New Zealand universities are raising alarms over the increasing rejection rates of student visas for Indian applicants. This issue is causing uncertainty for students and impacting the country’s reputation as a study destination.
Mounting Concerns Over Visa Rejections
According to a report by Radio New Zealand (RNZ), visa processing delays and high rejection rates are becoming a major challenge. Chris Whelan, CEO of Universities New Zealand, highlighted the issue:
- At the start of Semester 1 in 2024:
- 10% of student visas were not allocated for processing.
- 2% were still under review by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
- 18% of total visas remained unconfirmed, leading to student uncertainty.
Vimal Sharma, Assistant Director – International at Lovely Professional University, expressed his concern on LinkedIn, stating that New Zealand’s appeal as a study destination is fading, especially for Indian students, due to these challenges.
Steep Rise in Rejection Rates
Anuj Gupta, CEO of Youngrads, revealed that visa rejection rates for Indian students have soared from 28% in 2022 to 40% in 2023, resulting in over 2,000 rejected applications this year.
| Year | Indian Student Visa Applications | Approved | Rejected | Rejection Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8,810 | 8,110 | 700 | 12% |
| 2023 | 8,810 | 5,074 | 3,523 | 40% |
| 2024 (Jan-Apr) | 5,018 | 3,008 | 2,010 | 40% |
Comparatively, Chinese students faced a much lower rejection rate of 2%, with only 206 of 8,012 applications denied.
Impact on Students and Universities
Visa processing delays and high rejection rates have significant consequences:
- Delayed academic starts – Many students miss their semester commencement dates.
- Financial losses – Students lose tuition deposits and visa application fees.
- Uncertainty & mental stress – The waiting period creates anxiety and disrupts career plans.
- Reputation damage – New Zealand risks losing its attractiveness as a study destination.
Chris Whelan stressed, “We need to do better for these students if we want New Zealand to continue enjoying the benefits of international education.”
Why Indian Students Choose New Zealand
Despite these challenges, New Zealand remains a preferred destination due to:
- Affordable tuition fees – The New Zealand dollar is cheaper compared to the US dollar, pound, and euro.
- Globally ranked universities – All eight universities rank within the top 3% worldwide (QS World Rankings).
- Diverse course offerings – Popular fields include:
- MBA & Business Administration
- Artificial Intelligence & Computer Science
- Engineering & Hotel Management
Efforts to Attract Indian Students
New Zealand universities are working to improve their appeal:
- University partnerships – A top university was close to signing an agreement with Mumbai’s Bombay Stock Exchange Institute in July 2023.
- Education conferences – India was featured as the “Country of Honour” at the New Zealand International Education Conference (NZEIC KI TUA 2024).
Challenges in Visa Approval & Solutions
Celia Coombes, Director of Student Visas at INZ, cited insufficient proof of funds and doubts about genuine study intentions as common reasons for rejection.
How Indian Students Can Improve Visa Success Rates?
To boost approval chances, applicants should:
Ensure all required documents are complete and accurate.
Provide strong proof of financial resources and study plans.
Seek guidance from education advisors to avoid mistakes.
Research universities with a high acceptance rate for Indian students.
Consider alternative study destinations if facing repeated rejections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are Indian student visas being rejected at a high rate?
Visa rejections are often due to insufficient proof of funds, doubts about the student’s genuine intent to study, and incomplete documentation.
2. How can Indian students improve their visa approval chances?
Students should ensure they have complete documentation, demonstrate strong financial backing, seek professional guidance, and choose universities with a good track record of accepting Indian students.
3. Are visa rejections higher for Indian students compared to other nationalities?
Yes, the rejection rate for Indian students stands at 40%, whereas for Chinese students, it is only 2%.
4. What are the financial requirements for a New Zealand student visa?
Students must prove they can support their studies, usually showing a minimum of NZD 20,000 per year in addition to tuition fees.
5. What should students do if their visa gets rejected?
They can appeal the decision if applicable, reapply with stronger documentation, or explore alternative study destinations.
Final Thoughts
New Zealand’s rising visa rejection rates are a pressing issue, especially for Indian students. While universities are advocating for better policies, students must also take proactive steps to enhance their visa applications.
By ensuring complete documentation, consulting advisors, and exploring alternatives, Indian students can improve their chances of studying in New Zealand without setbacks.
Click here to learn more
Sachin is an experienced writer with a strong background in education-related content. With years of expertise in creating informative and engaging material, he covers topics such as teaching strategies, educational technology, and learning methodologies. His work aims to inspire both educators and learners, reflecting his deep understanding of the evolving education landscape.
