New Zealand to Implement Major Visa Fee Hikes from October, Student Visas to Become More Expensive
New Zealand is set to raise visa fees significantly starting October 1, 2024, affecting nearly all visa categories.
New Zealand is set to raise visa fees significantly starting October 1, 2024, affecting nearly all visa categories. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford stated that the fee increases are part of a strategy to make the immigration system more sustainable by transferring the financial responsibility from taxpayers to visa applicants. According to ICEF Monitor, the new fees are projected to cut public funding needs by over NZ$563 million (US$338 million) within the next four years. Minister Stanford highlighted that the current system is heavily subsidised by taxpayers. “These adjustments are designed to shift costs to those who benefit from the system, making it more self-sustaining and efficient,” she explained.While the fee hikes will cover visa processing and higher-risk application management, the Minister assured that New Zealand’s visa costs remain competitive compared to Australia and the UK, maintaining its appeal for students, workers, and tourists.
Impact on Student Visas
Student visa fees will see a notable increase, with costs doubling from NZ$375 to NZ$750. This move follows Australia's recent decision to double its student visa application fees to AUD$1,600. Despite the hike, New Zealand’s fees will still be substantially lower than those of Australia, costing just over 40% of an Australian study visa application.
Growth in International Student Enrollment
New Zealand experienced a significant rise in international student numbers in 2023, with enrolments increasing by 69,000 compared to the previous year, as reported by Education New Zealand (ENZ). This represents a 67% increase from 2022, bringing the total number of international students in the country to 69,135. This figure is about 60% of the enrolments seen in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global travel. China remains the largest source of international students in New Zealand, making up 35% of the total, followed by India at 17%. Japan, South Korea, and Thailand contribute 10%, 5%, and 4%, respectively, with other countries each contributing less than 4%.
