Study Visa Applications to New Zealand Decline, but Approval Rate Climbs Nearly Seven Percentage Points

Applications Dip After Two Years of Growth
New Zealand’s international education sector is entering a new phase of its post-pandemic recovery, and the latest immigration data highlights an interesting shift in momentum. 

According to Immigration New Zealand, the total number of study-visa applications submitted this year has fallen, yet the proportion of applicants who received visas has risen sharply. The combination of fewer applications and a higher approval rate offers a mixed picture, but one that still leans positive for prospective students and institutions.

From January through October 2025, INZ processed just over 55,250 study-visa applications. This marks a decline of roughly 5.3 percent compared with the 58,361 applications recorded over the same period in 2024. 

The drop follows two strong years of growth as countries reopened borders and students resumed international mobility. The softening suggests that global competition for students has become more aggressive, with the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia all adjusting their own immigration frameworks in ways that influence student decisions.

Approval Rates Surge to More than 88 Percent

The standout data point this year is the nearly seven-point jump in the visa approval rate. INZ approved 43,203 student visas up to October. Although that is only a slight increase in raw numbers from last year’s 42,724 approvals, the smaller application pool means approvals now sit at about 88.2 percent. Last year’s approval rate was closer to 81.5 percent. 

This improvement signals more predictable outcomes for students and helps reduce some of the anxiety associated with the application process.

The higher approval rate is already reflected in the number of students currently in the country. As of August 2025, more than 58,190 individuals held a valid New Zealand study visa. A year earlier, the total was around 45,500. The rise shows that more students are not only being approved but also staying longer, which supports university enrolments and strengthens local communities that benefit from international education.

Why Approval Rates Are Improving

Sector observers believe there are several reasons behind the stronger approval performance. INZ has been under pressure to reduce backlogs, streamline processes, and increase clarity for education providers. 

With students able to choose from multiple global destinations, long processing times or unclear documentation requirements can quickly push them elsewhere. The improved figures suggest that immigration authorities have tightened internal workflows and adopted clearer guidelines for applicants.

The approval rate may also be benefiting from the government’s broader strategic direction. This year, New Zealand introduced its International Education Going for Growth Plan, a long-term initiative designed to boost student numbers and strengthen the sector’s economic contribution. 

The plan aims to lift enrolments from around 83,700 to 119,000 by 2034 and nearly double the sector’s value. That publicly stated commitment signals to both the sector and immigration officials that international students remain a national priority.

New Policies Designed to Attract More Students

A key part of the plan involves changes to work rights, study pathways, and graduate opportunities. From November 2025, eligible tertiary and secondary students will be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic term, an increase from the previous cap of 20 hours. 

This adjustment makes New Zealand more competitive with regional neighbours such as Australia, where flexible work opportunities have long been a draw for international students.

Additionally, the government is preparing to introduce a short-term post-study work visa specifically for select vocational graduates. 

This visa is intended to give employers access to much-needed skills while allowing international students to gain experience in New Zealand. Although details are still emerging, the policy indicates a stronger link between education programmes and job market needs.

Both changes have been well received by institutions and employer groups, who see them as incentives for students to choose New Zealand over other options. They also appeal to families concerned about affordability, as increased work rights can help students support their living costs.

Impact on Key Source Markets

The higher approval rate is especially meaningful for students from emerging markets such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and various African countries. Visa outcomes for these regions have historically been more variable due to financial documentation requirements and institutional risk ratings. 

More consistent approval patterns may encourage better-qualified applicants and strengthen trust between families, agents, and New Zealand providers.

For South Asian markets in particular, the new policies and improved visa performance could help New Zealand regain some of the visibility it lost to Canada and Australia in recent years. Several education providers have already reported stronger interest from students who view New Zealand as a safer and more stable option in the current global climate.

Sector Reaction: Optimism with Some Caution

Education providers are cautiously optimistic. The higher approval rate offers stability after years of uncertainty, and the growing number of students holding visas suggests that enrolments will remain strong. 

However, institutions remain wary of the drop in overall applications. Some believe this reflects strong recruitment campaigns by competitor countries, while others point to economic uncertainty in major source markets.

Providers also highlight ongoing challenges, including accommodation shortages, rising living costs, and the need for stronger support services for international students. Housing availability in particular remains a concern in cities such as Auckland and Wellington, where rental markets are tight and construction has struggled to keep up with demand.

Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

Despite these pressures, the general trajectory is positive. A more predictable visa process gives students the confidence to commit to New Zealand, and the government’s long-term strategy indicates that international education will continue to be supported and expanded. 

If approval rates remain high and new policy settings take effect as planned, New Zealand may strengthen its competitive position in the global education landscape.

For now, the message is clear: fewer students applied this year, but more were approved. For families considering New Zealand, and for institutions planning ahead, this shift represents a welcome sign that the country is once again opening its doors and ready to grow.