18 January 2024
Thousands of international students look forward to studying in New Zealand each year. The country offers picturesque landscapes, world-renowned education, and spectacular adventures. International students can easily accelerate their careers and academics by engaging in educational programs in New Zealand. They can also significantly benefit from the variety of career opportunities that open up once they graduate. As with most countries, international students are required to hold a New Zealand student visa.
Whether you are planning to pursue a long-term academic program in New Zealand or wish to complete a short course, obtaining your student visa is one of the most critical steps. Here is everything you need to know about the New Zealand student visa, including the different kinds of visas available.
What is a New Zealand Student Visa?
A New Zealand student visa is an authorized document administered by the New Zealand government that permits international students to study in academic organizations such as colleges and universities located in New Zealand for a limited time period.
International students who have been issued an eligible study visa can enlist in full-time programs such as certificate courses, diplomas, and degree programs. By holding a valid student visa, international students can easily engage in New Zealand’s cultural and academic environment. This enables them to encourage personal growth, which enhances their educational experiences.
What are the different types of student visas available in New Zealand?
International students over 18 years of age who wish to pursue their education in New Zealand need to obtain a student visa. There are different kinds of student visas available in New Zealand. International students need to understand which student visa they need to hold based on their particular requirements. Here are the different kinds of student visas available in New Zealand:
● Exchange Student Visa:
The exchange student visa allows international students to engage in a tertiary exchange, exchange program, or school-to-exchange program in New Zealand. Based on the length of the exchange, international students can hold the exchange student visa for a maximum of four years.
● Fee-paying Student Visa:
The fee-paying student visa allows international students to pursue an academic program in New Zealand as well as engage in a part-time job. International students can hold a fee-paying student visa for a maximum of four years.
● Foreign Government-Supported Student Visa:
The foreign government-supported student visa allows international students to enrol in a course in New Zealand as well as work for up to 20 hours in a part-time job while studying and a full-time job during holidays.
● Pathway Student Visa:
The pathway student visa allows international students to pursue at most three academic courses back-to-back in New Zealand without having to apply for visas again. International students can also work for 20 hours in a part-time job with this visa and full-time during holidays. They can hold the pathway student visa for a maximum of five years.
● Vocational Trainee Student Visa:
The vocational trainee student visa allows international students to pursue courses in vocational programs as well as work a maximum of 20 hours per week in a part-time role and full-time during holidays.
How much money is required for New Zealand study visa?
When international students apply for a student visa in New Zealand, they need to organize a budget to manage the costs associated with immigration. Here is a general overview of the costs involved with obtaining a student visa for New Zealand:
- If you are applying for a fee-paying student visa, you need to bear the entire costs related to the program and enrol in a registered academic organization. The cost to obtain a fee-paying student visa lies between 370 NZD and 380 NZD. Generally, it takes 45-50 days to process this visa.
- When international students get admitted into an authorized student exchange scheme, they are required to apply for an exchange student visa. Typically, the cost to obtain an exchange student visa is somewhere between 370 NZD and 380 NZD. Usually, it takes 10-15 days to process this visa.
- If you are applying for a foreign government-supported student visa, you need to bear anywhere between 420 NZD and 440 NZD as costs for the visa. Generally, it takes 25-30 days to process this visa.
What are the requirements for New Zealand student visa?
When an international student wishes to pursue their education in New Zealand, they need to furnish a set of documents with their applications. Along with the below documents, international students may also be required to offer some additional documents based on the course they wish to pursue from the university they are applying to.
It is recommended to go through the guidelines recommended by the official website of the visa authorities. Here are the various documents needed to obtain a student visa in New Zealand:
- International students must provide an admission letter or a letter of acceptance must be provided. This letter needs to be issued with a registered educational organization in New Zealand that is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
- To apply for a student visa, international students must hold a valid passport. This document will also serve as proof of nationality and identification.
- Financial proof to showcase the ability of the international student to cover various costs associated with pursuing their education in New Zealand must be provided. Generally, funds related to return travel, living costs, tuition fees, and general expenses need to be demonstrated by these documents.
- International students also need to provide valid travel and health insurance.
FAQs
Is it difficult to get New Zealand student visa?
Navigating New Zealand’s visa process can be considered one of the most intricate globally. Similarly, securing non-tourist visas, such as student visas, for countries like Canada, Australia, and several others, poses significant challenges. The preparation of a student visa package often prompts numerous questions for the applicant. In such cases, only the best immigration consultants in Chandigarh can assist you with a seamless New Zealand student visa process.
Can students get PR in New Zealand?
Upon completing studies in New Zealand, the initial step toward obtaining a Permanent Residency (PR) involves acquiring a 2-year post-study visa. Consult experts at Landmark Immigration for more information.
Conclusion
Obtaining a student visa is one of the most essential steps when international students are preparing to pursue their education in New Zealand. Studying in New Zealand is an outstanding way to make sure that your professional career keeps accelerating with a world-class education.
By understanding the different kinds of student visas available in New Zealand as well as their requirements, international students can easily launch their academic journey.
