Tips for a Successful New Zealand Student Visa Application from Bangladesh

Your study abroad journey begins with a New Zealand student visa application. With our professional tips, you can double the chances of approval of your study visa. Our study abroad counselors have these experienced-enriched tips for you: 

• Review your visa application: You should carefully write all personal and other information accurately along with all mandatory and supporting documents.

• Prepare strongly for the interview: Besides a strong visa application, you will be asked about yourself, why the specific course, and your career goals.

• Have a good character: You need a police certificate stating that you have good character standing in your home country. It is one of the best tips for a New Zealand visa for Bangladeshi students.

Types of New Zealand Student Visa

International students are required to have a valid student visa to pursue their tertiary education in New Zealand. The five basic types of a student visa in New Zealand are: 

1. Fee-Paying Student Visa: This visa is full-time for students who themselves are bearing all study costs. Its duration can be up to 4 years.
2. Exchange Student Visa: This visa is for exchange students who get into programs to pursue full-time tertiary studies. Its duration can be up to 4 years
3. Foreign Government-Supported Student Visa: This visa is for students who have scholarships or international loans. Its duration can be up to 4 years.
4. Pathway Student Visa: This visa is for students who will study three courses. Its duration can be up to 5 years with permission to work part-time.
5. Post-Study Work Visa: This work visa is for students who have completed their studies. Its duration can be up to 1, 2, or 3 years, varying per degree level.

Bangladeshi students are more likely to require a Fee-Paying Student visa. However, if you are still determining which visa type is for you, speak with our visa counselors to know more!

English Language Requirements for NZ Student Visa

International students from non-English speaking countries are required to showcase their language proficiency by taking language testing exams and providing the test scores during the university admission and visa application. The minimum language proficiency score for an NZ student visa is: 

• Diploma programs:

• IELTS: No less than 5.5 bands, or 
• TOEFL: Minimum score of 46 (at least 14 in writing score), or
• PTE: Minimum score of 36 (with no less than 29), or

• Undergraduate studies:

• IELTS: No less than 5.5 bands, or
• TOEFL: Minimum score of 80, or
• PTE: Minimum score of 46, or

• Postgraduate studies:

• IELTS: No less than 6.0 band, or 
• TOEFL: Minimum score of 80, or
• PTE: Minimum score of 46, or

• Doctoral studies:

• IELTS: No less than 6.5 bands, or 
• TOEFL: Minimum score of 80, or
• PTE: Minimum score of 46, or

Understanding the Eligibility Criteria for a New Zealand Student Visa

New Zealand sets eligiblity criteria for international students. It ensures that the country receives the best people in terms of academic excellence and sound health. These are the eligibility for a New Zealand Student Visa:

• Have a good character standing in your home country.
• Have a good health condition.  
• Have proof of academic requirements.
• Have sufficient funds to bear tuition fees and other living costs.  
• Have all mandatory documents for the student visa.
• Have been accepted by the educational institution (university or college).
• Have either paid or sufficient funds in your bank account for tuition fees.
• Have fully covered both travel and medical travel insurance to cover your stay.

If you think your profile does not meet the minimum eligibility criteria, feel free to speak with our expert study counselors to find a way out to make you become eligiblity by supporting documents.

Required Documents for New Zealand Student Visa Application

If you are planning to study in New Zealand, you need to have certain documents before applying for the visa applications. These are the New Zealand requirements for Bangladeshi students:

Government-Issued Documents:

• A valid passport with one blank page.
• Copies of Passport
• Passport-size photographs
• Police Character Certificate (Confirming your good character).
• Health certificate (Stating that you have good health).

Academic Documents:

• Previous academic transcripts, degrees, or diplomas.
• Certified copies of all academic documents. 
• University Acceptance Letter (or Offer Letter)
• Evidence of English Language Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or any alternative)
• Proof of professional work history.

Financial Documents:

• Proof of tuition fee payment.
• Proof of financial means to cover study expenses, or 
• Scholarship letter in case of scholarship.
• Health & Travel Insurance (covering your traveling) 

Apply for your New Zealand Student Visa with us!

International Admission Service is one the best New Zealand student visa consultants, who have helped hundreds of Bangladeshi students fulfill their dream of studying abroad.

As a Bangladeshi citizen, you can apply for a student visa through two methods; online and offline. To apply offline, you need the following documents:

• Student Visa Application — (INZ 1012)
• Financial Undertaking for a Student — (INZ 1014)
• Health Requirements for Entry to New Zealand — (INZ 1121)

After paying visa fees, completing these documents, and the immigration levy, you will send that to the Visa Section of the Embassy of New Zealand in Dhaka. The other way is to online apply. But, the online New Zealand visa application requires the same information.

New Zealand Student Visa Fees

International students such as Bangladeshi students are required to obtain a student visa before pursuing their higher studies in New Zealand. However, there’s a visa application processing fees that every applicant needs to pay. 

The New Zealand visa fees mainly depend on whether you apply online or offline. For instance, the current visa processing fee for online application is NZ$395 (BDT 26,035) whereas the paper visa application fee is slightly higher at NZ$440 (BDT 29,001).

What is the Minimum Bank Balance Needed for a NZ Student Visa?

Every Bangladeshi student needs to showcase his/her financial capability to study in New Zealand, which is done by submitting a bank statement with the visa application.  There are no certain minimum bank balance limits for NZ student visas. 

The estimated minimum funds required as calculated per tuition fees and average living expenses, which range from NZ$ 30,000 to NZ$50,000 annually. You must have sufficient above-estimated financial means to support yourself in covering tuition fees and all living expenses during the first academic year. 

What Is the Average Processing Time for a New Zealand Student Visa?

New Zealand is one of those countries that easily accepts international students. The government’s immigration recommends foreign students wait for at least four weeks as processing time. 

So, you can say New Zealand visa processing time is almost 20 working days, for the processing of student visa applications submitted online. This timeframe ensures ample time for thorough review and processing.

How Can I Check the Status of My NZ Student Visa Application?

One of the best ways for a New Zealand visa check is through an online tracking tool. New Zealand Immigration has now offered this tool for international students to check their visa application status. Here’s the way to access it:

• Open the website of Immigration New Zealand website. 
• Click on "Check Your Visa Application Status" under the "Visas" section.
• You'll need your application reference number and your date of birth to log in.
• Once logged in, you'll see the current status of your application and any updates or communications from Immigration New Zealand.

Can I Legally Work in New Zealand with a Student Visa?

Bangladeshi students can easily study and work in New Zealand for up to 20 hours per week. But, international students who want to work in New Zealand, must need to meet the criteria set by the government. These requirements are full-time enrollment in the course, whose duration must be 2 years long. 

Can I Add My Spouse and Children to a New Zealand Student Visa Application?

International students cannot add their spouses or dependent children(s) to their visa application. They cannot be directly added to New Zealand student visa application. 

However, spouses and children(s) of main visa applicants need to apply separately for their respective visa categories, which are:

• Partner of a Student Visa Holder Visa: It allows you to stay in New Zealand for the duration of your student visa.
• Child Dependent Visa: It is for dependent children(s) who are unmarried and financially dependent on you but must be age 19.