Good news for our international postgrad whānau!
Yesterday the Prime Minister announced some major steps toward reopening New Zealand’s border. These included an accelerated timeframe for opening student visa processing.
New Zealand’s borders will now reopen by the end of July. Student visa processing will reopen on 31 July, three months earlier than previously announced. For international students and those currently based offshore, this means you can have a bit more clarity around when you may be able to travel to New Zealand.
There are some other changes; including an increase to the funds required for living expenses. Visa applicants will now need to show access to $20,000 per annum (up from $15,000) to cover the cost of living in New Zealand. Some tuition fees will also need to be paid upfront. For those wishing to stay in New Zealand after their studies, there are also changes to the post-study work visa settings. Details are available here.
These changes do not affect students who have already secured entry to New Zealand via a border class exemption.
This is great news for members of our postgraduate whānau who have been unable to join us in New Zealand. We know many of you have had to change plans to begin research offshore, away from supervisors and campus resources. It’s been a very tough period for international students – but this is a positive step forward, and we are so looking forward to welcoming you here to Auckland!