AJV Global

Author: Rajbir Anand

  • Study and Work in New Zealand: What You Need to Know

    Study and Work in New Zealand: What You Need to Know

    New Zealand is not just a land of breathtaking landscapes—it’s also a top destination for quality education and career opportunities.
    If you are an international student looking to study and work in New Zealand, below is a summary of what you need to know to start your journey with confidence.

    Why Choose New Zealand?

    New Zealand offers a unique blend of world-class education and lifestyle. Here’s why it’s a popular choice for international students:

    • Globally recognized universities
    • Safe, inclusive, and multicultural environment
    • Work opportunities during and after study
    • Vibrant cities and pristine natural surroundings
    • Pathways to Permanent Residence and Citizenship
    • Move with your family with benefits such as an Open Work Visa for Spouse and Free education for dependent children

    Whether you are seeking academic excellence or a balanced lifestyle, New Zealand delivers both.

    Getting a New Zealand Student Visa

    As an International student, you will need a Student Visa. Below are some of the requirements you will need:

    • An Offer of Place from an approved education provider
    • Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses
    • Clear medical report
    • A clean character record
    • An English language Test Result or meet the English language requirements

    Work rights with a New Zealand Student Visa

    Most international students can work part-time, up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. From November 2025, part-time work rights will increase to 25 hours per week. 

    Choosing the Right Course

    New Zealand offers a wide range of qualifications across diverse fields, such as:

    • Business and Management
    • Information Technology
    • Engineering
    • Health Sciences
    • Agriculture and Environment
    • Tourism and Hospitality

    Cost of Studying and Living in New Zealand

    Tuition fees: NZ$30,000 – NZ$50,000 per year (depending on course, level, and type of education provider)

    Living expenses: NZ$20,000 per year

    📍 Living costs vary between cities— If you are intending to study and live in bigger cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, the expenses can be on the higher end, while smaller towns can be more affordable. However, choosing the city, while important, is also crucial to choosing the right place based on where the education provider can offer you the course you are interested in pursuing.  You can always change the city/town when you move on to a Post Study Work Visa.

    Post-Study Work Visa NZ (PSWV)

    A Post-Study Work Visa, once the eligible course has been completed, can allow a student to stay in New Zealand and work for 1 to 3 years.

    Benefits include:

    • Working in almost any job anywhere in New Zealand
    • Gaining New Zealand work experience
    • Building a pathway to residency
    • Visa duration and ability for it to be an ‘open’ work visa depend on your qualification 

    Pathway to New Zealand Residency

    Studying in New Zealand can open the door to residence. Depending on your field and job role, you may qualify for:

    • Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa
    • Straight to Residence Visa (for Green List Tier 1)
    • Work to Residence Visa (for Green List Tier 2 roles)

    Tips for a Successful Journey

    • Choose the right agency: Research and find an education agency that understands your aspirations 
    • Start early: Research courses, providers, and visa requirements
    • Budget smart: Understand the full cost of tuition and living
    • Stay informed: Check the latest immigration policies and updates
    • Use support services: Most institutions offer academic and career advice. AJV Global has a presence in New Zealand and is available for FREE immigration support once you are in the country. 

    New Zealand offers a world of opportunity to those ready to learn, work, and grow. 

    With its quality education and exceptional lifestyle, it is a destination worth considering for your future.

    📞 Need Guidance?

    If you are exploring your study options, it is always smart to talk to someone who has experience and can guide you as you embark on a life-changing journey.
    Contact us at AJV Global via email –     info@ajvglobal.com or phone – +91 729 1839 839 or +64 22 605 2615 (WhatsApp)

  • Your Guide to the New Zealand Student Visa Process

    Your Guide to the New Zealand Student Visa Process

    New Zealand is one of the top destinations for international students who want to study at a tertiary level.
     It offers quality education, a safe environment, a welcoming culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.
     For those considering applying for a New Zealand student visa, this guide summarises the process
     from start to finish, giving valuable insight into what to consider when looking at New Zealand as a potential destination.

    Step 1: Choose an education agent 

    This is a vital step to ensure your admission and visa process is stress-free and smooth.
    AJV Global assists students from all over the world, with the majority being Indian citizens.
    As per the data published by Immigration New Zealand in February 2025, for education agents’ performance for 2024. While the total approval rate for the Indian market sits at 50%, for AJV Global it was 65-70%. 

    Step 2: Choosing your course and institution/university

    Before you can apply for a student visa, you must receive an Offer of Place from an education provider approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
    But what is more important than having an offer is to make the right course and institute choice. You can choose from thousands of options available at a University, an Institute of technology, or a Private Training establishment. The decision of what and where to study will depend on your end goal of studying in New Zealand, your budget, and your academic/work profile. We keep it simple by informing our clients that it is not important what the course title but what learning you get out of the course and the purpose of your study.

    To know which is the right education provider, check out this blog: https://ajvglobal.com/what-is-the-right-choice-for-you/

     Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

    When applying for your New Zealand Student Visa, you’ll need to provide several key documents. The list below is not exhaustive:

    • Offer of Place from a recognised institution
    • Proof of Funds: Evidence you can support yourself financially (at least NZD 20,000 per year) + Funds for tuition fees (please note INZ is very specific on what kind of funds are acceptable)
    • Valid Passport
    • English Language Test Score
    • Medical and Chest X-ray Certificates 
    • Police Clearance Certificate 
    • Other supporting documents, including academic certificates & other documents to prove bona fides

    Step 4: Apply Online

    The application is submitted online through the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website.
    The education agent representing you will apply using their login once all your documents are ready and satisfactory.
    Note: If you are applying from outside New Zealand, you will not be required to pay the tuition fee until you receive an Approval-in-principle (AIP) letter.
    However, if you are in NZ when submitting a student visa, the tuition fee needs to be paid, and the receipt should be submitted with the application.
    Visa processing times can vary, but most are processed within 4-12 weeks. The processing can include verification of documents and/or interviews with an Immigration Officer. 

    Tip: The Application should be submitted at least three months before your course starts to avoid delays.

    Step 5: Receive Your Visa

    Once the application is approved, an e-visa will be emailed and will include the visa conditions – validity date of visa, permission to work part-time, etc. 

    Step 6: Travel and Arrive in New Zealand

    You can now make travel arrangements. AJV Global students are invited to attend an online session with the team, which includes our staff based in New Zealand, who will familiarize you with what you can expect in New Zealand. The session is informative and talks about various topics, including renting a house, buying a car, getting a driving license, etc. 

    Key Points to Remember

    • You must be enrolled in full-time study to qualify.
    • Your student visa may allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays.
    • You must meet attendance and academic performance requirements to retain your visa.
    • If your course is longer than your visa validity, you’ll need to renew your visa before it expires.
    • Your course duration must be a minimum of 30 weeks to qualify for the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) for eligible courses. 

    Embarking on a study journey to New Zealand is exciting. With careful preparation and timely application, your dream of studying in New Zealand can soon become a reality. 

    If you wish to get on this rollercoaster of a journey, get in touch with us soon!

     

  • Why Study in New Zealand: Top Reasons for International Students

    Why Study in New Zealand: Top Reasons for International Students

    If you’re planning to study in New Zealand, here’s everything you should know before choosing this world-class destination.
    As an international student, it is important to do your own research and speak to specialists who can guide you and provide country and course-specific information based on your preference.
    Doing your own research enables you to also ask the right questions and get the necessary clarity that a specialist can provide. 

    AJV Global student team specialists assist with admissions and student visa processes for various countries. However, when AJV Global started, New Zealand was the only country we assisted with.
    With over 20 years of experience assisting students to come and study in New Zealand, we have acquired an understanding of why it is one of the top destinations for international students.  

    In NZ, tertiary education is offered by different types of education providers for international students:

    Institution Type

    		Key Focus
    UniversitiesAcademic and Research 
    Institutes of Technology/Polytechnics (ITPs)Vocational and Applied learning
    Private Training Establishments (PTE)

    Niche skill training, often industry-led

    There are 8 world-class universities in New Zealand – 

    1. The University of Auckland
    2. Auckland University of Technology
    3. The University of Canterbury
    4. Lincoln University
    5. Massey University
    6. The University of Otago
    7. Victoria University of Wellington
    8. The University of Waikato

    The ITPs, along with some industry training organisations, sit under one umbrella –Te Pūkenga.
    The ITPs offer courses for international students and are listed below – 

    1. Ara Institute of Canterbury
    2. Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT)
    3. Unitec
    4. Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)
    5. NorthTec
    6. Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)
    7. WelTec & Whitireia NZ
    8. Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)
    9. Otago Polytechnic
    10. Toi-Ohomai
    11. Wintec
    12. Universal College of Learning (UCOL)
    13. Western Institute of Technology (WITT)

    There are over 100 Private Training Establishments in NZ. However, not all offer courses for international students.
    Some of the PTEs that do offer courses to international students (the list below is not exhaustive) are as follows – 

    1. Auckland Institute of Studies (AIS)
    2. Media Design School
    3. Yoobee Colleges
    4. New Zealand Management Academies (NZMA)
    5. New Zealand Tertiary College
    6. New Zealand School of Education
    7. Le Cordon Bleu
    8. Pacific International Hotel Management School (PIHMS)
    9. Queenstown Resort College
    10. Future Skills 
    11. Academy Ex
    12. AGI Education
    13. Kauri Academy

    Studying in NZ offers several unique advantages, and here are the top reasons why a student may choose to study here:

    High-Quality and Globally Recognized Education

    • High-quality institutions: NZ universities consistently rank in the top 3% globally 
    • The program’s focus is on hands-on teaching with real-world application, emphasis on research, and practical learning
    • Opportunities to work on real-world projects and engage in innovation
    • Class sizes are small, with quality assurance systems in place 

    Affordability

    • Tuition fees and living costs are often lower than in the US, UK, or Australia
    • Scholarships available for international students

    Work Opportunities

    • 20 hours/week part-time during semesters, and full-time during breaks
    • Research courses at the Master’s and PhD levels offering full-time work rights
    • Post-study work visa (between 1-3 years, depending on qualification) offers a valuable opportunity to find and work in skilled roles within NZ
    • Clear and multiple pathways to residency for skilled graduates

    English-Speaking Country

    • Studying in an English-speaking environment improves your language skills naturally.
    • No language barrier for daily life, internships, or part-time work

    Safe, Peaceful, and Beautiful

    • Low crime rates and political stability
    • Stunning natural landscapes – beaches, mountains, lakes, and forests
    • Excellent for outdoor adventures: hiking, skiing, surfing, etc.
    • Kiwi culture emphasizes outdoor recreation and work–life balance
    • Growing diversity within the country – NZ is known for its friendly and inclusive society

    Family Visas:

    • Spouse/Partner may be eligible for an Open Work Visa from day 1
    • Children under 18 may be eligible for Free Education

    Other Benefits:

    • International students have a clear pathway to work and settle in New Zealand
    • Eligible for citizenship (New Zealand passport) after 5 years of gaining Residence
    • Avail the publicly funded health services when on a Post Study Work Visa

    The combination of obtaining a high-quality education and a pathway to residence in a safe, progressive, and beautiful country.
    NZ is, no surprise, an excellent choice for both young students who wish to start their education journey or mature students who are looking for a work-life balance for themselves and their family.