Study Visa Applications to New Zealand Fall as Approval Rate Climbs

In a notable shift for the international education sector, the number of study-visa applications to New Zealand has declined in 2025, while the approval rate for those applications has jumped sharply by nearly seven percentage points. 

The change reflects evolving global student mobility patterns and presents new opportunities for those applying this year.

Fewer Applications, Higher Success

Immigration New Zealand handled about 55,250 study visa applications from January to October 2025. That's about 5.3% less than the 58,361 applications that came in during the same time in 2024.

New Zealand gave out 43,203 visas, which is only slightly more than the 42,724 it gave out in 2024, even though there were fewer applicants. But because there were fewer applicants, the approval rate shot up to about 88.2 percent, up from almost 81.5 percent the year before.

Each applicant now has a better chance of getting accepted. The better odds give students, especially those from countries with a lot of demand, peace of mind. For schools and consultants, it means that things are relatively stable right now, even though student mobility patterns are changing around the world.

What’s Driving the Shift

It looks like a number of things are causing this trend. Immigration New Zealand says that the higher approval rate is due to improvements in the process as part of the "International Education Going for Growth" plan and a new online application system that went live in the middle of 2025.

The plan's main goals are to make the application process easier, make the rules for who can apply clearer, and give international students more rights to work. These steps are meant to make New Zealand a better place to study abroad by making it more competitive and efficient.

Immigration New Zealand also says that decisions are made much faster. It's now possible to finish many student visa applications in as little as 12 days, which is a big improvement over the past few years.

At the same time, the drop in applications could be due to global factors like more competition among major destinations, economic problems in key source markets, and changing student preferences. Some people who are thinking about applying may also be looking for easier or cheaper options, or they may be putting off their plans because they aren't sure how much money they will have.

Implications for Key Source Markets

The stronger approval performance is especially relevant for students from emerging and competitive markets such as South Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia. For these applicants, faster processing and higher approval rates may help them feel better about New Zealand as a safe and stable place to live.

These changes could lead to a change in strategy for education advisers and consultants. With reduced risk of refusal, more qualified students may feel confident submitting applications. As the number of applications goes down, consultants may also find that they can give more personalized advice.

Lower competition among applicants can benefit well-prepared candidates. With fewer applications in the system, students with strong documentation and clear study intentions may find it easier to stand out.

What This Means for Students and Institutions

For students:

• Higher approval rates mean stronger chances of success, especially for fully documented and well-prepared applications.
• Faster visa decisions, often within 12 days,  simplify planning for travel and accommodation.
• Expanded work rights under the new strategy help students manage living costs more comfortably.

For institutions:

• Universities and colleges can expect greater predictability in enrolment numbers.
• Stable approval patterns help institutions manage housing, classes and student-support services.
• The improved visa environment strengthens New Zealand’s competitiveness compared to destinations where refusal rates remain high.

For education consultants:

• The improved approval climate enhances the appeal of New Zealand in student counselling.
• Faster visa processing reduces uncertainty and allows clearer timeline planning.
• Consultants can use these data points to build stronger marketing content, emphasising success rates and efficiency.

Important Caveats and Ongoing Challenges

There are still some worries, even though things are getting better.

The drop in the number of applications overall shows that demand is lower than it was in previous years. A smaller number of applicants could mean smaller peer groups for new students, which could change how they socialize on campus.

In some cities, finding a place to live is still a problem. As the number of international students stays the same or grows, the demand for housing may rise, which means that schools will need to handle the situation carefully.

Some source countries are still having economic problems, which could keep the number of students who can think about studying abroad low. This means that better visa conditions alone may not lead to a sudden increase in applicants.

There is still a lot of competition around the world. Canada, Australia, the UK, and other places are still changing their rules, so New Zealand has to always find a balance between affordability, friendly policies, and high-quality education.

Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

If the current momentum continues, 2026 could be a strong year for New Zealand’s international student sector. The combination of higher visa-approval rates, faster processing and enhanced work rights positions the country well in the global education market.

Institutions may see a more predictable or even increased flow of international students. For students from developing and high-demand markets, New Zealand could become an even more appealing option, particularly for those seeking dependable visa outcomes and the opportunity to work during studies.

For consultants and agencies, this is a moment to strengthen messaging around New Zealand as a stable, opportunity-rich destination. Providing accurate guidance, complete documentation checklists and realistic expectations will be essential.

At the same time, stakeholders must stay aware of challenges such as housing, cost of living and evolving university requirements. A visa approval is only the beginning,  students need full support to transition successfully into life and study abroad.

Overall, the 2025 data paints a hopeful picture: while fewer students applied, a far larger percentage were approved. For many potential international students, especially those from underrepresented regions, this signals a renewed and promising opportunity to study in New Zealand.

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