Making a successful student visa application
Gain a better understanding of the Filipino student market.
Key features of approved student visa applications
- The student or their immediate family have the financial means to support their study and living costs in New Zealand. The source of funds is considered stable and there are no unexplained lump sum deposits. This is demonstrated by presenting a history of funds (we recommend 6 months) and evidence of the source of funds.
- Good and continuous academic background including recent study.
- The intending programme of study is a logical progression from previous educational and work experience.
- A logical explanation is provided if there are gaps in academic history or the intended programme is different to their previous academic or work history.
- There are no health or character issues.
- No previous adverse immigration history.
- Funds - The most common reason for student visa application declines is due to applications not meeting funds requirements. This is often due to lack of history of funds or lack of evidence of the source of funds. No history of funds and unexplained lump sum deposits may indicate that the funds have been deposited into the account for the purposes of obtaining a visa and may not genuinely be available to the student in New Zealand.
- There is a high incidence of Tuberculosis (TB) in the Philippines and other health issues which may require further tests and consideration by a Medical Assessor. If there are health issues the processing of the visa application may take longer.
- Students from the Philippines who intend to be in NZ for more than six months require screening for TB.
English language requirements
First time student visa applicants from the Philippines are required to meet internationally recognised English proficiency outcomes, as determined by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Rule 18 of the NZQF Programme Approval and Accreditation Rules
Related links
Processing timeframes
Philippines Special Work Category Visa