New Zealand Study Visa: Types, Requirements, Process, and Cost

If you are an international student planning on studying in New Zealand, you would be mandated to apply for a New Zealand Study Visa for a term of at least 3 months. 

If you are a New Zealand citizen, hold a New Zealand residence class visa, or hold a military visa – you won’t require a Study Visa. 

Here’s everything you need to know about applying for a New Zealand Study Visa.

Types of New Zealand Study Visa 

  • Fee Paying Study Visa: Study full-time for up to 4 years with a part-time working option.
  • Exchange Study Visa: Study full-time for up to 4 years for an approved student exchange program. Foreign
  • Government Support Study Visa: Study full-time for up to 4 years on a government loan or scholarship.
  • Pathway Study Visa: Study full-time for up to 5 years for 3 consecutive courses on a single study permit and be eligible to work part-time. 


What is the eligibility for a New Zealand Study Visa 2023?

Here are the eligibility criteria for a New Zealand Study Visa. To qualify, you’ll need:

  • To get accepted for a course/program at a New Zealand institute approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or the Ministry of Education.
  • To demonstrate sufficient proof of funds or a scholarship that pays your fees.
  • To demonstrate proof of minimum language proficiency.
  • Showcase a return ticket to your home country from New Zealand.
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What are the requirements for a New Zealand Study Visa 2023?

Here’s a complete checklist of the requirements for a New Zealand Study Visa: 

  • Confirmation of an offer from an NZ university.
  • Proof of funds to support yourself during your stay in NZ.
  • Passport standard photographs.
  • Valid passport
  • Medical certificate.
  • Police clearance certificate.
  • Medical and travel insurance.
  • English language proficiency test results (at least IELTS 5.5 and above).
  • Payment receipts.
  • Proof of onward travel or enough funds to buy transport home.

Depending on the visa type you apply under, you may also be required to submit other supporting documents.


What is the process to apply for a New Zealand Study Visa 2023?

Here’s a 5-step easy process to apply for a New Zealand Study Visa. The following steps are generic, where – certain steps may vary depending on the visa type you apply for. 

STEP 1: Receive an offer letter

Get selected by the university or institute to study in, and receive an acceptance offer letter. You can visit the official website of the university to know more about the courses/programs. You will also be required to pay the mandate fees (if any) and supporting documents in this step. 

STEP 2: Gather medical and police clearance certificates

Once you have received the acceptance letter, you will need to undergo a medical examination. This examination will justify that you are in good condition to travel to New Zealand. Same way, you will also be required to submit a police clearance report stating that you hold no criminal record(s). 

STEP 3: Submit your visa application

Visit the online portal and apply for a New Zealand Study Visa. Here, you need to fill in the asked credentials and submit the supporting documents. Make sure you fill in all the details accurately – and that your documents are relevant, and up to date. 

STEP 4: Pay the fees

If successful, you will receive the “Approval in Principle” (AIP). Once you’ve received the AIP, you will need to submit the tuition fee for at least your first year to the respective university/institution – alongside other charges such as accommodation and transportation. 

STEP 5: Wait for the outcome

Once you’ve submitted your visa application and have paid the fees, the immigration officials will notify you of the outcome of your New Zealand Study Visa application through email. If accepted, you will receive your visa. 


What is the cost of a New Zealand Study Visa 2023?

The New Zealand Study Visa fees depend on the nationality of the applicant. The government of New Zealand follows a system of three bands: 

  • Band A: For applicants who are in NZ and are required to submit an application.
  • Band B: For applicants who belong to Pacific nations.
  • Band C: For applicants from all other na


Student Visa TypeFees for applicants from Band A (NZ$)Fees for applicants from Band B(NZ$)
Fees for applicants from Band C (NZ$)
Immigration Charge (NZ$)
Hard Copy26020528017
Online23317825317
Visa through Education Provider100NANA17

What is the processing time of a New Zealand Study Visa 2023?

A New Zealand Study Visa takes around 20 days to process. The processing period varies according to the country and the Embassy. New Zealand Embassy processing times can range from 4 to 8 weeks, with the longest being 3 months.

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Top 10 Universities in New Zealand for International Students

Here are the top 10 universities in New Zealand that attract the highest numbers of international students.

  • University of Canterbury
  • The University of Auckland
  • Auckland University of Technology
  • Manukau Institute of Technology
  • Victoria University of Wellington
  • Otago Institution
  • Unitec Institute of Technology
  • University of Otago
  • Lincoln University
  • Massey University


What are the benefits of a New Zealand Study Visa?

  • Fewer chances of visa rejections.
  • Work while studying options.
  • Quick and easy application process.
  • Minimum documentation required.
  • An array of courses/programs to choose from.
  • Scholarships for international students. 


How can we help?

Applying for a New Zealand Study Visa is a complex and time-consuming process. Working with ICCRC registered immigration consultants and study visa experts at Nationwide Visas will make sure that you are fully prepared and informed on the New Zealand Study Visa prerequisites, laws, eligibility, and documents. 

STUDY VISA

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