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  • Following his own path – International student builds life, family, and community in New Zealand

    Luke Qin has never been afraid of a challenge. Born in Sichuan, China, his childhood was a rich mix of classical Chinese literature, table tennis, badminton, basketball, football, and music.

    Early intensive schooling means he can read, write, speak, think and dream in Chinese and draw on traditional Chinese virtues, but a desire to follow his own path, experience something new and explore education options overseas, led him to New Zealand as a high school student.

    Selecting New Zealand was a relatively easy choice at the time – English-speaking, safe, ‘clean and green’ and affordable – it ticked all the necessary boxes. But his desire to test himself drew him to Christchurch because “fewer Chinese students there” meant he would have no choice but to fully immerse himself in the new environment.

    And what an immersion it was. Luke credits his first years at Linwood High School as the perfect place to experience “an excellent introduction to the New Zealand way of life” and in his first year in New Zealand, he was playing on the wing for Linwood High School’s First XV rugby team!

    “With a little help from All Black stars!” Luke tapped his rugby passion to enlist support for the Dragonboat Festival in Wellington from All Blacks Ardie Savea (left) and Dane Coles.

    “I wasn’t very big and didn’t know the rules of the game when I arrived, but I had some wheels back then.” Luke explains. If it looked like trouble was coming my way, I’d just try to outrun it!” But he also knew he had to prove himself to his teammates. Once, while tackling his opposite wing, a strapping Samoan teammate joined in and sent them all to the ground. “I felt something hot dripping down my forehead but charged straight back into the ruck, only to be dragged off the field and sent to the hospital.” Three stitches later, he knew he had earned the respect of his teammates and become ‘one of the boys’.

    Luke credits his school experience with developing his self-belief and preparing him for what was to come, through his university years and beyond.

    After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Canterbury, he relocated to Wellington to join the banking industry, and completed a Master in Applied Finance from Victoria University of Wellington. He then continued on with his quest for lifelong learning and experience by achieving qualifications in Sustainable Finance, Te Reo Māori, Medical Co-Response, Citizen diplomacy and Urban Fire and Rescue, and volunteering for a number of causes.

    His banking experience broadened, and several promotions later he joined Kiwibank in Auckland, leading the development of its International Strategy and Trade Finance offering, and working closely with NZ Inc partners to help New Zealand exporters and importers with risk mitigation and working capital funding.

    Nowhere has his quest for a challenge been more evident than in his decision to become a volunteer firefighter 10 years ago.

    “My younger self had been watching ‘Spiderman’ and saw Peter Parker leap into a burning building to save the day. At the time I thought, ‘I wonder if I could do that?’ Then I heard a call for volunteers from the NZ Fire Service on the radio while driving to work so decided to contact my local fire brigade in Seaview, Lower Hutt.”

    “I thought I might be the first Asian volunteer in the station, but I was beaten to it by a Chinese lady.”

    “The Fire Service is where you find the real New Zealand,” says Luke.

    “Teachers, accountants, plumbers, builders, people from all walks of life - all bonded by the same commitment to serve their community. The camaraderie and environment was addictive.”

    There, with the support of Fire and Emergency New Zealand, he completed the Sky Tower Stair Challenge with fellow firefighters from across the country to raise funds for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.

    Scaling 1103 steps and 51 flights of stairs in full fire-fighting gear with a steel cylinder on his back was one of the most physical tests he has put himself through.

    1,103 steps and 51 flights of stairs behind him, Luke was happy to complete the Sky Tower Stair Challenge - “Man of Steel” with other firefighters dressed in full gear with steel cylinders on their backs to raise funds for leukaemia and blood cancer in New Zealand.

    “I have benefitted so much from all the opportunities and adventures since coming to New Zealand, especially from my volunteer roles. It’s a small way I could repay my second home for its kindness.”

    “I hope I can encourage more international students and members of our diverse ethnic communities in New Zealand to become volunteers and join activities that benefit the community. There is so much we have to offer, and the reward in terms of friendships and life skills is amazing.”

    From Sichuan to Wellington waterfront, leading the Dragon Dance during Chinese New Year Parade.

    Luke Qin’s journey as an international student began with a desire to immerse himself in a new environment. Grateful to his family, friends, colleagues, and mentors for the opportunities and adventures New Zealand has given him, he takes pride in being able to go home whichever way he travels between his ‘little shire’ in Sichuan and ‘Middle Earth’ New Zealand.

  • Graduate’s Kiwi know-how helps reduce water use in UAE desert

    Rather than travelling to New Zealand and undertaking theoretical research with limited relevance back home, Wafa was able to carry out hands-on work addressing critical water management issues in her arid home country, while being supervised by New Zealand-based experts.

    It was a personalised and practical kind of international education experience which Wafa is grateful for. “It allowed me to continue working, while at the same time learning and finding solutions to the water management issues facing the UAE.”

    The education partnership grew out of a New Zealand G2G (Government to Government) relationship with the UAE which dates back to 2014. “The aim is to build the capacity of local people and find solutions to real problems through scholarships for study,” she says.

    Already qualified with a Bachelor’s degree in ecology and environmental science and Master’s degree in water and environmental engineering, Wafa was working as an environmental scientist for Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) when asked to be involved in the programme.

    The region needs to find ways to manage the growing demand for groundwater in a hyper-arid, saline environment. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, has about 19 million planted trees in desert “forests”, a precious legacy of founding father Sheikh Zayed Al Nayhan. They provide a range of ecological benefits but are heavily dependent on groundwater irrigation.

    With EAD given a government mandate in 2016 to protect groundwater reserves, water meters were introduced and areas of wastage identified. Wafa’s research was required to determine the exact water needs of the plants through the implementation of New Zealand technology, and experimentation with the use of treated sewage effluent, or “grey water”.

    Distance learning partnership with Massey University

    She worked with a team at New Zealand’s Plant & Food Research and her project was supervised by Principal Scientist Brent Clothier. The programme was managed by Lesley Kennedy of Wellington-based consultancy firm OnlyFromNZ.

    “I travelled to New Zealand once or twice a year to meet Massey University requirements such as attending exams, presentations, or conferences. Likewise, Brent would come to the UAE with his team and help oversee the research.”

    “It’s fit-for-purpose academic knowledge with real practical utility,” Dr Clothier says.

    Wafa used Plant & Food Research’s heat pulse technology, which has been employed successfully in New Zealand and other parts of the world, but never in a region where temperatures can reach close to 50degC in summer. Once up and running, the technology provided readings every 30 minutes which allowed Wafa to calculate precisely the amount of water being absorbed by the plant.

    “The data provided new and exciting information for us. We found that many of the trees had already adapted to the summer heat and did not take up as much water as we were providing through irrigation,” she says.

    “By the end of the study we determined that we could save 35 - 70 percent of the water we have been supplying through irrigation.”

    The technology was extended to other crops, and farmers are now provided with crop calculator software which provides guidance on the specific water needs of a tree, according to the month of the year, location, and soil type. “It’s a very important tool for growers in the UAE.”

    “It’s good for countries to work together and find solutions to our challenges.”

    Enduring relationship with New Zealand

    Wafa is proud of the fact that her research is helping to solve a critical environmental issue in her country and knows that the collaboration with Massey through the NZ G2G partnership has been an integral part of her success. It has also paved the way for two other Emirati students to follow in her footsteps.

    “I met other international students from the Middle East while at Massey and they were envious of me. They said I was very lucky because I was doing something for my country.”

    She believes international education plays a key role in the exchange of information with other countries. “It’s good for countries to work together and find solutions to our challenges. If we are talking about the environment, we are all living in one world so it’s important that we work together to solve issues.”

    But this academic partnership has not just produced practical results. It’s also seen a special bond develop between the New Zealand scientists and their Emirati students.

    “I have built a long-lasting relationship with New Zealand,” Wafa says. “I know that I can always call my contacts in New Zealand to discuss an issue and they will be there for me.

    “The relationship is much bigger than the life of the project and this is very important for me as a scientist and a researcher.”

  • International graduate helps strengthen New Zealand’s cyber-security

    Qualified with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Taiwan and a Master of Science from the United States, Eric saw further international postgraduate study as a good opportunity to enhance his overseas life experience. 

    So, having spent many years working in the IT industry in Taiwan across a range of roles including systems engineering, information security, and personal data protection, he decided to move his family to New Zealand in 2018 to pursue a Master of Cyber Security at the University of Waikato. 

    “The University of Waikato is recognised among the world’s best in computer science and has the country’s first Master of Cyber Security focusing on malware analysis, penetration tests, cloud computing and legal compliance,” he says.

    Master’s programme “challenging and complex” 

    Eric says he enjoyed the challenge of the master’s programme. 

    “Security in the IT field is challenging and complex, and covers many technical and non-technical aspects. Being a trusted IT security player is an intellectually and financially rewarding job, which can make our lives, communities and society better by ensuring IT is applied and managed securely.”

    While at Waikato, Eric spent much of his time working on assignments in one of the computer labs. “I have many unforgettable memories that took place in the 24-hour computer areas where classmates and I would have countless discussions, exchanges of ideas, and even arguments.”

    Since graduating in 2019,he has been working as a professional consultant at an audit firm in Auckland, putting his cybersecurity skills to good use implementing adequate security controls and incident management procedures to protect his clients.

    Eric credits his international education experience at Waikato for putting him on a pathway to success. “The new literacy of cybersecurity risks, cloud computing technologies and legal compliance requirements I received from studying at Waikato has equipped me to make professional judgements on each security assessment, which has been extremely beneficial for my clients.”

    New Zealand a great study destination 

    Based on his experience, Eric is keen to encourage any aspiring international student to seriously consider New Zealand as a study destination. 

    “Studying abroad is an exciting journey,” he says. “If you want to earn a qualification from a prestigious university, study new things in a multi-cultural environment, and have a laid-back and affordable lifestyle then New Zealand is the place for you.”

  • Around the world in five

    Canada

    Canada considers study permit cap tweaks as job losses mount

    Despite possible adjustments to come, experts are warning of deepening financial and educational fallout from Canada's study permit caps.

    Global

    University impact rankings expand but remain volatile

    Designed to showcase how institutions are working towards addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, this year’s Times Higher Education Impact Rankings edition is the biggest yet.

    Asia

    "Asian tigers" ramp up internationalisation amid big four woes

    Territories and countries like South Korea and Hong Kong, part of the so-called “Asian Tigers” alongside Singapore and Taiwan, now view international students and intra-East Asian mobility as critical to sustaining economic growth in the region. 

    United Kingdom

    UK higher education feels the pinch of funding crunch, over 50 universities drop in QS world rankings

    Over 50 UK universities have dropped in the latest QS World University Rankings, with funding concerns emerging as a key factor behind the decline.

    The United States of America

    Can the US afford to lose its 1.1 million international students?

    International students contributed $43.8bn to the US economy last year and created 378,175 jobs nationwide.

     

  • New Zealand’s EdTech at centre-stage of International Education

    Export digital products and services have long been an important element of New Zealand’s international education sector, but they have largely flown under the public radar. Overnight, the needs of learners changed, and education providers found themselves in uncharted territory.

    New Zealand companies with an established reputation delivering digital educational programmes quickly stepped up both the range and reach of their products. This, combined with Aotearoa’s reputation for creativity and innovation, and more than a little manaakitanga, has resulted in the phenomenal growth of some of our best-known EdTech brands over the past year.

    Kami is helping Schools Globally

    At digital online learning platform Kami, the goal is success for every student, regardless of ability, by providing inclusive and intuitive tools that support any learning style. They include text-to-speech, voice-typing, freehand drawing, and audio and video commenting.

    Many of the schools which closed globally adopted Kami’s digital classroom technology. The company has grown from 8 million to 27 million users in 180 countries over the past year, adding one million new users in one week alone.

    Code Avengers taps into the popularity of Gaming

    Code Avengers takes a left-field approach to engaging learners by tapping into the popularity of gaming and uses those concepts to captivate students and build their digital capability. The platform was only founded in 2012 and is now being used in 15,000 schools in 14 countries.

    Our goal is to prepare teachers and students, from all backgrounds, for the current reality of the job market, and the jobs of tomorrow,” says Code Avengers CEO Hamish Day.
     
    We want to help give people confidence and an opportunity to learn the skills that industry tells us it needs.”

    Education Perfect are inspiring the next Generation of Changemakers

    EdTech providers also have the power to engage students on social issues and challenge them to think critically. Key market player Education Perfect, which reaches more than one million students in 1800 schools globally, is finding new ways to inspire the next generation of changemakers.

    It is building curriculum content to include issues such as social justice, sustainability, student health and wellbeing, and indigenous issues. It recently partnered with Australian animal rights organisation Voiceless to deliver modules focused on animal welfare, including the issues of dolphins living in captivity and the export of live animals.

    EP Partnerships Director Anna Redmile says that joining forces with Voiceless allows teachers and students to have conversations which promote critical thinking and better understanding of the world they live in. 

    Education consultant and Voiceless adviser Dr Christina Jarvis agrees. "As we help children embrace an increasingly complicated future, such skills are paramount for developing engaged citizens.” 

    EdTech will continue to play a key role in New Zealand’s International Education Offering

    The EdTech sector was estimated to contribute $300 million to the New Zealand economy in 2017, and those figures will have ballooned with the impact of Covid.

    Looking to the future, educational technology will play an increasingly key role in the diversification of New Zealand’s international education offerings. And there is no shortage of amazing and pioneering companies ready to play their part.      

  • Aminat chases sustainable energy dream for Nigeria

    The former maths teacher and electrical engineering undergraduate has recently returned home to Nigeria after studying renewable energy at the University of Otago’s Energy Research Centre. She completed both a post-graduate Diploma and a Master’s of Science in Energy, Science, and Technology.  

    “It has always been my dream to study abroad, and New Zealand made my dream come true because I wanted to study renewable energy,” she says.  

    Manaaki scholarship key to education opportunity

    “New Zealand is one of the top five countries in the world which excel at renewable electricity generation, and it is important to study in a country where you can get practical experience.” 

    Aminat says that the cost of international education overseas is beyond the reach of most people in developing countries, but that her experience was made possible through the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, funded by the New Zealand government. When she applied in 2018, she was one of only a small number of students accepted from Africa “so it was a big deal for me”.

    And so was getting here. “It was my first experience travelling overseas, my first time on a plane, my first time in a new country.”

    But she says she was grateful for the orientation programmes available and quickly felt at home both at university, and in Dunedin. “Just two months after I arrived, the Christchurch mosque shooting happened, and the support I got from my neighbours, my colleagues, and my lecturers was amazing.”

    Energy poverty drives study choice

    Aminat says she is motivated to study renewable energy because of where she comes from.  

    “I wanted to study something would allow me to improve my own country. Every economy depends on a reliable power supply and in Nigeria we have nationwide blackouts regularly. We need to buy petrol to run generators. Most people have generators in their homes, even in the cities.

    “If you don’t have adequate reliable power, it holds back every aspect of the economy and makes it very difficult for businesses to succeed. It affects everything - manufacturing, schooling, farming. You can’t even freeze excess seasonal crops, so most of it goes to waste.” 

    A European Union report released last year titled “Time to make energy poverty in Africa a thing of the past”, backs up what Aminat says. It found that nearly 800 million people globally live without access to electricity, about 600 million of them in sub-Saharan Africa.  

    “In a world of deepening inequalities between the haves and have-nots, this is a glaring injustice, the report says. “Africa is the world’s premium location to harness solar energy and is already demonstrating that a cleaner path is possible.” 

    “Renewable energy is a passion for me,” Aminat says. “We need to talk about renewable energy for the future in Africa. And the future is now.” 

    By coming to New Zealand, Aminat says she saw the potential of what can be achieved with a reliable power supply.  

    Her research, supervised by Associate Professor Michael Jack, explored how to use domestic hot water cylinders for energy storage in microgrids comprised of clusters of households with solar photovoltaic supply. “It’s definitely achievable but needs more research and I’m very keen to take it further.” 

    International education more than classroom learning

    Aminat says studying in New Zealand was “the best-ever experience”, with excellent university facilities and approachable staff always ready to offer help and support. 

    “Studying in New Zealand has given me a voice. It has expanded my horizons, made me more informed, and opened doors for me. People are keen to listen to you when you talk. When you’re looking for a job, an international education experience makes you stand out.”

    “Studying in New Zealand has given me a voice" - New Zealand international student and Manaaki scholar Aminat Razaq

    While the quality of education is essential, Aminat says it’s also about what you learn beyond the walls of a classroom. “You learn a different culture, and you are given the opportunity to explore your chosen field of study and gain another perspective. By offering scholarships, you are also helping the country the students come from.” 

    For any students considering New Zealand as a study destination, Aminat says “don’t think twice”. 

    “New Zealand is probably the most peaceful place in the world, it has all the facilities you need to study, the researchers are top notch, and the people are welcoming.” 

    While studying in New Zealand has fulfilled one of Aminat’s dreams, she is already working on another one. “My new dream is to set up my own energy consultancy company and I’m sure I will achieve it. All the positive experiences I have had in my education will take me there.”  

    And she hasn’t ruled out a return trip to New Zealand. “I am considering studying for my PhD. I loved everything about studying in New Zealand and would love to come back.”

  • Vanessa builds digital skills to help drive change in PNG

    She had a diploma in computer technology and a good job with a major telecommunications company, but she also had big ambitions and knew that an international education experience in New Zealand would take her where she wanted to go.

    “I saw that there were many areas where digital solutions could really make a difference. It was one of the driving forces which motivated me to study in New Zealand.”

    As Vanessa was searching for a university where she could study computer science, her friend returned home from Auckland University of Technology. “She told me so many wonderful stories and I was just so inspired to go and experience New Zealand and AUT for myself.”

    “She gave me an idea of what to expect and I knew I would be going into a supportive community. It was only when Covid arrived that I truly experienced how supportive it really was.”

    Vanessa came to New Zealand on a Manaaki Scholarship, funded through the New Zealand Aid programme. “It was the reason I could come and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

    The value of a Manaaki Scholarship

    “The scholarships allow students who are passionate about creating a brighter future in their home countries to gain expertise in their field of our study,” she says. “It also provides exposure to new perspectives and the chance to build life-long relationships with like-minded professionals, which is something I really value.”

    Although Vanessa’s father and brother both travelled overseas for education, not many of her friends have. “So now I’m trying to be the influence on my friends, encouraging them to take up that pathway.

    “I tell them that in New Zealand you get a fantastic study environment and will meet people from many different backgrounds.”

    Vanessa considers that a real bonus to her study experience was the opportunity to take up a summer internship.

    “It was optional for my programme, but it was provided through the Pacific Cooperation Foundation for students who were part of the Manaaki scholarship programme. I applied so that I could gain experience working in a large multi-cultural organisation.”

    Securing a role at Watercare in Auckland she not only gained valuable work experience, but also professional networking opportunities which have resulted in lasting connections with many of her former colleagues. “I had an amazing manager and I reach out to him from time to time. He has really helped me a lot and he’s one of the life-long contacts I’m going to be holding on to.”

    Boosting confidence and career

    With her Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences completed last year, Vanessa is now back in Port Moresby working as a Digital Transformation Associate with PwC and loving her new role.

    “Studying in New Zealand grew my confidence as a person and has allowed me to progress my professional career,” she says. “It broadened my horizons and gave me a different mindset.”

    Deciding to become an international student takes drive and commitment, but the rewards are worth the effort, Vanessa says. “I spent months researching the options and needed to stay motivated during the year it took to secure my scholarship and place at AUT. It took a lot of planning, but it was something I had my heart set on.

    “I knew a degree would give me better opportunities and New Zealand was just such an amazing place to study. It has had a very big impact on where I am now.”

    If she had another opportunity, Vanessa says she would head offshore again to pursue a Master’s in Data Science, but for now she is busy convincing her peers of the value of a New Zealand education.

    “I tell them this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. Don’t only go to study, go to really experience New Zealand, the culture, and the people.

    “They ask me, what if I don’t get the scholarship and I say you’ll never know if you don’t try, so just go for it. Expect to embark on an adventure of a lifetime.”

  • Around the world in five

    Global 

    The global rankings season is now in full force, with this being the first time that three major releases have occurred within 24 hours.  The results highlight the transformation that is occurring across higher education worldwide. 

    United States of America 

    United States President Donald J Trump has asked Congress to cut funding for basic research by more than one-third in the budget year beginning in October, according to an analysis by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. 

    Australia 

    The latest data on student visa grants and applications from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs shows a decrease overall for the international education sector and ELICOS and vocational visas at record lows, following the implementation of higher visa fees and a new visa priority system. 

    United Kingdom 

    In response to the growing concerns around quality assurance, ethical practice, and accountability in recruitment, a number of destination countries are introducing formal frameworks and codes of conduct to govern the activities of education agents. 

    Canada 

    Canadian universities have welcomed the government’s planned audit of the international student programme to strengthen processes and integrity, and to reinforce public trust in the system.  

  • From the CE: Successful start to packed promotions season

    Kia ora koutou,  

    We are diving into the busiest and most energising time of year promotions, recruitment, and global engagements are in full swing.   

    In late August, ENZ teamed up with around 65 New Zealand education providers to successfully deliver our flagship New Zealand education student fair and education agent seminar in Bangkok.  

    It was fantastic to see record attendance at the fair that offered prospective students and parents hands-on experience of New Zealand’s learner-centred teaching style through five simulated classrooms. Don’t miss the full story about the impact of our promotions in Thailand in this newsletter. 

    Earlier this month, I was pleased to represent New Zealand and support international education in Gothenburg, Sweden, at the EAIE: European Association for International Education Conference 2025, which is among the most important global gatherings for international educators, government agencies, and academic leaders.  

    The conference was a valuable opportunity for New Zealand education providers to connect with peers, promote our offerings, and build meaningful partnerships. 

    With all eight universities and UP Education exhibiting at the New Zealand pavilion, we packed the week with meetings, events, and brand-building — forging new partnerships and showcasing the strength of our education system. 

    In London, I joined a thought-provoking panel discussion on evolving student demand at the ICEF Monitor Global Summit. It was an insightful discussion that prompted some great questions from the audience about the opportunities and challenges in this area for New Zealand.  

    Preparations are now in full swing for our attendance at the China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education (CACIE), where New Zealand is proud to be Country of Honour for 2025 

    The conference is a prime opportunity to highlight our education partnerships in China and reaffirm our commitment to future collaborations with China 

    I look forward to sharing more about our planned conference engagements in my next update stay tuned! 

    Ēhara tāku toa i te toa takatahi, engari he toa takitini 

    Our strength does not come from us alone but as a collective  

    Ngā mihi nui,   

    Amanda Malu   

    Chief Executive 

  • Apply early and get ahead of the student visa peak

    Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is approaching a peak period for student visa processing, which typically occurs between October and March as international students who are overseas prepare for the first half of the 2026 academic year.

    Get your application in early

    During peak periods, applications may take longer to process. To ensure timely visa decisions, prospective international students who are overseas are encouraged to submit their applications around 3 months before the intended travel date, as this provides the best chance of receiving a decision in time to begin study in New Zealand.

    Late submissions risk missing the start of study and may result in declined applications if key documents are missing.

    Students who are offshore and apply very early (for example, 6 months or more), may receive an approval in principle, allowing them to provide confirmation of study, funds transfers and tuition fee payment closer to their study commencement.

    Check the recent processing times for student visa applications.

    Student visa wait times

    Changes to student visa work rights

    Visas granted on or after 3 November 2025 will include a condition allowing up to 25 hours of work a week during term time, including those approved after that date from earlier applications.

    If your visa is granted before 3 November 2025, the current 20-hour a week work limit will still apply. If you would like to work more hours after that date, you will need to apply for a variation of conditions to update your visa.

    Upcoming changes to student visa work rights

    To support a smoother and more transparent application process, INZ has moved international student visas to a new enhanced Immigration Online system.

    The new form is tailored to each applicant’s situation. It asks only relevant questions and provides clear guidance throughout. It also provides real-time status updates and email notifications, giving students and their advisers greater visibility of application progress and clarity around any required actions.

    While the new form may take slightly longer to complete, the additional information collected upfront is expected to reduce overall processing time.

    Applying on enhanced Immigration Online

    Students applying for the following visa types will be automatically directed to a redesigned, dynamic application form:

    • English Language Student Visa
    • Exchange Student Visa
    • Fee Paying Student Visa
    • Pathway Student Visa
    • NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa
    • Foreign Government Supported Student Visa

    Applications submitted on or before 17 August 2025 will continue to be processed, and students will retain access to upload documents and respond to Immigration New Zealand requests until a decision is made.

    Draft applications not submitted by 17 August 2025 can still be completed and submitted until 17 September 2025.

    After 17 September 2025, all remaining drafts will be deleted, and a new application using the enhanced form will be required. The new student visa application forms on enhanced Immigration Online include built-in guidance to support applicants. It helps ensure they understand what is being asked and provides easy access to information to help them answer questions accurately.

    Help us process your application faster

    To avoid delays, students should ensure their application includes all required documentation. INZ may not contact applicants if key documents are missing, and incomplete applications may be declined.

    INZ understands that some students may face delays in obtaining final academic documentation required for their application.

    We recommend you apply as soon as you have the required documentation or contact your education provider to see if a conditional Offer of Place is available, so you can submit your student visa application and get the process underway.

    If you do apply late, your application may not be processed in time for your study in New Zealand.

What's in it for me?