Three-fold rise in Indians seeking New Zealand study visas

As compared with the year 2004-05, when the number of Indians issued New Zealand Student Permit was 2,972; the year 2008-09 saw a whopping increase in the number of Indians receiving a New Zealand Student Permit.

The figures by the Immigration New Zealand report the number of Indians issued student visas for pursuing education in New Zealand to nearly 9,591.

India is the second major source of New Zealand immigration after China. Although, China still is the leading source of immigration for New Zealand, but, the number of Chinese students seeking New Zealand immigration has almost halved in the span of last four years. The data says the number of Chinese coming to New Zealand on study visas has declined from the earlier 52,059 to just 26,518.

The reasons  why a large number of Indian students prefer New Zealand as a destination for pursuing study include--

• Shortest visa processing time;

• Excellent student support services; and 

• Best education systems.

Moreover, with Australia getting negative publicity due to recent attacks on Indian students, Indians feel concerned about their safety in the country. So, they are thinking twice before deciding to move to Australia on student visas. Tougher visa norms and recent changes in the skilled occupations list has also resulted in a significant decline of in the number of Indian students opting to move to Australia.

Also, the UK immigration officials had recently imposed several restrictions on UK student visa for Indian students. Hence, with only few options available for pursuing studies in foreign shores, New Zealand tops the list of favored student destinations for many Indians.

New Zealand immigration had approved nearly 5,544 student visa applications from Indians in a short span of 7 months from 1st July, 2009 till 31st January, 2010.

According to an immigration advisor, Richard Howard, the number of Indians seeking New Zealand student visas is going to increase further in the coming times.