Raj
Raj Vimal
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Nov 14, 2024 18:38 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 Processing Time

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 PÅ«kenga

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.

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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 2014 to 2023 (May). 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

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Is this recommendation relevant?

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.

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:   What is the acceptance rate for Lincoln University New Zealand?

A:

According to various unofficial sources, Lincoln University New Zealand acceptance rate is around 60%. The acceptance rate indicated that the university is moderately selective at the time of admission. So, to get into the university, make sure to have a good academic record and meet the entry requirements such as having 12 years of schooling and minimum percentage for admission to bachelor’s courses. For admission to postgraduate courses, a relevant degree is required with the minimum grade.

Q:   Is the Ara Institute of Canterbury, New Zealand any good for getting a Bachelors degree in ICT?

A:

Ara Institute of Canterbury is a Polytechnic formed through the merger of Christchurch Polytechnic (CPIT)and Aoraki Polytechnic. Ara Institute is a polytechnic, a public vocational and technical college. According to Webometrics, Ara Institute ranks No 13 in New Zealand and No 4689 in the world. Ara Institute of Canterbury offers Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). It is a 3-years long full-time course. 

Q:   Why choose WITT College in New Zealand?

A:

A few of the reasons to choose WITT New Zealand are:

  • A wide range of programme options available for international students such as Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s
  • Application steps are quite easy for international students
  • Students will get to experience hands-on practical education which involves work placements, industry projects and internships
  • On-campus accommodation facility is available to WITT international students
  • Many courses include up to 400 hours of workplace-based internships

Q:   What are the top scholarships for Yoobee Colleges - Design and Arts College of New Zealand and how to avail them?

A:

The top scholarships for Yoobee Colleges-Design and Arts College New Zealand are :-

  1. Bachelor of Software Engineering Scholarship
  2. Scholarships for International students.
  3. Indigenous Legends Scholarship.

To avail these scholarship the students must have strong relation with their culture, high academic achievement, and passion for creating and designing. To avail these scholarships the interested individuals should contact the admission team through email.

Q:   What are people's opinions on Yoobee Colleges - Design and Arts College of New Zealand?

A:

People's opinions on Yoobee Colleges - Design and Arts College of New Zealand is generally positive. The students like its innovative online study. They can learn new skills and gain qualification with flexibility of learning or study anywhere, anytime. Students prefer the courses in animation courses in 2D & 3D animation that teaches how to bring your ideas to life and captivate audiences with your own personal combination of fantasy and reality.

Q:   What is it like to study at Lincoln University New Zealand?

A:

Some of the reasons that make Lincoln University a good university to study are:

  • The lecturers of the university are actively involved with the industry in the areas they teach. This means students can learn what is happening in the world right now
  • The classes at the university are small. So, students can have interaction with other fellow students
  • Many of the programs at the university have a strong component of practical experience

Also Read: Top 7 Reasons to Study in New Zealand 

Q:   How much is Lincoln University New Zealand tuition fee per year for international students?

A:

Lincoln University New Zealand fees for international students can be checked from the table given below:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

MS (15 courses)

INR 15 L - 26 L

BBA (7 courses)

INR 15 L - 18 L

UG Diploma (8 courses)

INR 12 L - 15 L

PG Diploma (18 courses)

INR 15 L - 17 L

BSc (11 courses)

INR 15 L - 18 L

MIM (11 courses)

INR 16 L - 26 L

PG Certificate (11 courses)

INR 8 L

BCom (10 courses)

INR 15 L - 16 L

BHM (1 course)

INR 16 L

M.Arch (2 courses)

INR 17 L - 18 L

Cost of Living

Hall

Cost Per Year

Centennial Hall

NZ$ 16,500 (Around INR 8 lakh)

Colombo Hall

NZ$ 14,400 (Around INR 7 lakh)

Hudson Hall

NZ$ 17,900 (Around INR 9 lakh)

Lowrie Hall

NZ$ 14,400

The Quarters

NZ$ 18,950 (Around INR 10 lakh)

Southland Hall

NZ$ 17,900

Stevens Hall

NZ$ 16,500

Flat Rates

Flats

Cost Per Week

Farm Road

NZ$ 240 (Around INR 12k)

Farm Road (With En-suite)

NZ$ 285 (Around INR 14k)

The Junction

NZ$ 260 (Around INR 13k)

Also Read: Cost of Living for International Students New Zealand

Related reads

FAQs Related to New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time

Q. How long does it take to get a visa approved for New Zealand?

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.

Q. What factors can affect the processing time of my NZ study visa application?

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 

Q. Is It easy to get a New Zealand student visa for Indians?

A. The process to get a Student visa of New Zealand depends on your profile, documents and eligibility. If you are eligibile and submitted all the documents on time then it is not difficult at all.

About the Author
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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

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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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