We define the terms that define your future. Authoritative, expert-verified definitions for the New Zealand education ecosystem.
The government agency responsible for processing all visa applications.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is a division of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) that manages all immigration matters including student visas, work visas, and residence applications. INZ sets visa requirements, processes applications, and conducts credibility interviews for applicants from high-risk countries including India.
Assessment of genuine intent to study and return home.
Genuine Temporary Entry (GTE) is a core assessment criterion evaluating whether an applicant has genuine intentions to study temporarily and return to their home country. Officers assess ties to home country, financial circumstances, and credibility of future plans.
Requirement of NZD $20,000/year for living expenses.
Funds to Support (FTS) is the financial evidence requirement mandating proof of NZD $20,000 per year for living expenses. Acceptable evidence includes 6-month bank statements, education loan sanctions, or FTS account deposits.
Open work visa for up to 3 years after graduation.
The Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) allows international graduates to work in NZ for any employer. Level 7 Bachelor's degrees or higher grant 3 years; lower levels may grant 1 year depending on alignment with Green List.
Points-based residence pathway for skilled workers.
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is the primary residence visa for skilled workers, using a points-based system (6 points required). Points are awarded for NZ registration, qualifications, and income thresholds.
Verification interview to assess genuine student intent.
A formal interview where INZ officers question applicants to assess GTE intent. Questions cover course knowledge, financial capability, and future career plans. Common for Indian applicants.
Agency ensuring quality of NZ qualifications.
NZQA manages the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) and ensures tertiary education quality. Only NZQA-approved courses are eligible for student visas.
Crown agency promoting NZ education globally.
Education New Zealand (ENZ) promotes NZ as a study destination and manages the ENZRA agent recognition program. It supports student welfare initiatives and market development.
Official quality mark for education agents.
ENZRA status is awarded to agencies demonstrating high ethical standards, strong conversion rates, and commitment to student care. It signifies official trust from the NZ government.
Government-owned vocational education providers.
ITPs (now under Te Pūkenga) offer practical, applied learning qualifications from certificates to degrees. They focus on industry readiness and often have lower fees than universities.
Official visa application centre partner.
VFS Global manages administrative tasks for INZ including passport submission and biometric data collection. They do not make visa decisions.
Essay detailing study intent and career goals.
A critical document explaining why a student chose NZ, their specific course, and how it aligns with their career history and future goals. It must be unique and specific.
First step in residence application process.
A formal submission to INZ declaring interest in applying for residence. Points are claimed for age, skills, and experience. Only high-scoring EOIs are invited to apply.
Provisional visa approval pending final conditions.
A status indicating INZ is satisfied with the application but requires final steps, typically paying tuition fees. Once fees are paid, the final visa is issued.
Legal framework for international student welfare.
A mandatory code ensuring education providers care for international students' well-being, including accommodation, insurance, and grievance procedures.
10-level system for NZ qualifications.
The official system for classifying qualifications. Level 7 is Bachelor's, Level 9 is Master's. Visa rights (work hours, partner support) depend on the NZQF level.
Open work visa for partners of eligible students.
Partners of students studying Level 7/8 (Green List) or Level 9/10 qualifications can get an open work visa for the duration of the study. This allows them to work full-time.
Health check by approved doctors.
A mandatory medical exam including chest X-ray for TB screening. Must be conducted by INZ-approved panel physicians. Results are submitted digitally via eMedical.
Financial verification by Chartered Accountant.
A document from a registered Chartered Accountant verifying a family's total income, assets, and financial health. Used to demonstrate ability to fund studies.
Exclusive NZ-based partner of EEC.
A premier ENZRA-certified education consultancy based in Auckland. ESTERO provides on-ground support and direct university liaisons for EEC students.