Prepare For New Zealand Student Visa Interview

INTRODUCTION

New Zealand is a popular destination for scholars and many of them find it to be a perfect combination of civility and culture. It is a very popular destination of choice for students, because of infrastructure, scholarships, and funds that are offered by universities, there. It is also an exciting new space for youngsters all over the world to exchange cultural knowledge and intellectual wisdom. The universities here offer many courses ranging from Social Sciences to Artificial Intelligence. 

Yet, they do have a very careful screening process. If you perform well then you definitely can make it to the right places, and build a career for yourself. If you follow these questions put together by the Hurray Online Overseas Education Consultant team then you can definitely get some good points on how to prepare for the New Zealand Visa Interview questions. So go ahead, practice these, and ace that test. 

Student Visa Interview Questions: New Zealand

The visa interview is an important step in the process of Studying Abroad. 

After you submit your visa application and all the supporting documents, you will receive a call to attend an interview.

How the interview works

The visa is usually conducted via telephone call with officials in New Zealand. The venue will be the New Zealand embassy/consulate. The objective of the interview is to establish that you are a genuine, credible student, who is coming to New Zealand for academic purposes alone.

Prepping for the interview seriously and well in advance, is the key to successfully clearing it. First, you must ensure that you are in possession of all the necessary documents prior to the interview and are aware of all the related procedures. The second important step is plenty of preparation for the interview itself. By familiarising yourself with the kinds of questions that are likely to be asked, and preparing your answers accordingly, you will gain the confidence to handle the interview well. 

Interview questions

There is no fixed format or number of questions that you will be asked during the interview. The following are the main areas of information that you are likely to be asked about.

1. About your academic background

You would receive questions regarding your qualifications and where you studied in India, your area of study and your employment history. Your test scores and language fluency may be discussed. Any information about the change in the area of study, a gap in the academic/employment history, and the reasons for the same will also be addressed.

2. About your financial position

You must show that you are thorough with all the details regarding funding your course as well as your living expenses, both for the first academic year as well as subsequent years, as per your course duration. If you are availing any financial sponsorship or have taken a loan, you must show awareness of those details as well.

3. About your decision to study at your chosen university

4. About your decision to study your particular course 

5. About your decision to study in New Zealand, as opposed to your home country

Each of the above are intended to assess your reasons behind your choices, as well as how thorough you are with all the associated details. These include details about the course and its requirements, the university etc. You may receive questions pertaining to your choice to Study in New Zealand, as opposed to your home country. You will have to connect each of your decisions with your long-term career plans.

In addition, you may also be asked general questions pertaining to your knowledge about New Zealand.

6. Whether you plan to work alongside your studies

If you plan to work, you must show how working will benefit you in terms of your academic/career objectives, as well as your familiarity with the regulations regarding international students working. Remember that you cannot fund your course fees or your living expenses with work – you must display this awareness as well.

7. Whether you plan to stay back after graduation

Again, you will have to provide clear reasons for the same, as well as an awareness of the rules and regulations involved.

Important tips for preparation

1. Prepare the necessary information: Be aware of all the important practical information that you must know about, particularly those related to your course and your financial status. You must also be aware of all the rules related to international students in New Zealand.  

2. Think about your reasons: The answers to the reason-based questions are entirely subjective. Think of valid and specific reasons. Avoid general statements.

Bad answer: 

“The university is renowned worldwide for its engineering program.”

Good answer: 

“The department at the university has several faculty members, including Dr. X and Professor Y, who have research strengths in the area of medical technology. This is the area in which I wish to work, and I am looking forward to benefiting from their expertise.”

3. Do not learn by rote: While preparation is essential, you must not try to memorize your answers in advance. If you do so, the interviewer will be able to recognize that you have and you will make a bad impression. Furthermore, if you are asked about something that you have not prepared for, you will be at a loss for words, creating an even worse impression.

4. Be honest: Do not falsify any information or leave anything out in response to a question. If you are caught being dishonest, your application is likely to be rejected outright.

5. Be yourself: Do not try to appear to be anything that you are not – whether this is in terms of mentioning skills or interests that you do not possess, or even using words that you do not understand or a fake accent. 

For all your Study Abroad needs, from applying to universities to acing the visa interview, the Hurray Overseas Education counseling team is available for assistance. Book your one-on-one session with us now – reach out via email:overseaseducation@hurrayedutech.com, or phone; 8971357928 for more details.