Apply for A New Zealand Student Visa

Navigating New Beginnings!

Ready to turn your dream of studying in New Zealand into reality?

Kiwi Fern’s Student Visa Services provide end-to-end support to help international students secure a New Zealand student visa and plan a successful education journey.

New Zealand is a top choice for students worldwide – from its world-class universities to its welcoming culture – and we’re here to make the process simple.

Why Study in New Zealand?

New Zealand is quickly becoming one of the most attractive destinations for international students. Here are a few key reasons why students choose to study in New Zealand:

  • Safe and Welcoming Country: New Zealand consistently ranks among the world’s safest countries. Students (and their parents) can feel secure in New Zealand’s friendly, inclusive society while enjoying a high standard of living.

  • High-Quality Education: The country’s education system is internationally respected. Degrees from New Zealand are recognized globally, and institutions offer modern facilities and research opportunities. Class sizes are often small, meaning you get personalized attention and a practical, skills-focused learning experience.

Post-Study Work Opportunities

New Zealand offers generous post-study work visas that allow you to gain work experience after graduation. During your studies, you can also work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) to support yourself and gain local experience.

And with a strong job market – especially in areas of skill shortage – many students transition smoothly from study to employment in New Zealand.

Contact us today via email, phone, or WhatsApp to book a free consultation and get personalized guidance on studying in New Zealand.

Get your Student Visa Application
right the first time!

We’re here to help you make informed decisions before investing your time, money, effort, and emotions in moving to New Zealand. Applicants should consider the following things before applying for a New Zealand Student Visa.

  • NZ Student visa fees have increased significantly
  • The processing takes about 1 to 2 months
  • Significant effort is required to gather documentation
  • Lost hope, shattered dreams, and uncertainty if declined.
  • Future Impact: A declined visa may lower your chances of approval in subsequent applications for a New Zealand visa

Top Reasons for Student Visa Declines

To help you avoid common pitfalls in getting a Student Visa, it’s essential to understand the key reasons visas get declined.

  • Failure to demonstrate genuine intent for a lawful, temporary stay in New Zealand
  • Insufficient proof of the authenticity or availability of financial resources
  • Inability to meet mandatory character and health standards

Being well-prepared and informed can make all the difference. We can help you with that.

About Our New Zealand Student Visa Services

Kiwi Fern is your trusted partner for navigating the New Zealand student visa process. We are a New Zealand-based immigration consultancy with deep expertise in student visas and education pathways. Our team includes licensed immigration advisers and trained student agents,

  • What sets Kiwi Fern apart is our experience and success rate. We manage selective student visa applications each year so we can give attention to detail and increase the chances of visa approval. 2024/2025 data released by INZ suggests a 50% student visa decline rate from India alone.
  • Immigration is teamwork and we know how to get it right the first time. From selecting the right course and institution to preparing a decision-ready visa application, we guide you at every step. Our licensed immigration advisers stay up to date with the latest immigration regulations and education trends, so you receive accurate advice and a smooth, stress-free experience.

  • We understand that moving to a new country for studies is a big decision – our goal is to provide compassionate, personalized support as former immigrants and international students ourselves.

Our Process: Easy Steps to Your Student Visa

We believe in making the student visa process clear and simple for you. Here’s how our student visa service works, step by step:

  • 1
    Free Consultation & Assessment: We start with a free one-on-one consultation to understand your background, study goals, and any concerns. Our experts will assess your eligibility and answer your questions about studying in New Zealand. (Contact us by email, phone, or WhatsApp to schedule your free consultation!)
  • 2

    Course & Institution Selection: Choosing the right program and college/university is crucial. Based on your interests, academic profile, and career plans, we help you explore study options in New Zealand – from universities to institutes of technology. You’ll get advice on in-demand courses, scholarship opportunities, and the best city or campus for your needs.

  • 3

    Admission Application Support: Once you decide on a course, our team assists with the admission process. We help you prepare an application for the New Zealand education provider, including guidance on required documents (transcripts, English tests like IELTS, etc.) and correspondence with the institution. Getting an Offer of Place from an approved institution is the first step toward your student visa.

  • 4

    Student Visa Documentation & Lodgement: This is where our expertise truly makes a difference. We guide you in gathering all required visa documents –proof of funds and academic records. Our advisers help you prepare a complete visa application with a compelling Statement of Purpose (if needed) and ensure you meet all Immigration New Zealand requirements. We double-check every detail and then lodge your student visa application on your behalf.

  • 5

    Follow-Up, Updates & Approval: After submission, we monitor the status of your application and keep you updated. If immigration officers request any additional information, we help you respond promptly. Thanks to our thorough preparation, you can be confident about a positive outcome. Once your student visa is approved, we notify you immediately and provide next-step guidance – from travel arrangements to preparing for your arrival in New Zealand. Congratulations, your study adventure begins!

Throughout the process, Kiwifern is just a call or message away. We’re committed to transparent communication and supportive guidance, so you’re never left in the dark.

Popular Courses to Study in New Zealand

Many international students come to New Zealand to pursue programs that do not align with the country’s skill shortages or offer great career prospects. Below are some popular courses and fields of study that Kiwi Fern can help you explore, along with insights from students who have walked this path:

  • Nursing (Bachelor of Nursing): Nursing is a highly sought-after profession in New Zealand’s healthcare sector. A Bachelor of Nursing (3 years) leads to registration as a Registered Nurse in New Zealand​, opening doors to work in hospitals, aged care, and community health. With New Zealand facing shortages of healthcare workers, nursing graduates often find rewarding employment and pathways to residency.

    Find out more on our dedicated education site.

  • Teaching (Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Primary or Secondary): New Zealand’s education system welcomes qualified teachers, especially in early childhood education (ECE). The one-year Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) is a popular pathway for those with a background in education to get registered with the Teaching Council of NZ. You can specialize in Early Childhood, Primary or Secondary teaching.

    Find out more in our dedicated education site.

  • Quantity Surveying (Graduate Diploma in Construction): Students with Civil Engineering or construction backgrounds often choose the Graduate Diploma in Construction (Level 6 or 7) specializing in Quantity Surveying. This program teaches practical skills in tendering, costing, and estimation – highly valued in New Zealand’s booming construction industry. “The program requires you to study well and is enjoyable too, as you learn a lot of new things,” shares Jatin, a recent graduate in Quantity Surveying. With infrastructure development on the rise, quantity surveying graduates are finding roles as quantity surveyors, contract managers, and site engineers soon after finishing their studies.

    Find out more on our dedicated education site
  • Information Technology (Bachelor’s or Master’s in IT): The IT sector in New Zealand is innovative and fast-growing, making tech degrees extremely popular. Degrees like a Bachelor of Information Technology or a Master’s in Software Engineering equip students with globally relevant skills. The industry is very welcoming to international talent, and tech graduates can work in areas from software development to cybersecurity. “Anyone can do it, if you have passion in IT and the willingness to do what is required,” encourages Purnansh, who completed his Bachelor of IT in Wellington​. He advises new students to engage with the local tech community and attend meetups to build networks – an approach that helped him land a job as a cybersecurity analyst after graduation.

  • Accounting and Finance (Bachelor’s or Master’s in Accounting): New Zealand’s small and mid-sized business owners create steady demand for skilled accountants and finance professionals. Many international students pursue a Bachelor of Accounting or Master’s in Accounting, With an accounting qualification, you can work in accounting firms, corporate finance, banking, or consultancy – and these roles can be steps toward longer-term work visas or residence if you decide to stay in

Employment Opportunities After Study

One of the biggest advantages of studying in New Zealand is the strong chance to work and build a career after you graduate. Here’s how Kiwi Fern helps you plan for employment in New Zealand post-study:

  • Post-Study Work Visa Support

    As mentioned, most graduates can obtain a Post Study Work Visa (open work permit) for up to 1–3 years depending on their qualification​. This visa lets you work full-time in New Zealand, giving you a valuable opportunity to gain international work experience right after finishing your studies. We provide guidance on the post-study work visa application as you near graduation to ensure you make the most of this opportunity.

  • Is a qualification enough to secure a job?

    Unfortunately, world-over a qualification alone does not guarantee a job.

    You need to understand what New Zealand employers expect: New Zealand culture, lifestyle and values. View Kiwi Fern Education’s courses for more information.

  • Career Resources and Networking

    We advise students on job hunting strategies well before they graduate. It’s important to understand New Zealand’s job market and work culture, which might be different from your home country. View our resources and courses on Kiwi Fern Education website.

  • In-Demand Fields and Residency Paths

    New Zealand actively seeks talent in certain skill shortage areas. Graduating in a high-demand field (for example, IT, engineering, healthcare, teaching) can increase your job prospects. Some roles are even listed on New Zealand’s Green List of shortage occupations, which can later provide streamlined pathways to work visas or residency​. We keep you informed about these trends. For instance, if you study a program that aligns with a skill shortage (like those popular courses we highlighted above), you may have a smoother road to employment and even long-term stay in NZ.

  • Personalized Employment Tips

    Check out our blog article on “What should you do to get a job in New Zealand from India?” for practical tips applicable to all international graduates along with inputs from our contributors.

    We share valuable advice such as polishing your CV to NZ standards, leveraging recruitment companies, and being open to starting in regional areas.

    Our goal is to see you succeed – not just in getting a visa, but in building the future you dream of in New Zealand.

(Pro tip: Begin your job search early – don’t wait until after graduation. Use your post-study work visa period wisely by gaining relevant experience or even volunteer work in your field while you search for that ideal job offer.)

New Zealand’s Current Student Immigration Situation

The New Zealand government has aligned skill shortages with qualifications in sectors like Engineering, Medical, Teaching, and Construction. Even though these NZ education programmes are open to international students, the decline rates remain high for countries such as India.

Advice for Prospective Students

Choose Study Courses Wisely:

  • Select education programmes aligned with your qualifications, experience, and long-term goals.

  • Consider New Zealand job market demand to avoid poor employment prospects after study.

Avoid Common Pitfalls:

  • Many students arrive unaware of New Zealand job market realities after significant investment through personal savings or education loans

  • Blindly trusting offshore or unlicensed agents can lead to disappointment

Plan For Success:

  • Have genuine intentions and funds.

  • Have s study plan based on your interests, experience, and long-term goals.

  • Make sure your plans align with New Zealand’s job market demand.

Our Services

  • Review of Qualifications and Work Experience

  • Guidance in selecting the right educational programme

  • Securing an Offer of Place from the Educational Institution

  • Lodging your New Zealand Student Visa application

Book a paid consultation and receive expert guidance tailored to your goals. We can meet via Google Meet or in person.

Useful Student Links

We believe informed students make the best decisions. That’s why we offer a variety of free resources to guide you through every step of studying and living in New Zealand. Check our resources on Kiwi Fern education page.

All these resources are completely free – our way of empowering you with knowledge. We regularly update our resources library, so be sure to bookmark the page and check back often for new content!

(Know something you’d like to see in our resources? Let us know!

Kiwi Fern is always looking to expand our free support materials based on student questions.)