New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time from India
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New Zealand student visa is an important document for international students planning to study in NZ. After receiving an acceptance letter from the universities of NZ, applicants submit their student visa application along with the necessary documents to the New Zealand immigration authorities. The time taken to process these applications is known as the New Zealand student visa processing time.
On average, NZ study visa processing time is approximately 30 working days. New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time depends on the type of education provider and the nature of New Zealand Student Visa application. Around 90% of New Zealand student visa applications are processed within 66 weekdays. Let's check out the article for understanding the student visa processing times for international students in New Zealand.
Related Read:
- What is the New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time?
- How to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa? (Updated)
- New Zealand Student Visa Process: The India Market
- New Zealand Study Visa Process Time: Month Wise
What is the New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time?
The immigration office of NZ takes some time after submitting the study visa application form. During the New Zealand visa processing time, the officials verify the details provided by you. Once they complete their verification work, you will get the approval for the visa you have applied for.
The table below shows the average NZ Student Visa Processing time with reference to the educational institution. Note that the below-mentioned visa processing time is just an average time. It may vary.
| NZ Education Provider |
Average NZ Study Visa Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Te Pūkenga |
3.5 weeks |
| PTEs |
3 weeks |
| Universities |
2.5 weeks |
| Schools |
1.5 weeks |
| Keep in Mind: Due to the high volume of applications between May and August, it is recommended that you apply at least 3 months before you intend to travel to NZ. |
|---|
Also Read
How to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa? (Updated)
Good news for all international students who want to apply for NZ student visa. From 18 August 2025, you can apply for a New Zealand student visa only through the online system. Paper-based applications are no longer accepted. This process is to make the application process faster and simpler for Indian students.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Here is Step By Step Process to Apply for NZ Student Visa:
| Steps | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Get Admission First | Obtain an admission/offer letter from a recognised New Zealand university or college. |
| 2. Prepare All Your Documents |
|
| 3. Register & Apply Online |
|
| 4. Health & Character Checks | Provide medical exams or police certificates if requested by the embassy. |
| 5. Track Your Application | Check status and respond to extra document requests via your online account. |
| 6. Get Your E-Visa | If approved, you’ll receive your eVisa by email. Print and carry it along with supporting documents when you travel. |
New Zealand Student Visa Process: The India Market
With state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class facilities and a student-friendly environment, New Zealand has gradually developed itself as a top study-abroad destination for Indian students. The top universities in New Zealand are able to provide students with degrees that are recognised at a global scale, favourable NZ post-study work options and an opportunity for a better future. Below are a number of case studies of the visa approval rates that reflect the relative ease or difficulty of verifying information across India and its states.
Higher Rejection Rate For Indian Students
According to reports released by Immigration of New Zealand, 40% of total student visa applications from India were rejected in 2023. It is expected that this number will increase in 2024. The major reasons behind this student visa rejection are insufficient proof of funds and genuine study intentions. This is important to understand for you so you do not make such mistakes
New Zealand Study Visa Process Time: Month Wise
The table below shows the total number of work days taken to process student visas in June 2025.
| Education Provider Type | Median Processing Time (Work Days) | 90% of Applications Finalized Within (Work Days) |
|---|---|---|
| Universities | 21 | 36 |
| Te Pūkenga (NZ Institutes of Skills and Technology – Polytechnics) | 23 | 38 |
| Private Training Establishments (PTEs) | 30 | 76 |
| Schools (Primary & Secondary) | 16 | 33 |
Source: Immigration New Zealand
Also Read
Note: the figures have been sourced from the official New Zealand Immigration website.
A lot of times, candidates are worried about the length of the duration. Rest assured, they should be informed that the New Zealand Student Visa Process is a very thorough system, and they only ensures the best for the student and the country. Students can always check online for the status of their New Zealand Student Visa. The link to the same can be found on the official New Zealand Website.
Candidates looking for assistance with universities in New Zealand can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors on our website. Readers with queries can get in touch with us in the comments section below.
There are multiple factors that can directly affect New Zealand visa processing time of a candidate. Some of them are
Completeness of your application
Complexity of your application
Current workload of Immigration New Zealand
Your nationality.
For some cases, Immigration New Zealand conducts additional checks, such as background checks or financial verification. In such case, you need to be pro-active to response any mail you receive from Immigration NZ.
February and July intakes in New Zealand are very popular among International students. there are some pros and cons of both intakes, so it is quite difficult to decide which is best. The "best" intake depends on your individual circumstances and preferences.
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The New Zealand visa processing time depends on the type of visa application. If you are applying for tourist visa then the processing time is 2 to 3 weeks. The New Zealand student visa processing time is 30 weekdays. It can take more time, if the authority is facing high application load or unable to connect with you for verification.