New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time
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Raj Vimal
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Dec 13, 2024 12:27 IST
New Zealand (NZ) Immigration Centre is committed to delivering the fastest possible services for New Zealand Student Visa applicants. The centre considers every application individually to make sure it aligns with the country's immigration policy and regulations. Due to the long New Zealand student Visa processing time, it is advisable to apply for a study visa just after getting an admission offer letter.
New Zealand student visa is an important document for international students planning to study in NZ. After receiving an acceptance letter from the universities of NZ, applicants submit their student visa application along with the necessary documents to the New Zealand immigration authorities. The time taken to process these applications is known as the New Zealand student visa processing time.
On average, NZ study visa processing time is approximately 30 working days. New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time depends on the type of education provider and the nature of New Zealand Student Visa application. Around 90% of New Zealand student visa applications are processed within 66 weekdays. Let's check out the article for understanding the student visa processing times for international students in New Zealand.
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What is the New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time?
The immigration office of NZ takes some time after submitting the visa application form for visa. During New Zealand visa processing time, the officials verify the details provided by you. Once they complete their, work you get the type of visa you have applied for. Here, we will discuss mainly about New Zealand Student Visa processing time. The table below shows the average NZ Student Visa Processing time with reference to the educational institution. Note that, the below-mentioned visa processing time is just an average time, it may vary.
| NZ Education Provider |
Average NZ Study Visa Processing Time |
90% of Student Visa Applications are Completed Within |
|---|---|---|
| Te Pūkenga |
7 weeks |
59 weekdays |
| PTEs |
7 weeks |
47 weekdays |
| Universities |
6 weeks |
47 weekdays |
| Schools |
5 weeks |
31 weekdays |
An NZ Student Visa application is completed when the New Zealand immigration centre has granted the visa or declined the application.
Also Read
- Reasons for Rejection of New Zealand Student Visa
- Student Guide to New Zealand (NZ)
- Study in New Zealand: Timeline for February 2025 Intake
How to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa?
To apply for a New Zealand Student Visa, you have two options. You can either apply online or offline. Online mode of application takes less time than offline mode. Before you proceed with application, you need to have all the documents including personal and academic. Now follow the below-mentioned process:
- Create a RealMe account on the New Zealand Immigration website.
- Log in to your RealMe account and start the online student visa application.
- Follow the introductions shown on the screen and provide the information asked there.
- Pay the NZ student visa application fee online.
- Upload your biometrics such as a photograph and fingerprint.
- After completing verification during the New Zealand study visa processing time, you'll get an approval or rejection update.
New Zealand Student Visa Process: The India Market
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With state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class facilities and a student-friendly environment, New Zealand has gradually developed itself as a top study-abroad destination for Indian students. The top universities in New Zealand are able to provide students with degrees that are recognized at a global scale, favourable NZ post-study work options and an opportunity for a better future. Below are a number of case studies of the visa approval rates that reflect the relative ease or difficulty of verifying information across India and its states.
Higher Rejection Rate For Indian Students
According to reports released by Immigration of New Zealand, 40% of total student visa applications from India were rejected in 2023. It is expected that this number will increase in 2024. The major reasons behind this student visa rejection are insufficient proof of funds and genuine study intentions. This is important to understand for you so you do not make such mistakes
New Zealand Study Visa Process: A Brief Study
The table below shows the total number of Indians who have applied for a New Zealand Student Visa State-wise about the type of Education Provider and the Approval rate for the same, for the period 1 January – 31 May 2023. Note that, the data for the year 2024 is not announced yet.
Below is a table that shows the number of Indians who have applied for the NZ Student Visa and the approval rate for the same for the years 2022 to 2024. The Data for the year 2024 is yet to be announced
| Time Frame |
Volume of Visa Applications |
Total Decisions |
Approval Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 |
Yet to be updated |
Yet to be updated |
Yet to be updated |
| 2023 |
8,810 |
5074 | 58% |
| 2022 |
2500 |
1,812 |
72% |
Source: Immigration New Zealand
Also Read
Note: the figures have been sourced from the official New Zealand Immigration website.
A lot of times, candidates are worried about the length of the duration. Rest assured, they should be informed that the New Zealand Student Visa Process is a very thorough system and they only ensure the best for the student and the country. Students can always check online for the status of their New Zealand Student Visa. The link to the same can be found on the official New Zealand Website.
Related reads
Q: How long does it take to get approval for New Zealand student visa?
A:
The New Zealand visa processing time depends on the type of visa application. If you are applying for tourist visa then the processing time is 2 to 3 weeks. The New Zealand student visa processing time is 30 weekdays. It can take more time, if the authority is facing high application load or unable to connect with you for verification.
Q: What factors can affect the processing time of my NZ study visa application?
A:
There are multiple factors that can directly affect New Zealand visa processing time of a candidate. Some of them are
Completeness of your application
Complexity of your application
Current workload of Immigration New Zealand
Your nationality.
For some cases, Immigration New Zealand conducts additional checks, such as background checks or financial verification. In such case, you need to be pro-active to response any mail you receive from Immigration NZ.
Q: Is It easy to get a New Zealand student visa for Indians?
A:
The process to obtain a student visa for New Zealand depends on your profile, documents, and eligibility. If you are eligible and submit all the required documents on time, the process is relatively straightforward. These documents include proof of genuine intent to study, evidence of sufficient funds, and fulfillment of health and character requirements.
Q: Is New Zealand good for Indian students?
A:
With a good educational system, excellent quality of life, and a number of research opportunities, New Zealand offers a lot to international students. Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand has a 39 percent population of overseas citizens, making it a culturally diverse city. Moreover, the post-study work visa in New Zealand can offer up to three years of stay back. As per Stats New Zealand, its unemployment rate is 3.4 percent. Students enrolled in a course of 12 months or more can also work part-time in New Zealand for up to 20 hours a week during the semester and holidays.
Q: Which course is better, Master in Management or Master in Project Management at the University of Auckland, New Zealand?
A:
The University of Auckland offers the best UG and PG programs for international students at an affordable tuition fees. Auckland Unversity Master in Project Management is slightly better than the Master in Management because of its tuition fees for first year. Mentioned below is the tuition fees for first-year for international students:
| Program | First Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
| Master in Project Management | INR 25.11 L |
| Master in Management | INR 26.11 L |
Q: How much funds are needed for a New Zealand study visa?
A:
International students need to show sufficient funds for getting a New Zealand student visa. Students need to show NZ$ 20,000 for a full year of study or NZ$ 1,250 per month for getting a New Zealand study visa.
Cost of New Zealand Student Visa Application
- New Zealand Visa Cost: Students who are submitting their Student Visa Application online are required to pay a base Visa fee of NZD 375 which is INR 19,200 (approximately).
- Candidates who are applying for their Student Visa online from New Delhi are required to pay NZD 430 which is INR 22,000 (approximately) as the receiving centre fees.
- Those applying for a student visa in New Zealand on paper (offline mode) should note that the immigration costs would be INR 22,600, in addition to this students are required to pay a receiving Centre fee of INR 1,520.
Q: What is the cost of studying in New Zealand?
A:
The tuition fees that a student would need to pay will depend on the type of qualification and the university they are looking at to pursue their education. While courses such as humanities, education, and arts are likely to cost less pursuing subjects such as medicine and engineering costs on the higher side.
The below table sheds light on the tuition fee charged level-wise in New Zealand from international students applying to their universities:
Study Program Level | Annual Costs in NZD |
|---|---|
Diploma or Certificate courses | NZD 23,000 - NZD 47,000 |
English Language courses | NZD 350 (per week) |
Undergraduate degree | NZD 22,000 - NZD 32,000 |
Master's degree | NZD 26,000 - NZD 37,000 |
Doctoral degree | NZD 6,500 - NZD 9,000 |
Q: Is living in New Zealand expensive?
A:
The cost of living does not includes only the tuition fee but also other expenses like textbooks, NON-tuition fee, accommodation cost and other personal expenses. The moment a student lands in New Zealand, they need to pay $35 international visitor and tourism conservation levy. The living cost can vary as per the accommodation option, location and personal spending habits.
In addition to your tuition and insurance fees, you will need between $20,000 and $25,000 per year ($380–480 per week) for accommodation/rent, food expenses, transportation costs, phone bills, internet usage and entertainment.
Candidates looking for assistance with universities in New Zealand can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors on our website. Readers with queries can get in touch with us in the comments section below.
About the Author
Raj Vimal
Study Abroad Expert
Raj Vimal has experience of 7+ years in SEO Content Writing, which includes 5+ years in the Ed-Tech industry. He has written articles about studying abroad, especially in the USA, UK, and other English-speaking coun... Read Full Bio
Anuradha
All courses in ANZ
Armed with B.Com from Delhi University, Anuradha Sharma has accumulated rich experience as an education counsellor. She is especially adept at handling Australia and NZ admission procedure. Before becoming a GTE Exp... Read Full Bio
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