A student’s guide to applying for a NZ visa

APPLYING for a visa is not the most fun part about studying abroad, but it’s a necessary component of an international student’s journey. Fortunately, Malaysian students who are keen on studying in New Zealand can look forward to an efficient and hassle- free visa application process. You can visit www. immigration. govt. nz for everything you need to know.

The fastest and easiest way to apply for a student visa is online. The online portal for the visa application process is available on the Immigration New Zealand website. Once students have gathered all the aforementioned documents, the online application is a breeze. Students who are unable to apply online can still make a paper application. The process, although lengthier, is just as effective.

Working while in New Zealand

Students may be allowed to work part- time or full- time depending on the type and duration of their course.

In general, undergraduate students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours each week provided that their course of study meet certain requirements such as being of at least two years in duration ( a list of the criteria can be found on the Immigration New Zealand website).

Furthermore, students are allowed to work full- time during all vacations scheduled by their education provider if they are undertaking a full- time programme of study of at least one academic year’s duration.

However, students enrolled in Masters by research or doctoral degree programmes awarded by a New Zealand tertiary institution, have no restrictions on the hours they can work.

Once attaining the visa, students must also comply with certain conditions, including having to pass and meet attendance requirements of their course, adhering to work restrictions on their visa and staying in New Zealand only for the duration stipulated on their visa.