Indian students planning to pursue education in New Zealand should prepare for a substantial increase in visa fees starting October 1, 2024. The Government of New Zealand has announced that visa costs for tourists, workers, and students will double, with student visa fees rising from NZ$375 to NZ$750 (approximately Rs 38,191).
This move is part of a broader initiative to develop a more sustainable immigration system, aiming to transfer the financial responsibility of visa costs from taxpayers to the applicants.
Erica Stanford, New Zealand’s Minister for Immigration and Education, explained that the fee increase is intended to enhance the efficiency and self-sufficiency of the immigration system. "The new fees are part of a strategy to make the immigration system self-sufficient. The changes we’re making are shifting the cost to those benefiting from the system," Stanford noted. Despite the hike, New Zealand's student visa fees will remain lower compared to Australia's recent increase, which saw student visa costs rise to AUD$1,600.
According to ICEF Monitor, a market intelligence resource for the international education and student travel industry, the fee increase is expected to reduce the financial burden on New Zealand taxpayers significantly. Over the next four years, the adjustment will alleviate NZ$563 million (approximately $338 million) in taxpayer costs. This change underscores New Zealand's commitment to creating a more self-funded and efficient immigration system while keeping its fees relatively competitive globally.
