With an excellent education system and globally recognised accreditations, New Zealand is one of the top choices of foreign students who want to study abroad. Aside from a nurturing academic experience, the country is also renowned for the quality of life that its citizens and long-term visitors enjoy. These benefits are easily accessible to international learners with a temporary student visa.
In definition, a student visa is a type of temporary visa granted to non-residents and students from overseas. It allows them to study in NZ for a course that will take more than three months to complete. The maximum length of stay can go up to five years, depending on what type of student visa they hold.
In this article, we’ll talk about the essential things you know about studying in NZ and other important student visa information that you should keep in mind.
Different Types of Student Visas
First, take note that there are different types of student visas that you can apply for. Depending on your plan of study, these are the most common types below:
Fee-Paying Student Visa
Considered the most common type of visa given to international students and study abroad students, a fee-paying student visa is ideal for a full-time study. It will give you a maximum of four years stay to help you complete a full tertiary education or English Language study.
Holders of this type of visa are also allowed to work part-time, up to 20 hours, depending on the agreed conditions.
To get accepted for the fee-paying visa, a foreign student should have approval from an accredited education provider and pay the full cost of the course on which they are enrolling.
If you’re not of legal age, you’ll need to come with a guardian, who will need a separate approved visa. The same rule may apply to children or a partner who wants to accompany the applicant.
Pathway Student Visa
A pathway student visa offers the longest stay length of up to five years. Through this option, a student can study three consecutive courses on a single student visa. You also must pay the programs’ required tuition fees to get approved.
However, keep in mind that you can only move on to the next course if you meet the prerequisite course based on your study pathway. Aside from studying, you are also allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Exchange Student Visa
Students from outside NZ can also study in the country through an approved, school-to-school student exchange program. Unlike the fee-paying student visa, you’re not required to pay the full tuition fees to get approved since you will be recognized as a domestic student. Additionally, students can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week, depending on the conditions set by the program.
Students can stay in the country for a maximum of four years if their course requires it.
Visitor Visa
Non-residents on a visitor visa can study in New Zealand if they’re enrolling for short courses with a maximum length of up to three months. However, if they want to enrol in longer courses or a full degree, they should apply for a proper student visa. They cannot start studying for a diploma degree while waiting for a student visa approval.
Answering the Most Common Student Visa Questions
To help you understand the other aspects of the visa application process, here are the answers to the most common student visa questions asked by students across the world.
How do I apply for a student visa in NZ?
Applying for a student visa is easy, wherever you are in the world. You may visit the official government immigration website and submit an application form. While a hard copy of the application form is also accepted, you’ll be required to submit it, either in person or by post, to a designated New Zealand Visa Application Centre.
What are the NZ student visa application requirements?
The requirements will depend on the type of student visa that you’re applying for and the course plan that you want to complete.
For starters, one essential requirement is proof of acceptance from an educational institute recognized by either the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or the Ministry of Education. Whether you’re paying your tuition in full or you’re approved for a scholarship, you also have to submit the necessary documents that validate your claim.
Do I need to submit health documents?
The INZ will require you to submit proof that you are in an “acceptable standard of health” through a medical certificate and an X-ray certificate. Fee-paying students are exempted from this rule unless it’s included in their checklist.
Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) website gives you a complete requirement checklist for different types of applicants, especially for international students, school children and their guardians or guardian, and English Language students, among others.
How long does the visa application process take?
It’s always best to submit your application months ahead. A student visa application process submitted online can take approximately 20 business days. Hard copy applications take longer and have a maximum processing time of six weeks. It is strongly advised that you submit your form before the peak period as the process might take twice as long.
Is there an age limit to apply for a student visa?
No, there are no age limits. Everyone, young and old, who can submit the visa requirements and complete the process, can be granted a student visa.
After I finish my course, am I allowed to apply for another visa?
As long as you have a good record and you meet the policy requirements, you may submit another visa application after you finish your course. You can go for another temporary visa, but you also have a chance to apply for a residence visa.
In other words, successfully securing a student visa lets you not only experience the quality of life and education in New Zealand. It also opens more opportunities for your growth, either as a student or a permanent resident.
Just like any visa application, the process can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time studying abroad. However, don’t lose heart and just think of the opportunities that are waiting for you! If you think you can’t do this alone, you don’t have to. There are licensed immigration advisers that can answer all your questions and walk you through the process, from application through completion. Don’t be scared to ask for help and take the first step!
