Introduction – Key Stat on Post-Study Work Visa

In 2023/24, 90,056  New Zealand student visa applications were made, but only 5,597 NZ post-study work visas were issued. In 2018/19,  25,050 students applied for post-study work visas; the numbers have been steadily declining over the years.

The government recently made changes to make working in NZ easier so that more PG students can use post-study work visas. 

It’s essential to choose the right course if you want to work and settle in NZ after your studies are over.

Also, a note for students struggling in the UK: if you’re considering studying abroad in a country other than the UK or US, New Zealand offers a great chance to achieve PR.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the top 10 best courses to study in New Zealand so that you can get your PR (Permanent Residency) quickly.

Introduction to ICL immigration:

We have been based in Auckland for over 2 decades; we have partnered with nearly 20 institutes and universities and helped international briefs get admission to NZ institutions and settle in New. Zealand.

Let’s dive into the top 10 Master’s programs that can lead to excellent career and residency opportunities in New Zealand.

  1. Master of Philosophy
    • Duration: 1 year (120 credits)
    • Reason to choose: This is ideal for students with arts or general bachelor’s degrees looking to pivot into diverse fields like politics, international relations, or counselling. It’s a versatile course for those who don’t fit into more technical programs.
    • Benefits: 3-year post-study work visa and PR pathway after gaining one year of experience.
  2. Master of Professional Accounting
    • Duration: 1.5 years
    • Reason to choose: Perfect for commerce students passionate about accounting. It offers a clear path to roles in the financial sector and potential chartered accountancy.
    • Benefits: Work visa and PR pathway.
  3. Master of Teaching and Learning
    • Duration: 1.5 years
    • Reason to choose: This program equips students with the skills to register as teachers in New Zealand, a field with consistent demand.
    • Benefits: Pathway to teacher registration in New Zealand.
  4. Master of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
    • Duration: 1.5 years
    • Reason to choose: With the growing need for cybersecurity experts in the AI-driven world, this program prepares students for cutting-edge IT roles.
    • Benefits: Excellent career prospects in IT and cybersecurity.
  5. Master of Construction Management
    • Duration: 1 year
    • Reason to choose: Ideal for students with backgrounds in construction, architecture, or civil engineering, this program leads to high-demand roles in infrastructure development.
    • Benefits: Work visa and residency pathway.
  6. Master of Engineering Project Management
    • Duration: 1 year
    • Reason to choose: This course is tailored for engineering graduates who specialise in managing technical projects efficiently, a skill highly valued in New Zealand.
    • Benefits: Work visa and residency pathway.
  7. Master of IT Project Management
    • Duration: 1 year
    • Reason to choose: A great fit for IT professionals, this program enhances leadership and management skills in tech-focused projects.
    • Benefits: Career advancement and PR eligibility.
  8. Master of Health Practice
    • Duration: 1.5 years
    • Reason to choose: Designed for students with a background in biology or health sciences, this course leads to entry-level or growth roles in the health sector, which consistently needs skilled workers.
    • Benefits: Strong job prospects and PR pathway.
  9. Master of International Hospitality Management
    • Duration: 1.5 years
    • Reason to choose: Perfect for those interested in tourism and hospitality, this capitalises on New Zealand’s booming travel industry.
    • Benefits: Work visa, career growth in tourism, and PR eligibility.
  10. Master of Law (LLM)
    • Duration: 1 year
    • Reason to choose: Ideal for law graduates, this program provides in-depth knowledge of New Zealand’s legal system and opportunities to practice law.
    • Benefits: Career growth in the legal field and PR pathway.

Bonus Courses for Students

  1. Master of Science (Research)
    • Duration: 2 years
    • Reason to choose: This course supports students aiming for research-oriented careers, offering flexibility to work full-time during their studies.
    • Benefits: Spouses can also work full-time, and the course leads to excellent research Ph.D. opportunities.
  2. Master of Contemporary International Studies
    • Duration: 2 years
    • Reason to choose: A versatile program suitable for students from diverse academic backgrounds, this course allows for full-time work during study while pursuing advanced research.
    • Benefits: Flexible entry requirements and PR pathway.

The key reason to Study in New Zealand:

  • Work Rights During Study: Master’s students can work part-time during their studies, gaining valuable experience.
  • Clear Residency Pathways: Programs align with New Zealand’s PR policies, requiring relevant skilled experience rather than mandatory professional memberships.
  • Job Market Flexibility: Unlike in the UK, New Zealand offers better opportunities in fields like hospitality and finance without requiring additional qualifications like ACCA or CFA.
  • Supportive Immigration Policies: Students and spouses benefit from full-time work rights in certain programs, enhancing financial stability.

FAQs 

  1. What jobs can students target with a Master of Philosophy?
  2. Careers include corporate roles, counselling, team building, politics, and international relations.
  3. How does the job market for Hospitality courses in New Zealand compare to the UK?
  4. In New Zealand, hospitality management courses are highly, and they have strong job and PR prospects. In contrast, the UK sees limited demand for such courses.
  5. Do students in finance need additional certifications like ACCA or CFA in New Zealand?
  6. No, it’s not mandatory. A skilled job relevant to their studies suffices for PR pathways, unlike the UK.
  7. How does the New Zealand job market support students without prior experience?
  8. Students can work part-time during their studies and often secure entry-level or management roles upon graduation. Motivation and hard work play a key role.

Conclusion

It’s clear that New Zealand offers a much better pathway for students compared to the UK and other developed economies. We believe the above guide will help our audience with the best PR courses in New Zealand.

If you have a question or need any guidance, you can connect with our licensed advisor, and they will help you choose the right courses and all Visa processes.

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Erik Murthy

Abhay Kumar

Abhay is the Head of Digital Marketing at ICL, bringing a wealth of experience and a data-driven approach to strategy. He holds a master’s degree in Management and has a deep understanding of New Zealand’s immigration process. His passion for content writing and reading enhances his ability to connect meaningfully with our audience.

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