STUDY IN NEW ZEALAND
- Globally recognised qualifications
- Education includes both theoretical and practical modules focused on the demand of the industries
- Cost of education is cheaper as compared to other countries
- Cost effective industry endorsed programs for engineers
- Paid internships with some programmes
- Skill shortage across various sectors therefore high demand for fresh graduates
- Moderate climate conducive for study and recreation.
- Higher success rate of migrants and no discrimination
- High Student Visas as compared to countries like the US
NEW ZEALAND EDUCATION SYSTEM
The qualifications of New Zealand are issued and administered by New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). The education system of New Zealand includes universities, polytechnics and private training establishment.
TEST REQUIREMENTS
IELTS scores as a proof of English Proficiency.
Diploma programs: Overall band score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0
Bachelor’s Degree: Overall band score of 6.0
Graduate Diploma: Overall band score of 6.0
Post Graduate Diploma: IELTS Score is 6.5 overall
Master Programs: Overall band score of 6.5
INTAKE
New Zealand generally has two intakes i.e. January and July, with few universities offering multiple intakes in September and November. You should start your admission process around six months before the application deadline. Typically, most universities have three deadlines during one intake.
COST OF EDUCATION
Tuition fees vary depending on the institution and the study programme
WORK RIGHTS
25 hours per week; 40 hours during vacation.
STUDENT VISA APPLICATION PROCESS
The application process, much like most countries, is online. The documents we need will include:
- An Immigration NZ application form and fee
- Proof of your identity
- Your study plan (In some countries INZ has a template to use)
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Your Offer of Place and Fees Statement
Post-study work rights
The Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) is a significant for international students who want to gain work experience in New Zealand after completing their qualification. It allows eligible graduates to stay and work in New Zealand, helping them build their professional careers and, where applicable, strengthen future residence prospects.
However, significant policy changes introduced from May 2022 mean that eligibility is no longer automatic for all graduates.
Under previous settings, most PSWV holders were granted open work conditions, allowing them to work for any employer in any role. Under the current policy, work rights depend on the level and type of qualification completed.
Graduates who complete a Bachelor’s degree, Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s degree, or higher qualification are generally granted an open Post Study Work Visa, allowing them to work for any employer.
For some diploma programmes — particularly those aligned with Green List occupations — work rights may be restricted to specific roles or sectors related to the qualification.
This makes course selection and immigration planning more important than ever. Not all qualifications now lead to the same post-study work conditions, and assumptions based on earlier policies can be misleading.
Students should assess eligibility carefully before enrolment to ensure that their qualification aligns with both career goals and immigration objectives.
New work visa options for graduates available from 16 November
New work visa options for international graduates will be available from 16 November 2026.
The new 6-month Short-term Graduate Work Visa (SGWV) will be introduced for eligible NZQCF Level 5-7 graduates who do not qualify for a Post Study Work Visa (PSWV).
Graduates must have studied full-time for at least 24 weeks in New Zealand. English language, foundation, and bridging qualifications are not included.
PSWV eligibility will be extended to New Zealand graduate diploma holders who also hold a bachelor’s degree (including bachelor’s degrees studied outside New Zealand).
The PSWV may be granted for the duration the student spent studying their graduate diploma in New Zealand, up to a maximum of 1 year. The student must have been enrolled and studied the entire graduate diploma in New Zealand – recognised prior learning, cross crediting or similar examples do not count.
Graduates can only apply for these visas within 3 months of their relevant student visa expiring.
It is highly advisable to consult with licensed Immigration advisor who can assess your profile against the latest Post Study Work Visa NZ requirements.
