There are steps to take when applying for New Zealand student visa in Nigeria. You should have the essential documents, pay your fees and submit your application.
Also, you should qualify for the New Zealand student visa before you apply. Read through this guide to see how to meet the requirements and apply for visa.
What is the New Zealand student visa or student visa to New Zealand from Nigeria?
A New Zealand Student Visa allows you to reside in New Zealand for longer than three months and remain in the country for the duration of your study (usually one to five years).
However, there are four types of student visas. You will first decide which of these visas you need before you apply for New Zealand student visa in Nigeria.
The student visas are:
1- Fee Paying Student Visa: This is for potential students who will be paying their tuition by themselves.
2- Pathway Student Visa: This visa is for students who want to study up to 3 courses consecutively with a single student visa.
3- Exchange Student Visa: Students who are approved for a student exchange scheme can apply for this visa.
4- Foreign Government Supported Student Visa: This is for students, who received a grant, scholarship or loan from their home government to enable them to study in New Zealand.
Would you like to see how to procure a different visa type to New Zealand in Nigeria, click HERE to see how to do this.
Migrating to New Zealand from Nigeria
Many Nigerians are moving to New Zealand. Some reasons for the increased number of Nigerians choosing to study in New Zealand include:
1- The educational standard in New Zealand is high and the cost of studying there is low. The quality of education is said to be at par with British standards but at a fraction of the price.
2- You can work for 20 hours/week with a New Zealand Student Visa. While you are on holiday, you can work for 40 hours/week. After you graduate, you can apply for a work permit and work full time in New Zealand for up to 12 months.
3- The weather is warm and the winters are mild. This is ideal for people who come from temperate regions.
4- New Zealanders are friendly and welcoming to foreigners. The population is also made up of people from numerous cultures.
What are New Zealand Student visa requirements for Nigerian Citizens?
Before you apply for New Zealand student visa in Nigeria, you need to meet a few requirements and have some documents. This is a very vital aspect of the New Zealand student visa application.
The immigration authorities of New Zealand established these criteria to ensure that only the deserving international students can obtain the visa.
Requirements you must meet before you apply for New Zealand student visa in Nigeria
1- You must be going to New Zealand for genuine reasons i.e. your stay in New Zealand should be a short period (the period of your study). Your intentions will be investigated when you apply for a New Zealand Student Visa.
2- You must be of good character. If you have been arrested and convicted with a sentence of longer than 5 years imprisonment you are not eligible to apply for New Zealand student visa in Nigeria. Other issues that could make you ineligible for a student visa can be found here.
Documents you will need before you apply for New Zealand student visa in Nigeria
1- A valid international passport.
2- Two recent passport photographs. These pictures should be professionally taken and should be in a 3:4 aspect ratio. The background should be light coloured but not white.
3- Proof of acceptance into a New Zealand University.
4- Evidence that you have paid your tuition fee. If you have a scholarship, you should have a letter stating this fact from your educational provider. If your tuition fee will be paid by a parent or guardian, you will need a letter from them.
5- A recent bank statement. This statement should show that you have enough money in the bank to pay for your first year of study in New Zealand. The money that you have should be up to NZ $15,000. If you have a sponsor, your sponsor will have to provide his/her bank statement. Your sponsor will also have to complete a sponsorship form, which you will submit with your student visa application.
6- Evidence that you have enough money to book a return flight or a flight ticket for your return to Nigeria.
7- A recent medical certificate: This medical certificate should show the results of a chest x-ray, HIV/AIDS test, and Tuberculosis Test.
8- Academic certificates and transcripts: These documents will not only show that you are qualified to study in New Zealand but will also show that you have been taught in the English language for years.
9- A recently acquired police certificate.
10- If you are under 17, you will need a written permission from your parents and school permitting you to work in New Zealand.
11- Proof of a valid medical and travel insurance. This insurance policy should last the period of your stay in New Zealand. Click HERE to order for the appropriate insurance.
Nigerians Living in New Zealand
There is a small and still growing Nigerian community in New Zealand. To meet more Nigerians, join forums for Nigerians in New Zealand or the Association of Nigerians in New Zealand.
How to apply for New Zealand Student visa in Nigeria: step by step
There are two main ways to apply for New Zealand student visa in Nigeria; online and through VFS Global.
Applying for a New Zealand Student Visa Online
1- Apply to the school you wish to attend and obtain a letter of acceptance.
2- Gather the required documents.
3- Sign up for a visa application profile.
4- Fill the visa application form and upload other requested documents.
5- Pay the visa application fee using your debit or credit card.
6- Submit your visa application.
7- Wait for the result of your online visa application.
You may be asked to provide other documents. Furthermore, you may have to take a few tests online
Applying for a New Zealand Student Visa using VFS Global
If you want to apply for New Zealand student visa in Nigeria through VFS Global, here is the procedure.
It is important to note that you will have to send your documents to VFS Global in South Africa.
1- Secure admission into a school in New Zealand.
2- Photocopy all the required documents and fill the Visa application form.
3- Pay the appropriate Visa application fee and service fee. Other costs you may incur include courier and SMS fees.
4- Post your documents and visa application form to the VFS center in South Africa
5- You may receive a call from VFS Global to confirm your contact information and identity. You may be interviewed via video call as well.
6- Wait for the application to be processed.
7- Arrange for the return of your documents and passport when the result of your visa application is ready.
8- Collect your documents. When your visa application has been processed, you can arrange for the documents to be retrieved and sent to you by a courier service. You can also ask a third party to help you collect your documents. In both cases, you will need to write a letter of authorization.
You will be able to track your visa application online. To confirm your identity, you may be asked to send your International passport via courier.
New Zealand visa appointment
Because there is no New Zealand embassy or submission center in Nigeria, there is no need for Nigerians to book a visa appointment. If you are in South Africa, you can book a visa appointment here.
If there is a need to schedule an interview, you will be called to fix a time for the interview.
FAQs on how to apply for New Zealand student visa in Nigeria
How much is New Zealand visa fee?
Applying for a New Zealand Student visa costs $ 295. This fee must be paid before you apply for the student visa and it is not refundable. If you submit your application through a VFS center, you will need to pay a service fee and courier fees. You will be able to find a detailed guide on Visa application fees here. You can also find other details for paying the visa fees here.
For more on visa fees to different countries around the world, click HERE.
How can I get New Zealand visa application form?
You can download a New Zealand Student Visa application form here.
What is New Zealand visa processing time?
When you apply for New Zealand student visa in Nigeria, you will need to wait for up to 41 days to receive a verdict. If further investigation is required, it could take even longer for your visa application to be processed.
It is recommended that you apply for your New Zealand student Visa at least 3 months before the school session begins.
Where is New Zealand embassy in Nigeria?
There is no New Zealand Embassy in Nigeria.
Conclusion
When applying for New Zealand student visa in Nigeria, the most important thing is taking the right steps at the right time. As soon as you are set to apply, go through stated stages one after the other.
If you have not taken our free visa eligibility test, we advise you take the test now in order to properly plan your application.
Do you need further assistance?
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