You can apply for a student visa both online and offline. The application fee varies according to the mode of application as the immigration cost and receiving centre fee depend on it. We have given the approximate cost in the table below.

All international students are required to submit their English proficiency test scores when they apply for admission to any university abroad. IELTS is the most popular test that is accepted by almost all universities in all countries worldwide. However, the minimum IELTS score required for Sri Lankan students for admission is subject to vary based on the university, country, course, and program. We have given below the score that you may need to have.

1. For a Bachelor’s program, you may need at least 5.5 in all bands and an overall score of 6.0.
2. For a Master’s program, you may need at least 6.0 in all bands and an overall score of 6.5.
3. For a degree in Teaching or Education Studies and Engineering, you may need a per band and an overall score of 7.0.

You will need to submit a few documents when you apply for a New Zealand student visa from Sri Lanka. They are given below.

1. Passport
2. Letter of acceptance from a recognised New Zealand university that states the minimum course duration, total tuition fee, and whether the tuition fee is in domestic or foreign currency. The course should be one that the New Zealand Qualifications Authority approves.
3. A written guarantee that the university will offer you accommodation if you are under 18 years of age.
4. An accommodation offer letter from your university.
5. A return air ticket to your home country or proof of sufficient funds for it.
6. Proof of visa application fee payment.
7. All academic documents.
8. Student visa application form.
9. Passport-size photographs.
10. Receipt of tuition fee payment.

As mentioned previously, you can apply for a student visa both online and offline. The steps to be followed are different, and both of them are discussed below.

The steps to be followed for online visa application are as follows.

• Create an account: You need to create an account at the New Zealand Immigration Online at their official website.

• Fill out the application form: You can then fill up the application form. Always ensure that you do not make any mistakes.

• Have all the documents handy: It is essential to arrange all the documents and have them handy so that you can upload them easily.

• Upload your photograph: You should upload your photograph and other necessary documents.

• Complete the application: You can follow the next steps and complete the application.

• Pay the fee & submit the application: You can finally pay the application fee and submit the application.

The steps to be followed for offline visa application are as follows.

• Download the application form: You can download the application form from the official website.

• Fill out the application form: You can fill up the application form. This should be done with great care. You should not make any mistakes while filling out the application.

• Get the supporting documents: You should arrange all the necessary documents and have them handy so there is no need to rush last minute.

• Get passport-size photographs: You should have recent passport-size photographs ready, which should be submitted along with the application.

• Keep the application fee ready: You can check the mode of fee payment and have the amount ready beforehand. 

Submit the application: You can submit your application at the Immigration New Zealand Office or visa centre.

The processing time for a New Zealand visa is 30 weekdays, excluding public holidays. On an average level, visa applications get processed within 18 weekdays. Also, 90% of student visa applications are processed within 50 weekdays. Thus, it is essential that you plan and apply early so that nothing gets delayed. Though the New Zealand Immigration Department tries to process all applications quickly,

You can use your RealMe account and log in and check the application status. RealMe account is a government authentication and identity verification service. If it shows “Submitted”, it means that your application is ready for processing. The New Zealand Immigration authorities usually try to process your application at the earliest.

If your application is rejected, you can reapply for the New Zealand student visa soon after. However, it is better to look at the reason for the rejection because if you do not address the issue and make the necessary changes, there are chances of your application getting rejected again. For instance, if your application got rejected because of the lack of proper documentation, you should arrange the necessary documents before you apply again.

If you wish to study in New Zealand from Sri Lanka, AECC has a team of trained counsellors who can help you get updated information, including the latest news and updates. We can help you arrange all the documents and apply easily. This will also ensure that you apply at the right time without making any mistakes. The best part is that all our services are offered for free.