Amandeep Kaur

Hamilton (New Zealand), Feb 16 There has been an over three-fold increase in Indians getting student visas to study in New Zealand in the past five years, authorities said.

As many as 9,591 Indians were issued students visas for the financial year 2008-09 as compared to 2,972 for the year 2004-05, said Immigration New Zealand. From July 1, 2009 to Jan 31, 2010, a total of 5,544 Indian student visa applications have been approved.

India stood second, after China, among 194 countries on the New Zealand immigration list.

Despite China holding the first position, the number of Chinese student coming to New Zealand has decreased from 52,059 to 26,518 in the past four years.

Parul, an Indian student, said the country has one of the best education systems, shortest visa processing time and student support services.

Richard Howard, an immigration adviser, said: "In view of the recent spate of attacks on the current batch in Australia and the U.K.'s sudden decision to temporarily stop accepting student visa applications at its three centres in north India, the number is expected to increase more this year."