Are you planning to study in New Zealand in 2025? Whether you’re aiming for a university degree, an English language course, or a high school education, one of the most common questions international students ask is: How long will it take to get my student visa?
Understanding student visa processing times can help you plan effectively and avoid last-minute stress. We have updated visa wait times information, and the latest data from the past four weeks offers a clear view of how quickly applications are being processed based on the type of education provider.
Current Student Visa Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on the type of institution you are applying to. Here are the most recent average wait times for different education providers in New Zealand:
Universities
- Average Wait Time: 2 weeks
- Most Completed Within: 4 weeks
- Universities have some of the fastest processing times, especially if your application is complete and submitted early.
Te Pūkenga (NZ Institute of Skills and Technology)
- Average Wait Time: 3 weeks
- Most Completed Within: 6 weeks
- As New Zealand’s largest tertiary education provider, Te Pūkenga attracts many applications, which may extend processing slightly.
Private Training Establishments (PTEs)
- Average Wait Time: 2.5 weeks
- Most Completed Within: 5 weeks
- PTEs offer vocational and career-focused courses and have quick processing times, especially during off-peak months.
Schools (Primary & Secondary)
- Average Wait Time: 1 week
- Most Completed Within: 2 weeks
- Student visas for school enrolments are processed very efficiently, often within a few working days.
What Do These Wait Times Really Mean?
- Average Wait Time refers to how long it took for 50% of the applications to be processed.
- Most Completed Within means 80% of the applications were finalized within that time.
- These timeframes are calculated using working days, so weekends and public holidays are not counted.
If your application is complete and includes all required documents, it’s likely to be processed closer to the average wait time. However, missing information can lead to delays or even visa refusal.
Plan: Apply Early (Especially May-August)
Immigration New Zealand experiences a significant application surge between May and August as students prepare for the next academic intake. To avoid processing delays during this busy period, it’s recommended that you submit your application at least three months before your planned travel date.
Types of Student Visas Covered
The wait times listed above apply to the most common student visa categories for international students:
- Fee Paying Student Visa – including those studying English language programs
- Pathway Student Visa – for students progressing through multiple courses
- MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship Student Visa – for those receiving New Zealand government scholarships
- Exchange Student Visa – for those enrolled in exchange programs
Tips to Avoid Delays
- Ensure all documents are accurate and complete
- Submit translations for non-English documents
- Apply early, especially during peak seasons
- Check your email regularly for any additional requests from immigration authorities
Need Help With Your Student Visa Application?
At Oracle Immigration, we help students every step of the way, from choosing the right course to lodging a complete and timely visa application. Don’t let delays affect your study plans.
Book an appointment with us for expert guidance for your New Zealand student visa in 2025
Disclaimer: The above information is not tailored to personal circumstances.
For information relevant to personal circumstances, please book an
appointment with Oracle Immigration Consultant’s expert migration agents in
Australia.
For any inquiries, please contact us at +61 430812158. We are premier Immigration agency and consultancy in Melbourne (Bundoora and Geelong).
