New Zealand Student Visa
Discover the country’s globally recognised education system and excellent lifestyle – get a New Zealand Student Visa to study full time in the country. New Zealand offers a wide range of institutions and programs spread all over its territory – you will surely find something to suit your needs and interests.
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New Zealand is an excellent place for international students to live and study full time. The country offers internationally acclaimed education in its diverse range of educational institutions – including private training institutes, universities, schools, polytechnics, and colleges of technology, some of which offer courses in the English language as well.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) provides multiple New Zealand Student Visa options, so you can choose the one that fits your situation.
Fee Paying Student Visa
This New Zealand Student Visa will allow you to study in the country for more than 3 months. You must be enrolled in a program with an education provider approved by the INZ, and you must pay the full cost of the courses you take.
You must be wondering what are the New Zealand Student Visa requirements for a Fee Paying Student Visa. Well, to qualify under this category, you must:
- Prove that you have been accepted in a program offered by an education provider approved by the INZ
- Have enough money to pay your tuition and live in New Zealand to pursue your study
After you have been in the country on a Fee Paying Student Visa, you are allowed to apply for another student visa, or a New Zealand Work Visa.
Exchange Student Visa
This New Zealand Student Visa will allow you to study full-time in the country for more than 3 months if you have been accepted in an INZ approved student exchange scheme.
To qualify for an Exchange Student Visa, you must:
- Prove that you have been accepted in an INZ approved student exchange scheme.
- Apply for your student visa from a different country.
After you have been in the country on an Exchange Visa, you are allowed to apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa to continue staying here for 3 more months.
Foreign Government Supported Student Visa
This New Zealand Student Visa will allow you to study in the country full-time if you are covered by a loan or scholarship provided by a foreign government.
To qualify under this category, you must:
- Prove that you have been accepted in a program offered by an education provider approved by the INZ
- Show that your entire course fee and living expenses will be covered by a loan or scholarship provided by a foreign government.
After you have been in the country on a Fee Paying Student Visa, you are allowed to apply for another student visa, or a New Zealand work visa.
What are the qualification criteria for a New Zealand Student Visa?
Besides the qualification criteria outlined for the specific kind of Student Visa you apply for, here are the general qualification requirements for the New Zealand Student Visa process; you must:
- Furnish proof of identity
- Prove good health – INZ will need you to obtain a Health Waiver for any medical issues
- Establish good character – you may need to provide police certificates. You may also be required to furnish a Special Direction or Character Waiver if you have any character issues.
- Show genuine intent to meet the terms of student visa
- Provide a letter of admission issued by an educational establishment approved by the INZ – students enrolled in correspondence programs and distance learning educational courses that require them to appear for exams or undertake practical study in New Zealand also qualify for a student visa.
- Have health and travel insurance unless you are enrolled in a PhD program
- Show enough funds to support yourself and pay your tuition fees – this can be covered by way of sponsorship or a guarantor to cover your expenses; if you become liable for deportation at any time during your stay. They must pay for all the costs associated with the process
- Show evidence of meeting the New Zealand Student Visa IELTS requirements, if applicable
- Furnish documentation related to your courses covering any practical classes that are mandatory for your courses and scheduled holidays.
This is not the complete list of documentation that you may need to present to the INZ – it depends on your situation. Our Auckland based immigration experts are prepared to help you with your New Zealand Student Visa process. Let us help you with your New Zealand Student Visa requirements – book an absolutely free consultation session to speak with one of our immigration consultants.
What is the length of stay permitted on a New Zealand Student Visa?
The length of stay permitted once you succeed in your New Zealand Student Visa process depends on the length of your study, up to a maximum of 4 years.
Note that if you wish to pursue any full-time study in New Zealand for more than 3 months, you must get a Student Visa.
What can you do on a New Zealand Student Visa?
Once you have successfully obtained your visa after satisfying the New Zealand Student Visa requirements, you are allowed to:
- Study in courses mentioned on your visa – you may attend the educational institutes listed on your student visa
- Undertake part-time work up to 20 hours per week while the school is on and full-time when it is closed during holidays
- Live independently if you have attained the right age, else you must reside in an NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) establishment or with your parents/local guardians
You may be allowed to have your partner and dependent children join you; however, they must secure appropriate visas based on your relationship with them.
Book your 100% free consultation slot and let the experienced professionals from Immigration Advisers NZ help you with your New Zealand Student Visa process. We can also help you obtain Partnership based Visas and Visas for Dependent Children so your family can join you.
How much money and time does it take to procure New Zealand Student Visa?
New Zealand Student Visa processing time varies from 24 to 83 days. However, the time may vary by 10 to 20 days, depending on various conditions INZ may place on your NZ Student Visa.
Other factors such as funding sources for your study and the reputation of your educational institution may impact New Zealand Student Visa processing time – situations that require Health Waivers, Special Directions and Character Waivers can also lead to extended New Zealand Student Visa processing time.
We have a team of excellent immigration experts who have accumulated many years of experience in dealing with the most complex student visa situations. Our licensed professionals strive to get your New Zealand Student Visa cost-effectively and efficiently, so you can begin your dream of studying in New Zealand on the right foot.
Contact us to book your 100% free consultation and see how we can help you achieve your New Zealand Visa and immigration goals quickly at the best price.