Kia Ora! Great news ahead. New Zealand to open its borders to international students!
The border was closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but now students from all over the world can once again apply to study here. If you're thinking of applying to study in New Zealand, now is the time!
Can students travel to New Zealand now?
Even though the borders open from 31st July 2022, people can enter only if they meet certain conditions, and having valid student visas is one of them!
At the moment, if you have a valid student visa and an accepted offer of enrolment, you can go to New Zealand as an international student provided that you fulfil all of the terms of your student visa. To go to New Zealand, you do not require a border exemption.
Student visa application process
Visa processing is set to commence at the end of July. Processing times may be unpredictable, so international students need to ensure that they apply for study visas no later than three months before the start of their semester. For the 2023 intake, applications can be submitted between October to November 2022.
To be eligible for a student visa, you must be accepted for a course at an educational institution. Here are the types of student visas:
- Pathway student visa
- Exchange student visa
- Fee-Paying student visa
Online applications for New Zealand student visas are accepted through the country's official immigration website. Depending on each student's application, the New Zealand High Commission needs more than 60 days to complete the student visa process. You can submit an application as an international student 120 days before the commencement of your program or course. You will receive an email informing you of the results of your visa application after completing your online application.
What are the new requirements to travel to New Zealand?
According to a recent modification, you can enter New Zealand without having to show certification of a negative COVID-19 test. After landing in New Zealand, the majority of visitors must get two rapid antigen tests (RATs) on day 1 and day 5. However, all travellers to New Zealand are still obligated to submit the Traveller Declaration.
List of travel requirements
- Vaccination (approved by health or approval authority)
- New Zealand Traveller Declaration
- Testing requirements after entering New Zealand
- Self-isolation unless tested positive
New Zealand Traveller Declaration
If you are wondering what the traveller declaration is, it is an online process in which you must give information about your travel details as well as COVID-19-related information. Everyone must go through this procedure, and it will guide you once you arrive in New Zealand. Take your time completing the declaration form because it asks for important information. It can be completed in little more than 30 minutes.
Things you need for traveller declaration:
- Passport
- Vaccination certificate
- Travel history of last 14 days
- Contact details
- Emergency contact details
- Details of your New Zealand air ticket
- Email address
You will receive a Traveller Pass via email after submitting the New Zealand Traveller Declaration and clearing the requirements. An individual QR code for you that is valid for the completed declaration form may be found on your Traveller Pass. It explains what you must do when you go to New Zealand. You must present it when checking in at the airport.
Self-isolation
If you are in New Zealand and the result of your Rapid Antibody Test (RAT) comes back positive, then you should proceed further with the PCR test. And, if your PCR results come back positive, then you must self-isolate yourself for 7 days in accommodation or at home in New Zealand. If your RAT or PCR test results are negative, you do not need to isolate yourself.
AECC Global is a great place to commence your study-abroad journey if you've decided to study in New Zealand since we'll support you every step of the way! Let's step onto the Land of the Long White Cloud for a better future!
