New Zealand Student Visa for Indians

About New Zealand Student Visa

New Zealand is the home to many high-quality universities in various fields. If you have set the target of getting into one of them, you must learn the process of applying for a New Zealand student visa. But before that, here are some basic facts about New Zealand that you should know about.

Documents Required for a New Zealand Student Visa

You have to submit the correct documentation to support your New Zealand student visa application. This mainly consists of proof of getting admission, proof of your identity, and details of your previous education. Let's look at a summary of the documents needed for a Visitor Visa to New Zealand.

New Zealand Student Visa: Additional Documents Required

Here are different New Zealand student visa types and the additional document requirements:

Fee Paying Student Visa

• Offer of place or confirmation of enrolment, detailing course name, duration, and holiday dates.
• Confirmation of tuition fee payment or exemption.
• Proof of compliance with the ‘Code of Pastoral Care for International Students’ if under 18.
• Education provider’s declaration of program suitability and your English proficiency.

Guardian of a Student Visitor Visa

• Child's valid student visa.
• Proof of relationship to the child (e.g., birth certificate, adoption papers, court documents).
• Evidence of providing care in the home country.

Exchange Student Visa

• Acceptance letter from an approved student exchange scheme.
• Permission to work from parents/legal guardians, approved provider, and Exchange Provider Organisation.
• Proof of course value (120 credits) and scheduled holidays.
• Evidence of practical components, if applicable.

MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Student Visa

• Previous student performance evidence (e.g., academic transcripts, progress reports).
• Documents confirming scholarship coverage of tuition and living costs.

Student and Trainee Work Visa

• Evidence that work experience is related to your study and supported by your education provider.
• Written work offer from a New Zealand provider or employer.
• Proof of funds or acceptable sponsorship.
• For religious trainees: Confirmation of a place in a formal program, sponsorship details.
• For medical/dental trainees: Proof of qualifications and practical training offer.
• For apprentice jockeys: Employment offer, return travel cost guarantee, and accommodation support confirmation.

Dependent Child Student Visa

• Proof of parent's visa type (student or work visa, excluding certain categories).
• Evidence of child's dependency and relationship (e.g., birth certificates, legal documents).
• If applicable, adoption application details or legal custody documents.
• Declaration of financial responsibility for health care in New Zealand.

Vocational Trainee Student Visa

• Employment guarantee letter from a shipping company covering living costs and return travel.
• Proof of enrolment at Manukau Polytechnic and paid tuition fees.
• New Zealand scholarship evidence for short-term training.

Foreign Government Supported Student Visa

• Previous student performance evidence (e.g., transcripts, attendance records).
• Permission to work up to 20 hours per week or full-time during holidays from the relevant authorities.
• Proof of full-time work rights, including course value and holiday schedule.
• Medical insurance declaration

Pathway Student Visa

• Support letter from Pathway education provider detailing courses and dates.
• Offer of place with course details and confirmation of accommodation compliance if under 18.
• Evidence of tuition fee payment or financial capability.
• Proof of funds for living expenses.
• Insurance policy maintenance.
• Work rights details, if applicable.

Types of New Zealand Student Visa

New Zealand offers a wide variety of student visa types considering the needs of students. Refer to this summary of New Zealand student visa types to select the correct one according to your requirements.

Applying for a New Zealand Student Visa

Here is a step-wise guide on how to apply for a New Zealand student visa. Students can refer to this while submitting visa applications.

Step 1: Determine the Appropriate Visa Type

Choose the student visa category that best suits your situation and intended study in New Zealand.

Review Specific Visa Requirements

Check the specific criteria for the visa you are applying for. This may include requirements related to your health, character, identity, financial situation, qualifications, and any previous time spent in New Zealand.

Prepare Your Documents

Gather all necessary documents required for your visa application.

Create a RealMe Account for Online Application

Visit the relevant visa application page on the New Zealand immigration website. Click on 'Apply' and then log in or create a new RealMe account. To create an account, provide your email address, choose a username and password, answer three security questions, and verify you are not a robot by entering the characters displayed in the image.

Upload Supporting Documents and Pay the Visa Fee

Upload all required documents and photos. Pay the application fee using a credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or UnionPay).

Submit Your Application

After submitting your application, the embassy may contact you if additional information is needed.

Offline Application Option

Alternatively, you can download and print the application form from the New Zealand immigration website and submit it in person at the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate.

New Zealand Student Visa Fees

You must pay visa fees at the time of submitting your New Zealand visa application. This is a non-refundable cost of getting your visa. Here's a table summarising the New Zealand student visa fees payable for different visa types.

*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations

How to Track the Status of New Zealand Student Visa for Indians?

During the processing time, you can check your New Zealand student visa status using the following steps.

Step 1: Log In to Your RealMe Account
Step 2: Use your credentials to access your RealMe account.

Step 3: Review the status of your application. If it is marked as 'Submitted,' your application is in the processing stage. The status will indicate if it has been approved or rejected.

If you applied directly at the embassy with a paper application, you can check the normal processing time and wait until then. If your application takes longer to process, you can reach out to the authorities through the New Zealand Immigration website.