The New Zealand government announced significant visa fee increases, including that for student visas.
Among the various visa categories, student visa fees will see a substantial hike, doubling from the current NZ$375 to NZ$750.
The visa fee increase will come into effect from October 1, 2024.
The country’s Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said the changes are intended to create a more sustainable immigration system by shifting the financial burden from taxpayers to visa applicants.
“The changes we’re making are shifting the cost to those benefitting from the system. We’re ensuring it is self-funding and more efficient,” she said.
The adjustments are expected to reduce public funding requirements by more than NZ$563 million ($338 million) over the next four years, according to a report by ICEF Monitor.
The minister said despite the increased fees, New Zealand’s visa charges remain competitive compared to those of Australia and the United Kingdom, keeping the country an attractive destination for students, workers, and tourists.
New Zealand’s move on visa fee hike follows a similar move by Australia, which recently doubled its student visa application fees to AUD$1,600.
Despite the increase, New Zealand’s student visa fees will still be significantly lower than Australia’s, costing just over 40 percent of an Australian study visa application.
New Zealand saw a substantial increase in international student enrolments in 2023, with numbers rising by 69,000 students compared to the previous year, according to data by Education New Zealand (ENZ).
China remained the largest source market for international students in New Zealand, accounting for 35 percent of total enrolments, followed by India with 17 percent.
Japan, South Korea, and Thailand make up the other significant student groups in the country.
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