New Zealand is consistently crudely referred to as a rugby-mad state sequestered from the rest of the world and brimming with hobbits, but, to be honest, there are a lot of reasons to consider moving to a university there (and not just because you are a super-fan of Lord of the Rings).
People who DON’T require a student visa for New Zealand
Suppose you are initially from New Zealand or Australia, possess a New Zealand residence class visa or have a current Australian permanent residence visa (also comprising a valid Australian resident return visa) without restrictions on the visa. If nothing above describes your status, you must apply for a New Zealand Student Visa. In that case, you do not have to possess a student visa for New Zealand.
People who DO require a New Zealand student visa
If your study in New Zealand will take at least three months and you are not from New Zealand or Australia, you will be mandated to secure a New Zealand Student Visa.
For schooling lasting less than three months, you are allowed to school in New Zealand on a temporary/visitor visa. For programs that take longer, you must obtain a student visa.
How To Apply For New Zealand Student Visa
The application can be made online or in-person to hand in an application for a New Zealand student visa.
To hand in an application in person in your home nation, you must contact your local New Zealand embassy or consulate to get an application form and appointment. On the other hand, you can hand in an application online by visiting the official website www.immigration.govt.nz, and opening an account. You are advised to apply a minimum of six weeks before you plan to travel to New Zealand.
New Zealand Student Visa Application Fees
The application fees amount is dependent on your nation of origin. You will have to show:
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- Letter of Admission from a recognized academic institution in New Zealand
You must provide evidence of admission to a licensed New Zealand-based education provider to apply for your New Zealand student visa. - Evidence of sufficient funds
You will also be required to present evidence that you possess adequate money to pay your tuition fees (this can take the form of proof of loan coverage, scholarship program, or other finances) and evidence of finances to fund your living expenditures. At the same time, you study in New Zealand (through a sponsor, a scholarship award, a loan, government support, or an adequate bank balance). You must show that you possess a minimum of NZD$15,000 (~US$10,870) for every year if your program lasts more than nine months. - Proof of onward travel
This can be receipts of return tickets you have already bought, evidence of extra funds, or an agreement from a sponsor to cover payment for return travel. The point is to prove that you plan and can afford to leave the nation once you conclude your studies. - Travel insurance
This can usually be settled through your education provider. - Medical certificates
If you plan to attend New Zealand for 12 months at least, you will be required to present a general medical certificate, a chest x-ray result, and maybe submit to a tuberculosis screening.
- Letter of Admission from a recognized academic institution in New Zealand
If you are not up to 18 years of age, you will also be required to present proof of arranged housing, and if you are 17 years or more, a police certificate of “good character.”
Furthermore to the above, you’ll also be required to submit:
- Two color passport photos
- A passport valid for not less than three months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand.
- Evidence you have paid the application fee
- Student visas that are applied for online generally take 20 days to treat, while student visas that are applied for with the paper form take 25 days to treat.
Can you work a job in New Zealand under a student visa?
Foreign full-time students with a New Zealand Student Visa are lawfully allowed to work in New Zealand for up to 20 hours each week during the session. They may work full-time during all reserved holidays like Christmas, Easter, and summer. Work experience asked for in your program does not count towards the 20-hour constraint. International students cannot be self-employed.
Masters by research and Ph.D. candidates can work as many hours as they desire.
After your studies, you may still be able to hold a job in New Zealand, but you are advised to confirm with the visa consultants and then apply for the relevant work visa.
To learn more about your New Zealand student visa or your ability to work in New Zealand, peruse the government’s official immigration website.
