New Zealand
New Zealand stands out as a premier destination for both living and studying. Renowned for its top-tier international universities and high-quality lifestyle, it offers a plethora of opportunities for students seeking to further their education.
The New Zealand government is committed to supporting students in their pursuit of higher studies. The New Zealand Student Visa typically has a maximum validity of 4 years, while the Pathway Student Visa provides the flexibility to study for up to 5 years across three consecutive courses.
What is New Zealand Study Visa?
If you want to study a full-time course in New Zealand that's longer than 3 months in total duration, you'll need a Student Visa, unless you have a working holiday visa. Your student visa is normally issued for the same length of time as the study you've paid for.
Top University to Study in New Zealand
| New Zealand Rank | Global Rank | University |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 81 | The University of Auckland |
| 2 | 184 | University of Otago |
| 3 | 223 | Victoria University of Wellington |
| 4 | 270 | University of Canterbury |
| 5 | 272 | Massey University |
| 6 | 375 | University of Waikato |
| 7 | 387 | Lincoln University |
| 8 | 437 | Auckland University of Technology |
New Zealand Study Visa Process: Apply in 5 Steps
Apply for a college/university:
To explore detailed information about the courses offered by the shortlisted colleges or universities, it is advisable to visit their official websites. After thoroughly researching the available options, you can select the specific course you wish to pursue.
Once you've made your choice, you can proceed with the application process. Many institutions provide the convenience of applying online, and in some cases, you may also opt for the traditional paper application method.
As part of the New Zealand study visa application, you will be required to furnish several essential documents. Ensure that you submit all the necessary paperwork and follow the application procedure meticulously. Following the submission, you will need to patiently await the offer letter from your chosen institution.
Arranging medical certificate and police clearance certificate (PCC):
As soon as the offer letter from an educational institute reaches you, you must undergo a thorough medical examination to get a medical certificate. The medical examination must be done by a doctor approved by the New Zealand Immigration Department
Simultaneously, you have to apply for the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from the office of Deputy Commissioner of Police or Regional Passport Office of your area.
Lodging the visa application:
The next step is to submit your visa application, along with all the requisite documents. You can find the detailed list of necessary documents for various study visa categories on the official immigration website of New Zealand. It's crucial to carefully review and provide all the specified documentation to ensure a smooth processing of your visa application
Paying the tuition fees:
After lodging the visa application, you will receive the “Approval in Principle (AIP).” This approval comes from the Immigration New Zealand website. You have to pay the tuition fees for the first year to the respective college/university.
Wait for the final outcome:
After you've submitted the visa application form and completed the required fee payments, the next step involves waiting for the final decision. You will receive notifications regarding the outcome of your New Zealand study visa application via email.
If your application is approved, the immigration officer from New Zealand will promptly issue your visa, allowing you to proceed with your plans to study in the country.
Eligibility Criteria to Study in New Zealand
Eligibility criteria for undergraduate (UG) courses :
- Students must have completed their higher secondary education, which is deemed equivalent to New Zealand year 13
- A score of 50-60% or above is required as per the cut-off range set by a college/university
- Language proficiency test scores such as IELTS (Check with the university for the minimum IELTS score)
Eligibility criteria for postgraduate (PG) courses :
- A minimum score of 50-60% in undergraduate studies
- GMAT or GRE grades for students aiming for management studies
- Some universities consider internships and work experience in the concerned field of study.
English proficiency test such as IELTS.
Eligibility criteria for MBA courses :
- A bachelor’s degree with a score of 70% or above
A minimum score in your IELTS test is necessary for each module (Check with the university for the minimum IELTS score.
- A minimum of 4-5 years of work and internship experience in your related field.
Essential Documentation for New Zealand Visas
Here is the list of necessary documents that you have to submit while applying for a New Zealand Study Visa:
- Offer Letter from an approved educational institute or education provider
- Proof that you have enough money to bear the tuition fees and living costs/expenses during your stay in New Zealand.
- Copy of your valid passport
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Accommodation guarantee if you age below 18 years
- Proof of payment of the student visa application fee
- Medical Certificate and Police Clearance Certificate
- A copy of your return flight ticket to home or proof that you have sufficient funds to buy one