The good news is that it’s now much easier for Indian students who want to study in New Zealand to obtain a student visa. On August 18, 2025, Immigration New Zealand launched a new online system aimed at reducing paperwork and expediting applications.

One of the biggest changes is that Indian qualifications are now officially recognized under New Zealand’s List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment. This means students with eligible Indian degrees no longer need to go through a separate assessment process, saving both time and effort during their visa applications.

The upgraded visa system also provides built-in guidance to help applicants avoid mistakes and meet all requirements. Those who started applications before August 17 will still be processed under the old system, but any drafts left unfinished must be resubmitted by September 17, 2025.

New Zealand offers several visa pathways, including the standard Student Visa and the Working Holiday Visa for 18 – 30 year-olds who want to combine study with part-time work. Authorities recommend applying at least three months before travel, especially during peak seasons (November – March and May – August).

Another major update concerns student work rights. Starting November 3, 2025, eligible secondary and tertiary students will be allowed to work up to 25 hours a week during term time, an increase from the current 20 hours. If students on current visas wish to work more hours, they must apply for a variation.

Graduates continue to benefit from the Post-Study Work Visa, which lets them stay in New Zealand and gain valuable work experience after completing their studies.

With faster visa processing, simpler qualification recognition, and extended work opportunities, New Zealand is making itself an even more attractive destination for Indian students, already one of the largest groups of international learners in the country.

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