Your one-stop guide to getting a New Zealand student visa in 2022

With the land of the Kiwi finally announcing a reopening date for international students’ return to the country, now is the best time to get up to speed with what you’ll need to get your New Zealand student visa.

The government recently announced that normal visa processing will resume in October, which would allow students to study on campus in 2023.

From how to apply to the documents you may need, we’ll be covering the details so you can get your New Zealand student visa without a hitch.

Which New Zealand student visa is the right one for me?

If you’re planning to study in New Zealand full-time for more than three months, the Fee Paying Student Visa would be the right one for you. This visa allows international students to stay in the country for up to four years. Students are also allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week while studying or full-time in the holidays.

To be accepted for a course at an education institute approved by the Ministry of Education or the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Source: Andrej Isakovic/AFP

What documents would I need for my student visa?

You would need proof of your identity using:

• A colour photo of yourself taken from the shoulder upwards
• A valid passport that expires at least three months after the day you plan to leave New Zealand

Additional documents are needed to prove your eligibility for a student visa. You will need:

• To be accepted for a course at an education institute approved by the Ministry of Education or the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
• Proof that you are able to pay for your tuition fee or that you have a scholarship that pays your fees
• A ticket out of New Zealand or any evidence that you have enough money to buy one

You would also need to prove that you are financially stable to stay in New Zealand, either having:

• NZ$15,000 for your first year of study
• NZ$1250 each month if your programme is less than 36 months
• A scholarship
• A sponsor or family member who’s agreed to accept financial responsibility for you while you’re in New Zealand

Students would need to fit the health and characteristics criteria to be eligible for the New Zealand student visa:

• Health requirements for a student visa
• Character requirements for a student visa

You would also need approved medical and travel insurance. Be sure to contact your education provider to get the assistance you need with arranging your medical and travel insurance.

Do note that all documents need to be translated to English before any application or submission.

You can use this finder to help you get the exact amount of fees you would need to pay as well as the approximate duration it will take for your visa to be done. Source: Dean Treml/AFP

How much would my visa cost and how long would it take to process?

The fee of your New Zealand student visa will vary, depending on where you’re applying from. It could cost around NZ$530.  You can use this finder to help you get the exact amount of fees you would need to pay as well as the approximate duration it will take for your visa to be completed. The government notes that New Zealand student visa applications can take up to eight weeks to process.

How do I keep track of my New Zealand student visa status?

After submitting your application, all that’s left is to wait. You can log in here to check your current status.