New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time, Application Costs, and Eligibility for Indian Students

New Zealand is one of the most trusted destinations for higher education among international students. In the last 5 years, the NZ Immigration Centre has approved almost 40,000 international student visas, and the majority were Indian students. In the time of the pandemic and a few months post-pandemic, NZ has closed issuing student visas, but the numbers have rebounded since it reopened in August 2022. The NZ study visa processing time takes 2 to 8 weeks, and it varies based on the type of educational institute you choose. 

Though the Immigration Centre of NZ is committed to providing student visas as fast as possible, the centre considers every visa application individually to make sure it aligns with its immigration policies. Because the NZ study visa processing time takes a bit more time, it is advisable to apply just after getting your admission letter from the University. Let’s see the NZ study visa: requirements, costs, and processing time for Indian students. 

What Is The NZ Study Visa Processing Time for Students

The study visa processing time depends on various factors. They are:

• Application Completeness
• Biometric Verification
• Interview Requirements 

Let’s assume you are an Indian student. If yes, then you should know that NZ student visa processing time from India varies depending on application volume, which is why Education Vibes asks students to apply at least 3 months in advance. The table below shows an overview of the NZ study visa processing time. Let’s explore!

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Cost of Student Visa in New Zealand for Indian Students

The New Zealand student visa fees for Indian students depend on the type of visa application. The fee for a NZ student visa online starts at NZD 375, which is equivalent to INR 18,500. The cost of the visa also includes a medical exam and biometric fees. Here is the breakdown of the visa costs in New Zealand.

Note: As an international student, you can study in New Zealand for some time with a student visa or a study visa. This visa normally permits you to live and study in one of the Universities in NZ.  The time can be a year to three, or more, depending on the course you study there. Moreover, the NZ Immigration Department may allow you to work in the country on a part-time basis during your studies, and apply for a post-study work visa upon completion of your studies. 

Types of Student Visas To Study In New Zealand

Based on the course duration, New Zealand offers different types of study visas, and the NZ study visa processing times depend on it. Each of these visas has particular eligibility and requirements, such as admission proof. proof of funds, and a health certificate, to name some. Let’s take a closer look at the table to understand it further. 

Student Visa Requirements To Study In New Zealand

Understanding the eligibility requirements for studying in New Zealand is one of the most important considerations for visa applicants. Indian students must meet the required qualifications to obtain a student visa to study in New Zealand’s Universities. Let’s see the requirements in a brief:

Proof of admission - You must have an offer letter from your University in NZ as proof of enrolment. 

Proof of funds - You must have proof of funds to show that you are capable of living and studying in NZ, such as tuition fees, cost of living, and return travel to your home country. In this case, you must show at least NZD 20,000 or INR 9,86,000 per year for living expenses. 

Health Certificate - A Medical fitness report or health certificate is required. 

Police clearance certificate - A Police clearance certificate is another important requirement. 

English Proficiency Certificate - You must have an English proficiency certificate, like TOEFL, IELTS or PTE, to study in NZ as per the University norms.

Valid passport - You are required to have a valid passport when you apply for a student visa to study in New Zealand. It should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay. 

Visa Fees -  NZ student visa fees vary based on the location. Although it would be around NZD 375, i.e. INR 18,500, and paper paper-based applications from India would be around NZD 330 to 400, i.e. INR 16,300 to 19,800.

Step-by-Step Guide for New Zealand Student Visa Process

The application process for a New Zealand study visa starts when you receive an offer letter from the University, and later on, when you submit proof of funds, a visa application, and attend a biometric appointment. Let’s see the steps in detail of your visa process. 

• Apply to a University 
• Prepare the visa documents 
• Submit your visa application 
• Paying student visa fees
• Attend a biometrics and an interview at the visa centre
• Receive your student visa decision

Documents Required for a New Zealand Student Visa

Here are the important documents required for a NZ student visa. 

Reasons for Rejection of NZ Student Visa

A NZ student visa rejection normally happens due to the following reasons. While filling out the application form online or offline, you must provide all authentic documents and information; otherwise, your application will be rejected. Also, most visa applications get rejected due to insufficient funds and academic or language requirements. The following table will give you an overview of student visa rejection in New Zealand. 

Tips To Avoid Student Visa Rejection

The following tips will help you avoid your student visa rejection in New Zealand and will also help you process the visa smoothly. 

• Ensure all your documents are okay according to the study visa requirements.
• Provide adequate proof of funds to ensure that you have sufficient funds to study and live in NZ without any issues.
• Meet all your academic and English proficiency documents.
• Submit a concise and clear SOP that describes your plan for Study in New Zealand, your career goals, and your previous education. 
• To avoid a last-minute rush and silly mistakes, you should apply as early as possible. 

Steps To Apply for a PR in NZ After Studies

There are steps to apply for permanent residency in New Zealand after completing your studies. Now, we are going to explore that. Normally, the process includes completing your studies successfully, obtaining a post-study work experience, a post-study work visa, and applying for permanent residency by way of the points-based skilled migrant category.  Here are the steps to follow:

• Complete your undergraduate or postgraduate studies from a recognised institution in NZ
• Apply for a post-study work visa and gain some work experience before you apply
• Work in a skilled occupation and meet the permanent residency requirements
• Gather enough points for the skilled migrant category. In this case, you need at least 180 points
• Submit a permanent residency application to the immigration department in NZ

To Conclude

You should understand the NZ study visa processing time, process, along with its fees, for a smooth and hassle-free application experience. The cost of a study visa in New Zealand varies depending on the type of visa you apply for your higher studies, as well as the application method. In this case, you must ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements successfully. 

Do you think it is tricky? Do you think you need help to process your study visa application in NZ? Don’t worry at all! Let Education Vibes guide you through the entire visa application process, from eligibility checks to application submission. Also, get help with choosing the best universities, courses, the study visa cost, eligibility requirements, and NZ study visa processing time to ensure a hassle-free study abroad experience. Connect with us today!