New Zealand Eases Student Visa Rules for Indians

Planning to study abroad? New Zealand student visa for Indians just became significantly easier to obtain. Recent statistics show that Indian student enrollments in New Zealand grew by 34% between January and August 2024, reaching 10,640 compared to 7,930 for the entire year of 2023. Additionally, Indian students now constitute 11% of international university enrollments, making them the second-largest group after Chinese students.

In the latest news for international students, New Zealand has added India to the ‘List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment’ (LQEA) effective June 23, 2025. This means most Indian degree holders no longer need to undergo the costly International Qualification Assessment (IQA). However, while the student visa fee will increase from NZD 300 to NZD 485, the post-study work visa fee will actually decrease from NZD 490 to NZD 320. Despite these changes, New Zealand remains an attractive destination with over 69,000 international students studying there in 2023—a 67% increase from 2022. In fact, nearly nine out of ten international students rated the country as a positive study destination.

As you consider your options for studying abroad, understanding these new Zealand student visa requirements and immigration policies could significantly impact your application success rate and long-term plans. With approximately 7,300 Indian students recorded in New Zealand in 2024, you’ll be joining a growing community that’s benefiting from these streamlined procedures.

New Zealand exempts Indian degrees from qualification assessment

Immigration New Zealand has made a groundbreaking change for Indian students and professionals seeking opportunities in the country. In a major policy shift, Indian degrees have been officially exempted from qualification assessment requirements, streamlining the visa application process for thousands of potential applicants.

What is the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA)?

The List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA) serves as an official framework outlining overseas qualifications that are recognized as equivalent to New Zealand credentials. Prior to this update, many international applicants had to undergo an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) through the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. This assessment verified that foreign qualifications met New Zealand standards—a process that was both time-consuming and costly. The LQEA essentially creates a pre-approved list of trusted qualifications that bypass this verification step, consequently making the immigration pathway more accessible.

When did the exemption take effect?

The exemption for Indian qualifications officially takes effect from June 23, 2025. This change is part of a broader, phased expansion of the LQEA that began in September 2023. Initially, the list included qualifications from seven countries including the United Kingdom and United States. Furthermore, in March 2024, five additional countries including Australia and Canada were added. The June 2025 update represents the third phase of expansion, wherein India joins eight other nations newly added to the list:

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Sri Lanka
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Which Indian degrees are covered under the exemption?

Under this exemption, most degrees from recognized Indian universities will now be accepted without additional assessment. The change primarily benefits applicants across multiple visa categories, specifically:

• Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) visa applicants
• Green List roles (including engineers, healthcare workers, and ICT professionals)
• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applicants
• Post-study work visa applicants

Notably, this exemption eliminates the requirement for eligible Indian graduates to submit an IQA, except in rare cases where Immigration New Zealand specifically requests one during application processing. As a result, the visa process becomes more straightforward for qualified Indian applicants, removing a significant barrier that previously existed in the New Zealand immigration system.

Visa processing speeds up for Indian applicants

The IQA exemption marks a substantial shift in processing times for Indian applicants pursuing education and career opportunities in New Zealand. With India’s addition to the LQEA effective June 23, 2025, a major administrative hurdle has been eliminated, creating a more efficient pathway for thousands of applicants.

How the IQA exemption reduces delays

The removal of the International Qualification Assessment (IQA) requirement directly addresses a key bottleneck in visa processing. Prior to this change, Indian applicants faced extended waiting periods as their qualifications underwent evaluation by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. This process, often lasting several weeks, consistently delayed visa decisions. Now, with most degrees from recognized Indian universities accepted without additional assessment, applications can proceed immediately to the next stage of evaluation. Moreover, this streamlined approach eliminates documentation gathering and verification steps that previously consumed valuable time in the application timeline.

Impact on skilled migrant and post-study work visa categories

The procedural improvement particularly benefits four key visa categories. Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) applicants, those applying for Green List roles (including engineers, healthcare workers, and ICT professionals), Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) candidates, and post-study work visa applicants will all experience expedited processing. This change is especially valuable for post-study work visa applicants, as the quicker transition from student to work status enables graduates to begin their professional careers without unnecessary administrative delays.

Expert opinions on faster processing and reduced costs

Immigration experts unanimously praise the changes. Ravi Menon, a licensed immigration adviser in Auckland, notes that “The qualification recognition bottleneck has often discouraged skilled applicants. This update restores confidence and reduces friction”. Mamta Shekhawat, founder of Gradding.com, describes it as a “welcoming opportunity” that will “significantly reduce both the financial impact and delays in processing times”. Ultimately, as Mayank Maheswari, co-founder and COO at University Living, points out, this decision reflects “New Zealand’s broader strategy to attract international talent”.

Indian students gain easier access to work and residency

With the recent changes to New Zealand’s visa policies, Indian graduates now enjoy a clearer pathway to work and residency opportunities. The post-study landscape has become considerably more favorable for those seeking to build careers after completing their qualifications.

Eligibility for post-study work visas under new rules

Under the current framework, Indian graduates can obtain a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) allowing them to stay and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years, depending on their qualification level. To qualify, applicants must have recently completed their studies and hold either a degree level 7 or higher qualification or a non-degree level 7 or lower qualification on the approved list. Applications must be submitted within 3 months after student visa expiration, though doctoral graduates receive a 6-month application window. Additionally, applicants need to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency by providing evidence of approximately INR 421,902 for their stay.

How the change supports long-term migration goals

Beyond immediate employment opportunities, these policy changes align with New Zealand’s strategic approach to addressing skill shortages. Graduates whose qualifications match fields on the skill shortage list can subsequently apply for a Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa. This pathway requires candidates to be under 55 years old with relevant qualifications and experience. Correspondingly, the streamlined visa processing creates a more straightforward transition from student to resident status, unlike Canada and Australia, which have introduced caps on international student intake.

Comparison with visa policies in Australia, UK, and Canada

Among popular study destinations, New Zealand offers distinct advantages. Whereas UK graduates receive a 2-year post-graduation stay (3 years for PhD), New Zealand provides up to 3 years depending on qualification level. Canada remains highly competitive with its Post-Graduation Work Permit extending to 3 years and established pathways to permanent residency through programs like Express Entry. Australian graduates typically qualify for 18-month subclass 485 visas, with Bachelor’s and Master’s degree holders eligible for two-year extensions. Altogether, New Zealand positions itself favorably against these alternatives, offering a points-based residency system alongside easier pathways for those studying in skill shortage areas.

New Zealand strengthens its appeal as a study destination

Beyond the visa policy changes, New Zealand’s educational institutions themselves are rapidly gaining favor among Indian students. The growing appeal stems from academic excellence, affordability, and cultural connections that make the transition easier for newcomers.

Growth in Indian student enrolments

Education New Zealand reports a remarkable 34% increase in Indian student enrolments between January and August 2024, with numbers rising to 10,640 compared to 7,930 for the entire year of 2023. Indians presently constitute 11% of all international university students in New Zealand, establishing them as the second-largest international student group after Chinese students. Interestingly, IDP Education data highlights a 100% increase in enrolments by Indian female students between 2023 and 2024. Looking ahead, Indian student enrolments are projected to grow by 93.9% from 2025 to 2030—from 22,225 to 24,594. By 2025 alone, New Zealand is expected to host 22,225 Indian students.

Academic rankings and affordability of New Zealand universities

All eight of New Zealand’s universities rank in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The University of Auckland leads at #65 globally, followed by University of Otago (#197), Massey University (#230), and Victoria University of Wellington (#240). Regarding costs, international students typically spend between NZD 20,000 to 40,000 annually on tuition. This makes New Zealand more affordable than the US or UK, alongside offering comparable rates to Australia and Canada. Undergraduate courses generally range from NZD 20,000 to NZD 35,000, while postgraduate programs typically cost between NZD 25,000 to NZD 50,000 annually.

Cultural familiarity and growing Indian diaspora

New Zealand’s 270,000-strong Indian diaspora provides incoming students with cultural familiarity and community networks. Accordingly, Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi are widely recognized and celebrated throughout the country. Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, has a 39% population of overseas citizens, creating a genuinely multicultural environment. Furthermore, New Zealand embodies ‘Kiwi’ hospitality with locals known for being warm and welcoming to newcomers. This cultural openness enhances study abroad experiences and helps students form meaningful relationships.

These significant changes to New Zealand’s visa policies undoubtedly mark a turning point for Indian students considering education abroad. The exemption from qualification assessment requirements effectively removes a major hurdle, saving both time and money during your application process. Additionally, the streamlined visa procedures mean you can focus more on preparing for your academic journey rather than navigating complex paperwork.

New Zealand certainly positions itself as a compelling alternative to traditional study destinations like Australia, Canada, and the UK. The country offers a unique combination of high-quality education, reasonable costs, and generous post-study work opportunities. Though visa fees will increase slightly, the overall benefits—especially the reduced post-study work visa fee—outweigh this change.

The growing Indian student community also means you’ll find plenty of cultural support upon arrival. This existing network, coupled with New Zealand’s renowned hospitality, helps ease the transition to life abroad. Most importantly, these policy changes reflect New Zealand’s commitment to attracting international talent while providing clear pathways to work and potential residency.

As you weigh your options for international education, New Zealand’s recent policy shifts definitely warrant serious consideration. The country not only offers world-ranked universities and affordable tuition but now presents a more accessible immigration pathway specifically for Indian students. This combination of academic excellence, streamlined processes, and post-graduation opportunities makes New Zealand an increasingly attractive destination for your educational journey abroad.