Will a new zealand student visa be granted to me ?

Question

I'm willing to study a certificate program at UniTec in auckland , it only lasts for 17 weeks,I have a Bsc in engineering and i need this certificate course, is it easy to get the student visa on such a short course or they will think i'm a potential immigrant ? also am i entitled to work during my studies ? knowing that my program of study lies under the job shortage in nz . Any suggestions please?

Answer 1

Hi, it depends on a couple of things.  I found this info on the NZ Immigration pages~~~

First, your nationality (citizenship) - where are you from?

You don’t need a visa or permit if you are a citizen of New Zealand or Australia, you hold a New Zealand residence permit, or you are an Australian resident with a current permanent residence visa or a current resident return visa.

So if you are NOT an OZ or NZ citizen or resident then YES, you need a student visa.

Second, If the course you want to study is a single short course of less than three calendar months duration, and is approved or exempted by NZQA , you do not need a student visa, and can apply for a visitor visa.

Looks as if a 17 week course would NOT be allowed under those conditions, since it would run OVER three months.  So yes, again, you would need a student visa.

To get a student visa, you need to have an offer of a place from a New Zealand education provider. The offer must include:

    * the name of the course and the minimum time required for completing it, and

    * proof that the course and course provider meet New Zealand’s requirements for international students, and

    * the amount of the fee for the complete course, or if the course is longer than one year, the annual fee, and

    * whether you have to pay course fees and whether the fees are domestic or foreign fees, and

    * whether you are studying full-time or part-time.

Your course must be approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

So the UniTec in Auckland needs to provide a document saying you have been accepted for study.

Because your study is on the job shortage in NZ, I doubt it would make any difference unless, and until, or if you applied for a work visa.

Since it appears you want to study at a technical institute, this bit seems pertinent~~

Tertiary education providers can offer courses to international students if they meet certain conditions:

    * Private training establishments (PTEs) can only offer international students approved courses that are longer than three months and registered with the NZQA. The PTE must be accredited by the NZQA to offer the course.

    * Institutions including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and wananga can only offer approved courses that are longer than three months and registered with the NZQA. The institution must be accredited to offer the course. The enrolment of an international student must not prevent a New Zealand student or an NZAID student from gaining a place at the same institution.

So, you need to have proof that you have been accepted to enrol before you will be able to file for a student visa.  Then you have to file an application and pay a fee.

The last web link below will take you to the application forms.

Good luck!