the visa application fee ready for submission along with the application form. Check the mode of payment accepted at the Visa Application Centre in your country.

Step 6: Submit the visa application

Submit your student visa application to the nearest Immigration New Zealand office or visa application centre. Pay the appropriate visa application fee while submitting your visa application.

Required Fees for New Zealand Student Visa

Fees for New Zealand Student Visa – NZ $270 (INR 13,182.63)

Note:

  • Your application fee will not be refunded if your application for a student visa is refused or rejected for any reason.
  • The conversion into Indian currency is based on current conversion rates, which may change.
  • The visa application fee is subject to change at any time.

Dos and Don’ts for New Zealand Student Visa

You must remember the following dos and don’ts while applying for New Zealand student visa.

Dos

  • Apply for a student visa at least a few weeks in advance of your planned travel date to allow enough time for the application procedure to be completed on time for you to join your course
  • Fill up your application form carefully with all accurate details
  • Bring original copies and photocopies of all supporting documents when you come to submit your visa application form at the Visa Application Centre

Don’ts

  • Do not present false documents for your student Visa
  • Do not hide or misrepresent facts in your application

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