New zealand announces new student e-visa

The online system is set to be introduced by the country in 2015 and will streamline a previously complex process, enabling students to apply for a visa with just a few clicks of their mouse.

The announcement follows figures from the country that indicate New Zealand is growing in popularity among international students.

Indeed, 5,100 international students enrolled between January and April 2014 compared to the same four months in 2013, a rise of 8 per cent. The growth has been driven by students from India and China, who are particularly interested in studying in Auckland and Christchurch.

The increase also marks a turnaround following the tragic earthquake in Christchurch, which saw student enrolments decline for two years.

"These results bring an additional $40 million in fees revenue for New Zealand education providers, as part of an estimated $100 million of wider economic benefit to the economy," Steven Joyce, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment told TVNZ.