New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time
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Raj Vimal
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Jun 11, 2025 11:01 IST
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.
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What is the New Zealand Student Visa Processing Time?
The immigration office of NZ takes some time after submitting the visa application form for visa. During New Zealand visa processing time, the officials verify the details provided by you. Once they complete their, work you get the type of visa you have applied for. Here, we will discuss mainly about New Zealand Student Visa processing time. 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 weeks |
| PTEs |
3 weeks |
| Universities |
2 weeks |
| Schools |
1 weeks |
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An NZ Student Visa application is completed when the New Zealand immigration centre has granted the visa or declined the application.
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How to Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa?
To apply for a New Zealand Student Visa, you have two options. You can either apply online or offline. The online mode of application takes less time than the offline mode. Before you proceed with the application, you need to have all the documents, including personal and academic. Now follow the process:
- Create a Profile: Create a RealMe account on the New Zealand Immigration website.
- If Registered User: Log in to your RealMe account and start the online student visa application.
- Follow the instructions: You need to follow the instructions shown on the screen and provide the information asked for there.
- Make Payment: Pay the NZ student visa application fee online.
- Biometrics and Documents Upload: Upload your biometrics, such as a photograph and fingerprint.
- Wait for Approval: After completing verification during the New Zealand study visa processing time, you'll get an approval or rejection update.
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 recognized 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: A Brief Study
The table below shows the total number of Indians who have applied for a New Zealand Student Visa State-wise about the type of Education Provider and the Approval rate for the same, for the period 1 January – 31 December 2024. Note that, the data for the year 2025 is not announced yet.
Below is a table that shows the number of Indians who have applied for the NZ Student Visa and the approval rate for the same for the years 2022 to 2024.
| Time Frame |
Volume of Visa Applications |
Total Decisions |
Approval Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 |
11,338 |
5,452 |
48% |
| 2023 |
8,810 |
5,074 | 58% |
| 2022 |
2500 |
1,812 |
72% |
Q: How long does it take to get approval for New Zealand student visa?
Q: What factors can affect the processing time of my NZ study visa application?
A:
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.
Q: Is It easy to get a New Zealand student visa for Indians?
A:
The process to obtain a student visa for New Zealand depends on your profile, documents, and eligibility. If you are eligible and submit all the required documents on time, the process is relatively straightforward. These documents include proof of genuine intent to study, evidence of sufficient funds, and fulfillment of health and character requirements.
Q: Which intake is best for New Zealand?
A:
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.
Q: Is New Zealand good for Indian students?
A:
With a good educational system, excellent quality of life, and a number of research opportunities, New Zealand offers a lot to international students. Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand has a 39 percent population of overseas citizens, making it a culturally diverse city. Moreover, the post-study work visa in New Zealand can offer up to three years of stay back. As per Stats New Zealand, its unemployment rate is 3.4 percent. Students enrolled in a course of 12 months or more can also work part-time in New Zealand for up to 20 hours a week during the semester and holidays.
Q: What is the acceptance rate for Lincoln University New Zealand?
A:
According to various unofficial sources, Lincoln University New Zealand acceptance rate is around 60%. The acceptance rate indicated that the university is moderately selective at the time of admission. So, to get into the university, make sure to have a good academic record and meet the entry requirements such as having 12 years of schooling and minimum percentage for admission to bachelor’s courses. For admission to postgraduate courses, a relevant degree is required with the minimum grade.
Q: Why to choose Otago Polytechnic for MS in New Zealand rather than University of Auckland?
A:
Otago Polytechnic is renowned for its career-focused, hands-on education. It offers a broad range of degree programs as well as postgraduate courses that combine theory and practical practice. The school offers more one-on-one instruction and support to students because of its lower student-to-faculty ratio. Additionally, Otago Polytechnic provides students with worldwide study and work experience through a variety of exchange programs with its more than 80 foreign partner institutions.The University of Auckland, on the other hand, is a research-heavy university that provides a wider range of academic programs, including MS degrees in numerous subjects. With a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, the university offers a wider variety of research opportunities to its larger student body. Students looking for an education that is more hands-on, practical, and focused Otago Polytechnic may be preferred for work preparation, however the University of Auckland may be preferred by individuals looking for a wider variety of academic programs and research opportunities.
Q: What is it like to study at Lincoln University New Zealand?
A:
Some of the reasons that make Lincoln University a good university to study are:
- The lecturers of the university are actively involved with the industry in the areas they teach. This means students can learn what is happening in the world right now
- The classes at the university are small. So, students can have interaction with other fellow students
- Many of the programs at the university have a strong component of practical experience
Also Read: Top 7 Reasons to Study in New Zealand
Source: Immigration New Zealand
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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 ensure 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.
About the Author
Raj Vimal
Study Abroad Expert
Raj Vimal has experience of 7+ years in SEO Content Writing, which includes 5+ years in the Ed-Tech industry. He has written articles about studying abroad, especially in the USA, UK, and other English-speaking coun... Read Full Bio
Anuradha
All courses in ANZ
Armed with B.Com from Delhi University, Anuradha Sharma has accumulated rich experience as an education counsellor. She is especially adept at handling Australia and NZ admission procedure. Before becoming a GTE Exp... Read Full Bio
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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.