New Zealand Simplifies Post Study Work Visa Rules for International Students

With the aim of opening new doors for international students, the government of New Zealand has announced an easy application for a Post-Study Work (PSW) visa. Amid the stricter immigration policies of other countries, this move by New Zealand will come as a big relief for international students. Students enrolled in postgraduate diploma for 30 weeks and immediately transferred to any Master’s degree are eligible to apply for this PSW visa in New Zealand.

This Story also Contains

1. Why do international students choose New Zealand as a study abroad destination?
2. What changes have been made to the list of qualifications eligible for a PSW visa?
3. Growing attraction among students amid global competition

While other countries such as Australia, Canada, and the UK are bringing in tighter measures for restraining foreign immigration and study visa rules, New Zealand is welcoming international students to study in New Zealand and giving them greater opportunities to flourish.

Why do international students choose New Zealand as a study abroad destination?

The appeal of pursuing higher studies in New Zealand for international students goes beyond just world-class education. The opportunity to gain work experience after graduation is one of the factors that encourage students to choose this place for a bright future. The revised post-study work visa policies will open new doors for exploring new work opportunities for students after their study.

What changes have been made to the list of qualifications eligible for a PSW visa?

Students who have completed postgraduate diploma (PGDip) for 30 weeks and immediately started doing Master’s can easily apply for PSW visa based on their PGDip enrolment. It is not compulsory for them to be enrolled for 30 weeks of the masters as well, giving them the flexibility to decide their duration of study and make them eligible for working after their education," says an official in the report by the Indian Express.

Similarly, if a student has completed a qualification eligible for a PSW visa and then immediately completed a higher-level qualification (that is ineligible for a PSW visa, among other reasons because they did not study for the minimum duration), they will have 12 months from the end date of their student visa for the initial qualification to apply for a PSW visa.

A student who wants a post-study work visa in New Zealand for three years has to complete a minimum of 30 weeks of full-time study there and get enrolled in a Master's degree as well. It is mandatory for a student to have an eligible qualification that he has studied in New Zealand for a PSW visa. Only then will he/she be eligible for a post-study work visa with a green list.

Such candidates who have a PSW visa and also qualify to teach at a secondary school in New Zealand would not require a bachelor’s degree in subjects like science, mathematics, technology, or Pacific languages. Furthermore, international students who have successfully completed their graduate diplomas and meet the requirements of the Teaching Council’s registration can easily get a PSW visa to work in New Zealand as a primary or intermediate teacher in school.

What’s more? In New Zealand, the mechanical engineering technicians are eligible for a PSWV as the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6).

Education providers and industry experts are in favour of these changes and support the decision that the New Zealand government has taken.

Growing attraction among students amid global competition

In 2023, New Zealand saw a 67% increase in the number of students enrolled as compared to 2022, and the number has been increasing manifold times year-after-year. A statement from INZ clarified that, out of every 10 international students, 9 rate their experience in New Zealand positive, and this points towards the growing traction of New Zealand among students as one of their favourite study abroad destinations worldwide.