Starting October 1, 2024, New Zealand will introduce higher fees for student visas as part of a broader adjustment to all visa charges. This change, while necessary to cover the costs of processing visas, may pose additional financial challenges for international students. It is important to understand that these adjustments are intended to reflect the true value of the services provided and to ensure that the immigration system remains effective. For students, this means a greater investment in their education journey in New Zealand, which continues to offer high-quality education and opportunities.
Changes for Students in New Zealand (Band A)
| Type of Application | Current Rate (GST incl) | Current Immigration Levy | Total | New Rate from 1 October 2024 (GST incl) | New Immigration Levy | New Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student visa | $280 | $95 | $375 | $485 | $265 | $750 |
| Post-study work visa | $490 | $210 | $700 | $320 | $1,350 | $1,670 |
| Type of Application | Old Total | New Total | Increased Amount | Percentage of Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student visa | $375 | $750 | $375 | 100% |
| Post-study work visa | $700 | $1,670 | $970 | 138.57% |
Adjustments for Students from the Pacific Region (Band B)
The New Zealand government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pacific nations by continuing to offer subsidized visa fees for students from the region. While there will still be an increase, the rise in charges is less steep compared to other regions. For example, the student visa fee will increase from $315 to $535, reflecting a 69.84% increase, and post-study work visas will see a rise from $620 to $1,620. Students from the Pacific region will still benefit from lower visa charges compared to their peers from other parts of the world.
| Type of Application | Current Rate | Current Immigration Levy | Total | New Rate from 1 October 2024 | New Immigration Levy | New Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student visa | $220 | $95 | $315 | $270 | $265 | $535 |
| Post-study work visa | $410 | $210 | $620 | $270 | $1,350 | $1,620 |
| Type of Application | Old Total | New Total | Increased Amount | Percentage of Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student visa | $315 | $535 | $220 | 69.84% |
| Post-study work visa | $620 | $1,620 | $1,000 | 161.29% |
New Charges for Students from the Rest of the World (Band C)
Students from countries outside the Pacific region will face the highest increases in visa charges, with the cost for a student visa jumping from $395 to $750, representing an 89.87% increase, and the total charge for a post-study work visa rising from $700 to $1,670.
| Type of Application | Current Rate | Current Immigration Levy | Total | New Rate from 1 October 2024 | New Immigration Levy | New Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student visa | $300 | $95 | $395 | $485 | $265 | $750 |
| Post-study work visa | $490 | $210 | $700 | $320 | $1,350 | $1,670 |
| Type of Application | Old Total | New Total | Increased Amount | Percentage of Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student visa | $395 | $750 | $355 | 89.87% |
| Post-study work visa | $700 | $1,670 | $970 | 138.57% |
