Applicants are required to prove they have sufficient funds to cover tuition for the first year. Secondary school students need a minimum of 17,000 NZD (around 260 million VND) annually for programs lasting 36 weeks or more. University students need at least 20,000 NZD (approximately 306 million VND) annually for the same duration.

Mark Andrew advised that to improve their application's credibility, candidates should provide bank transaction histories from the last three months, along with a clear financial plan detailing how their studies in New Zealand will be funded.

One key factor that expedites the visa application process is a well-crafted cover letter, where applicants explain their reasons for choosing New Zealand for their studies and their plans after graduation.

Effective October 1, 2024, New Zealand will raise its student visa fees. The new fee for student visas will double to 750 NZD (11.3 million VND), while the conservation and international tourism fee will triple to 100 NZD (1.5 million VND). Additionally, the fee for post-graduation work visas will increase to 1,670 NZD (25.2 million VND).

Once a visa is granted, high school and university students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, provided they have parental and school approval. Graduate students, however, are not restricted in their working hours. Graduates can stay in New Zealand for up to three years to work after completing their studies.

Ben Burrowes, Acting Executive Director of International Affairs at New Zealand Education, highlighted the growing interest among Vietnamese students and parents in studying in New Zealand. Popular areas of study include sustainability, business, management, and newer fields like arts and animation.

"While many countries are revising their visa policies for international students, New Zealand plans to maintain its current policies. We continue to welcome Vietnamese students, making it easier for them to pursue their education here," said Ben Burrowes.

New Zealand currently boasts eight public universities, all of which rank in the top 500 in the QS World Rankings 2025. Most undergraduate programs last three years, with exceptions for certain fields like engineering and medicine.

Caroline Beresford, New Zealand's Ambassador to Vietnam, noted that in 2023, New Zealand hosted over 69,000 international students, marking a 67% increase from 2022. The number of high school students rose by 31%, while university enrollments increased by 7%, reaching the highest levels in a decade.

Many New Zealand universities have also relaxed their admission criteria, allowing students to apply with predicted scores from IB, A-Level, or Grade 12 transcripts instead of waiting for final results. Schools will issue offers based on these predicted scores, enabling students to apply earlier and meet deadlines for the February and July intakes.

Thuy Nga