A student visa would be an essential document to possess for any international student who plans to extend their stay and study in New Zealand for more than 6 months. Here is a peek into a few essential things pertaining to the New Zealand Visa process.
Prerequisites for applying for visa
Before you apply for a study visa for studying in New Zealand, you must be accepted into a program with an approved educational provider, such as a school, university or polytechnic. (Exceptions apply in case of dependent children.)
Practical wisdom entails that you plan your study, factor in the financial support that you would need to drive your life in New Zealand, and gather all the documents you would need to submit with your application, before applying for a study visa.
Documents needed to apply for New Zealand Study Visa:
- A passport that is valid for at least 3 months–from the intended date of departure from New Zealand
- A duly filled New Zealand Visitor Visa Application Form (form number INZ 1017)
- Two coloured, passport size photographs
- Proof of funds needed to sustain in New Zealand, (ideally NZD1000 per month overall, or NZD400 per month), if the accommodation expenses are paid for
- An onward ticket from New Zealand or proof of finance to purchase one
- The sponsorship form is for temporary entry if a resident is supporting you
- You will be considered an illegal immigrant and may be deported, if your visa expires while you’re still in New Zealand. It is highly advisable to hold a valid New Zealand visa at all times.
Other documents: IELTS/TOEFL score records, academic certificates (our counselors at Hurray Overseas Education consultancy can provide further details on the documents required).
Types of Student Visa (India context)
While New Zealand opens its arms for all Indian students to study in the country, as a policy, you will have to obtain a student visa first. The type of visa that you would need will depend on the type of study you want to pursue, and the duration that you plan to stay in New Zealand.
If you are aged 18 and aspiring to study in New Zealand for more than six months, here is an outline of the types of student visa available for you:
| Types of Student Visa | Description | |
| 1 | Exchange Student Visa | Enroll for up to four years for an approved student exchange program |
| 2 | Fee-paying Student Visa | Enroll for up to four years and work part-time |
| 3 | Foreign Government Supported Student Visa | Enroll for up to four years on a foreign government loan or scholarship |
| 4 | Pathway Student Visa | Enroll for up to five years for 3 consecutive courses on a single student visa and work part-time |
There is more to applying for study visas than these. Staying well-informed is the key, and this journey of awareness could be made simpler with the help of trusted and reliable guides.
Our overseas counseling team at Hurray—whose experience spans 10 years in this field– would be happy to go the whole hog and simplify the process of applying for study visa in New Zealand for you. Write to us at hurrayoverseas@gmail.com for a free one-on-one counseling session.
Hurray 