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New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time in 2025: Approval Rate, Application Tracking
Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Mar 07, 2025 11:46 AM IST
The average New Zealand student visa processing time is approximately 30 working days. The New Zealand student visa processing time may vary depending on the category of education provider and type of application. For international students who want to study in New Zealand, a student visa is one of the most important documents required. Students apply for a student visa and provide the supporting documents to the New Zealand immigration department after receiving an offer letter from a New Zealand university.
This Story also Contains
- New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time in 2025
- How to Track Your New Zealand Visa Application?
- New Zealand Study Visa Approval Rate
- Documents Required for a New Zealand Student Visa
- How to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa?
- New Zealand Student Visa Fees in Indian Rupees
- Tips to Speed Up Your New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time
- Factors Affecting New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time
This article will help you understand the NZ student visa processing time, documents required, how to apply for a NZ student visa, and a few other details.
New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time in 2025
Several factors, like the student’s nationality, the completeness of the application, and the workload at Immigration New Zealand (INZ), affect the NZ student visa processing time. The table below shows the average New Zealand Student visa processing time with different education providers.
Processing Time of New Zealand Student Visa 2025
Education Provider | Average Wait Time | Most Completed Within |
(Te Pūkenga) New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology | 3 weeks | 6 weeks |
Private Training Establishments | 3 weeks | 6 weeks |
Universities | 2 weeks | 4 weeks |
Schools | 1.5 weeks | 2.5 weeks |
It is always recommended to apply for a student visa at least 3 months before the commencement of your course.
Also Read:
How to Track Your New Zealand Visa Application?
Candidates can check your visa application status on the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website.
Steps 1: Go to the Immigration New Zealand website
Steps 2: Login to your account
Steps 3: Enter your application reference number
Steps 4: Check on updates on your application status
New Zealand Study Visa Approval Rate
The table below shows the Indian applicants who applied for a New Zealand student visa and their approval rate from 2022–2024. The 2025 data is yet to be released.
Time Frame | Volume of Visa Applications | Total Decisions | Approval Rate |
2024 | 11,338 | 5,452 | 48% |
2023 | 8,810 | 5,074 | 58% |
2022 | 2500 | 1,812 | 72% |
Documents Required for a New Zealand Student Visa
To apply for a student visa, there are a few specific documents that need to be submitted. Below is the list of documents required for a New Zealand student visa.
Valid Passport
Student Visa Application Form (INZ 1012), (if applied offline)
Offer Letter from a New Zealand Educational Institution
Proof of payment of tuition fee
Financial proof for living expenses (showing at least NZD 20,000 per year)
Health and Travel Insurance
Medical Examination Report
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): Required for students above 17 years staying for more than 2 years.
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
How to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa?
The student should be well aware of the NZ student visa application process. The below steps will help students to apply for a New Zealand student visa.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
You must have received an offer from a New Zealand educational institution.
You should have sufficient funds in your bank account to show that you can cover your expenses.
You must have a valid passport.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents: Keep all the required documents handy during the whole application process.
Step 3: Apply Online or Offline
Online Application: Apply using your RealMe account on the official Immigration New Zealand website (www.immigration.govt.nz).
Offline Application: Apply offline by downloading the INZ 1012 Student Visa application form, filling it out and submitting it to the closest visa application center (VAC).
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee: Once you have filled out the application, complete it by paying the visa fees.
Step 5: Health Insurance: Students need to submit their health insurance as well.
Step 6: Wait for Visa Approval: Keep tracking your visa application status on the Immigration New Zealand website. You will receive an eVisa if approved.
New Zealand Student Visa Fees in Indian Rupees
The New Zealand student visa fee is NZ$750 (approximately Rs 38,190) for students whose stay is for up to 4 years. New Zealand visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and which mode is used to apply (online or offline).
Tips to Speed Up Your New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time
A few tips that may help you to speed up your NZ student visa processing time are as follows:
Apply Early: Apply at least 3 months before the course commencement
Ensure Accuracy: Carefully double-check all information before sending it.
Use the Online Application System: Online applications tend to be processed more quickly than paper applications.
Submit Complete Documents: Send all supporting documents to prevent further requests from Immigration New Zealand.
Respond Quickly: If immigration officers ask for further information, respond as soon as possible.
Factors Affecting New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time
Your visa application processing time for New Zealand student visa might also get delayed because of several reasons, like:
Application completeness: Incomplete documents or the wrong information may cause delays in processing.
Immigration workload: High numbers of applications can extend processing time.
Security and background checks: Additional verification requires time.
Medical Requirements: Some students are called for health screenings and police clearance, which may take time.
Country and nationality of application: Processing may differ depending on the student’s home country.
Knowing about New Zealand student visa processing time allows you to plan your student journey efficiently. By providing correct and complete details, acting fast on requests, and applying well in advance, you can maximise the chances of a hassle-free and timely approval of your visa.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much funds are required for an NZ student visa?
The minimum amount in your bank account for a NZ student visa needs to be NZD 20,000 annually. These are the funds you show for the student visa as proof that you can manage your stay and tuition fees.
2. What is the acceptance rate for the NZ visa?
The New Zealand student visa has a nearly 85% acceptance rate. The average NZ student visa processing time is 5 to 6 weeks.
3. Is the New Zealand visa application process difficult?
Most of the process for visa applications is completed online through the Immigration New Zealand website. The online process is simple and quick, and it should not take longer than 15 minutes to fill out the online form.
4. Which intake is best for New Zealand?
February and July intakes in New Zealand are popular among international students. There are some advantages and disadvantages of both intakes, so it is rather challenging to make a decision which one is better. The "best" intake would be based on your circumstances and personal preference.
5. Is a New Zealand student visa easy to get?
If you are eligible for the student visa and have all the necessary documents, obtaining a New Zealand student visa is usually not a difficult procedure. You have to be admitted to a university or a course in New Zealand, have enough funds, have good health, and have a valid passport.
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Questions related to
Get answers from students and experts
Hello Aspirant.
New Zealand is a great place for studying abroad as it offers a quality education as well as good quality of life. The education system of New Zealand is also designed to be at the advantage of students.
For complete information regarding studying in New Zealand, refer to this link - https://studyabroad.careers360.com/articles/study-in-new-zealand-1
Now, coming to your concerned course ,i.e. Masters in Computer Science, it will be wise to consider studying in New Zealand due to a number of reasons. The factors for it are - all of New Zealand's universities are among 3% of top universities globally, etc.
For complete information regarding Masters in Computer Science from New Zealand, refer to this link - https://www.upgradabroad.com/articles/masters-in-computer-science-in-new-zealand/
Hope you find this helpful. All the best.
Aditi Gupta 18 July,2022
To compare your qualifications to those of a doctor trained in New Zealand, go to the Medical Council's website at www.mcnz.org.nz first. Before submitting any job applications, speak with the Medical Council immediately to apply for registration. You should speak with the closest New Zealand consulate office to determine whether you are eligible to immigrate to this nation. These are often found in the New Zealand High Commission or Embassy in the majority of foreign nations.
Your expenses will be majorly covered by the stipend you get and you'll have to arrange some more money for your fees and your stay/food etc.
Hope I have answered your question. All the best!
thakurvishesh1 27 July,2022
Hello,
To begin with, New Zealand has more than a half dozen universally-ranked universities offering courses that aren’t only up-to-date and practical but unique in many ways. Also, the small class size, typical of most universities in New Zealand, is built for hands-on educati on. Many students come to New Zealand because the tuition fee is amongst the lowest in the world, or may be because they want to take advantage of the abundant work opportunities that are on offer.
To get to know Living expenses and other details, refer the below link,
https://studyabroad.careers360.com/articles/engineering-in-new-zealand-how-much-does-it-cost
Hope this will help you, good luck!!!
prasanna raghupatruni 08 August,2021
Hello Aspirant
Hope you are doing fine and great. As per your query, I would glad to tell you that admission system of new zealand universities are quite different from indian universities . They consider marks upto a certain level if you do have high academics scores still it is not neccesary that you will get good colleges. You need have to proper justified STATEMENT OF PURPOSE, LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION , HIGH ILETS BAND(ATLEAST 6.5) , transrcipt, CERTIFICATION In some short term courses, Extracicrcularrs like work in ngo or some social work. Try to build your profile in every aspects
Hope you found this answer helpful. Good luck for your future
Bhavesh gupta 08 August,2021
Hello,
Studying abroad is a big decision to make and for many, finding the right study abroad destination involves meeting several criteria. As You asked for the Safest Countries for Higher studies and Women Safety, Here are the countries,
- Denmark
- Austria
- Canada
- Japan
- Sweden
- Ireland
- Switzerland
- Australia.
Hope this information will help you,
Good Luck!!!
prasanna raghupatruni 07 August,2021
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