Download the Chinese version of this FAQ.
Can I apply to study in New Zealand?
Anyone regardless of age or educational background can apply to study in New Zealand.
Do I need a student visa?
All mainland PRC nationals must apply for student visas if they want to study for a course longer than three months, unless they currently hold a student visa and/or permit, or residence visa and/or permit. You need to apply for a visitor visa if the duration of the course is less than three months.
Where can I get student visa application form?
You can collect (or ask to be sent to you) a free application form from any of the Immigration New Zealand branches in China. Alternatively you can download the application form from our website. Please note that all PRC nationals need to provide a supplementary application form in addition to the student visa application form.
What documents should I prepare to apply for a student visa?
Please check the China Branch Student Visa Checklist and China Branch Returning Student Visa Checklist.
Do I need to provide the original documents?
Yes. To ensure quick processing, we recommend that you include original documents (eg qualification certificate, bank slips, bank books etc.) with your application when it is lodged. Your original documents are safe with us and will be returned to you when your application is finalised.
When shall I apply for a student visa?
We suggest that you lodge your visa application at least two months prior to your course commencement date. We decide most student visa applications within one month. However, students need an additional month to transfer their tuition fees and undertake the necessary medical checks etc.
Where should I send my visa application to?
The Beijing branch is responsible for processing visas for all provinces in the Peoples Republic of China and Mongolia, except the following provinces:
- Shanghai branch is responsible for Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, and Fujian provinces.
- Hong Kong branch is responsible for Hong Kong SAR and Guangxi, Guangdong, and Hainan provinces.
Can I lodge the application by myself without using an agent or consultant?
It is up to you whether you use an agent or not. You are under no obligation to do so. We process each application equally and fairly on its own merit, regardless if an agent is involved or not. Please provide your contact details if you choose to lodge the application yourself.
How do I lodge an application?
You can mail the completed documents to the processing branch or you can come directly to the branch to lodge your application at the counter. You will receive an acknowledgement letter from us once your application is accepted.
Do I need to pay an application fee?
Yes. The current student visa application fee is RMB 760 or USD 110. Please note you will need to pay an additional USD 10, for the bank fee, if you make a USD payment.
We recommend that you check the checklist or contact us for payment details as the payment method and amount is slightly different at each of the three PRC branches.
How the application is processed?
Generally there are four steps in a student visa application. First, the application will be checked by a lodgement officer, your application will be returned if significant documents (ie ID document, offer of place, financial evidence etc.) are missing. Then a visa officer will assess all the information provided, to determine if you are a genuine student and have sufficient funds etc. During this stage, your documents will be verified and you may be contacted for additional information. After assessment, the visa officer will make a decision on your visa application, which you will be advised of in writing – this is the third step. Finally, if approved in principle (AIP), your student visa will be issued after you complete all of the AIP requirements, eg transfer of tuition fee to New Zealand, medical checks and so on.
What are the different types of student visa?
There are five types of student visa – full fee paying; full scholarship; fee scholarship; exchange student, and vocational trainee. In addition to this, people holding a limited purpose visa-study can also pursue studies in New Zealand. Most students go to New Zealand as full fee paying students.
What are the most common decline reasons?
A visa application can be declined if a client fails to prove him/herself as a genuine student and/or has insufficient funds to support themselves. Applicants that provide false or misleading information may be declined on character grounds. Applicants that do not meet the health requirements may also be refused entry.
What’s the decline rate?
The student visa decline rate for PRC students is about 28 percent for the 2006/2007 year. You can check our statistics page for updated information.
Will my previous applications with other countries affect my application to New Zealand?
Your application will be processed on its own merits following the New Zealand Student Policy. However, please note that we require you to declare your decline history on the application form. Please be aware that deliberately withholding this information is a character issue which normally results in a decision to decline.
Can I lodge a new application immediately after being declined?
Yes you can – there is no time restriction on resubmitting a new application. However, if there is no further new information or significant changes in your circumstances, the previous decision is unlikely to change.
Can I apply for a New Zealand student visa again if I have been previously declined on character grounds (providing false or misleading information)?
As explained above, you can lodge a new application at any time. However, you will need to explain any special reasons why you believe you should be granted a character waiver, otherwise the decision remains. The assessment of a character waiver usually includes an evaluation of the significance of the false, misleading or forged information provided, or information withheld, and whether the applicant is able to supply a reasonable and credible explanation or other evidence indicating that in supplying or withholding such information they did not intend to deceive Immigration New Zealand.
Do I need to provide evidence of my English ability (IELTS, TOEFL) to apply for a student visa?
No, there is no English requirement to apply for a student visa. You can apply for a student visa to study English in New Zealand. On the other hand, we welcome students with a satisfactory level of English to study in a tertiary course in New Zealand. Students that are directly enrolled in degree level courses will be fast tracked, which means their student visa applications will be decided within 14 working days.
What is the validity of a student visa?
Usually a student visa is granted for the period that the student has paid the course fees and maintenance funds for (up to a maximum of four years).
More specifically: if the course is based on the New Zealand academic year, visas may be issued till the 31st of March for tertiary students and the 28th of February for primary and secondary students. If the course lasts for less than one year, or can begin at any time during the year, the visa may be issued to expire no more than one month after the period for which the student has paid.
Can I work while I am studying?
You can work 20 hours per week if you are one of the following students.
- Student enrolled in a full-time course of at least two years.
- Student enrolled in a course that would result in points under the Skilled Migrant Category (regardless of the length of course or type of institution).
- Secondary student engaged in a full-time, full-year course of study in Year 12 or Year 13 with written permission from their school and parental consent.
- English language student with an IELTS overall band score of 5.0 or above, at the time of application for a student visa, and who is engaged in a full-time course of at least six months.
In addition, the right to work full-time in the Christmas holiday period will be available to any student enrolled in a course of 12 months or longer duration.
Can I work after I finish studying?
If you wish to work in New Zealand, you need to apply for a work visa/permit. Please be advised that any student, regardless of institution type, who successfully completes a course in New Zealand resulting in a qualification that would get points under the Skilled Migrant Residence Category would be eligible to apply for a six-month open work permit.
Can my family visit me while I am studying in New Zealand?
Your family can apply for a visitor visa to visit you while you are studying in New Zealand. However, please understand that they must meet the visitor visa policy requirements – that they genuinely intend a temporary stay in New Zealand for a lawful purpose.
In addition, if you are one of the following students, open work permits are available to your partner:
- Students enrolled in a course of study towards qualifications in areas of absolute skill shortage.
- Students enrolled in postgraduate qualifications.
Do I qualify to be a skilled migrant if I complete my studies in New Zealand?
To qualify to be a skilled migrant, you need to have good health, good character, a reasonable standard of English and be no older than 55 years of age. You will also need to meet the threshold of 100 points to register an Express of Interest (EOI) in applying for residence in New Zealand.
Points are gained for skilled employment in New Zealand, work experience, qualification and age. Bonus points are available for employment, work experience and qualifications in identified areas of growth or absolute skill shortage areas. Bonus points are also available for employment outside Auckland and for recognised New Zealand qualifications gained in New Zealand. Your partner’s employment and qualifications and your close family support in New Zealand can also gain bonus points. For more detailed information on skilled migration to New Zealand, visit the work stream.
In summary, students who have completed recognised qualifications in New Zealand have the following advantages when applying to be a skilled migrant when compared with other students.
- They are eligible for Qualification Bonus Points.
- They are eligible to apply for a six-month open work permit after graduation and once they have secured relevant employment they can then apply for either a post-study two-year work permit or proceed directly to apply under the Skilled Migrant Category.
How can I contact you?
Please refer to our contact details below.
Please see www.newzealandeducated.com/china if you want to know more about New Zealand education. This website is operated by Education New Zealand and contains information about:
- the New Zealand education system
- quality assurance for New Zealand education
- enrolment and fee standards
- scholarships.