Education New Zealand (ENZ). ENZ is the New Zealand government's agency for international education. They run the ENZ Recognised Agency program, which is the official "test" of a consultant's quality and reliability for New Zealand. Using an ENZ Recognised Agency is highly recommended.
Wellington (Headquarters). ENZ has offices globally, but its main operations are based in the capital city.
5 to 9 months. This includes the time for university applications, meeting conditions, and the multi-stage visa application process.
Student Visa. Most students now receive an eVisa (an electronic visa) rather than a physical sticker in their passport.
A student contacts the consultant, who conducts a thorough assessment of their academic history, financial standing, and study goals.
Initial Documents Required: Academic transcripts (Class 10, 12, Bachelor's), Passport copy, English proficiency scores (e.g., IELTS, PTE, TOEFL), and a resume/CV.
The consultant helps the student choose from New Zealand's 8 universities or its various highly-regarded Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) based on the student's profile and interests.
The consultant guides the student in preparing a strong application, which includes a well-written SOP (Statement of Purpose) explaining their reasons for choosing New Zealand and their chosen course, along with any required LORs (Letters of Recommendation).
The complete application is submitted to the chosen institutions via their online portals.
The institution issues an Offer of Place. This is the official admission letter and can be either Conditional (requiring the student to meet certain criteria, such as final exam results) or Unconditional.
Once the student has an unconditional Offer of Place, the consultant helps lodge the student visa application with Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
Key Documents Required for Initial Lodgement:
- Unconditional Offer of Place.
- Proof of identity (Passport).
- Evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs (currently NZ$20,000 per year of study).
- A completed application form and visa application fee.
- Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs) from the student's country of citizenship and any country they have lived in for 5 years or more since age 17.
- A full medical examination certificate from an INZ-approved panel physician.
While not mandatory for every applicant, an INZ visa officer may contact the student for a telephone or video interview. The purpose is to verify the genuineness of their application and intentions. The consultant will prepare the student for questions such as:
- Why have you chosen New Zealand for your studies?
- What do you know about your chosen course modules and university?
- How does this course align with your previous studies and future career plans?
- Can you explain in detail how your studies are being funded?
- What are your ties to your home country, and what are your plans after graduation?
If the visa officer is satisfied with the application and interview, they will issue an AIP (Approval in Principle). This is a letter stating that the visa has been approved, subject to the student paying their tuition fees.
Upon receiving the AIP, the student pays their first year's tuition fee to the university. The university then sends an official fee receipt to both the student and INZ. Once INZ receives this receipt, they finalize the visa process and issue the visa.
The student receives their visa, which is typically an eVisa (an electronic visa sent via email). There is no physical sticker in the passport. The consultant conducts a pre-departure session to advise on flights, accommodation, banking, and what to expect upon arrival.
At the New Zealand border, the student presents their passport and a copy of their eVisa to the immigration officer. The officer will verify their visa electronically, may ask a few questions about their study plans, and will then grant them entry into the country.