New Zealand has long been a favoured destination for international students due to its quality education, welcoming environment, and clear pathways to permanent residency (PR).
In 2023-24, 90,056 applied for student visas, a number that was above 100,000 before COVID-19. The number of student visa applications is increasing, and it’s expected to reach a new high in the coming year.
In this blog, we’ll explore why New Zealand stands out and is preferred by students.
The New Zealand Advantage for Students
One of the most compelling reasons to study in New Zealand is its simplified pathway to PR. Unlike countries like the UK, where obtaining PR typically requires five years on a skilled visa or navigating through complex visa categories, New Zealand offers a much more straightforward process. Here’s how:
- Flexible Study Options: Students can choose one- to two-year Master’s program years. During this time, they can work part-time while their spouse is eligible for an open work visa. Dependent children can even study for free under domestic student visa provisions.
- Post-Study Work Visa: After completing their studies, studentsapply foravail a post-study work for from one to three years, depending on the program. This allows ample time to gain relevant work experience and build points toward PR.
- PR in Two Years: A Master’s degree earns students five points, and working in New Zealand for just one year adds one more point, meeting the six-point requirement for PR. For families, if one spouse studies while the other works, the timeline can be even shorter.
- Work Rights for Partners of Student Visa Holders: In July 2024, the New Zealand government introduced a policy update granting extended work rights to partners of students enrolled in high-demand qualification programs. This initiative seeks to attract skilled professionals while supporting students in specialized areas of study.
Why New Zealand Stands Out
Unlike other popular destinations, New Zealand offers:
- Inclusive Family Policies: Families can migrate together, with spouses eligible to work full-time and children receiving free education.
- Green List Programs: Courses like civil engineering, construction management, healthcare, and IT are in high demand and provide a direct pathway to PR.
- Affordable Education: Master’s programs start at approximately 15-16 lakh INR, making it a cost-effective investment for a brighter future.
Eligibility Requirements for Student Visas
To apply for a student visa in New Zealand, students need:
- A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for postgraduate programs (with no band less than 6).
- To show financial stability for studying in New Zealand, you need to provide evidence of the following:
- Living costs: At least NZD $20,000 per year for tertiary, English language, or other non-compulsory education, or NZD $1,667 per month if your course is shorter than a year.
- Compulsory education (Years 1–13): NZD $17,000 per year or NZD $1,417 per month if studying for less than a year.
- Additional costs: Proof of medical insurance and airfare for your first year.
Popular Programs for Migration
Beyond traditional STEM fields, New Zealand also offers excellent opportunities in:
- Early Childhood Education: A one-year graduate diploma program on the Green List, enabling students to bring their families while studying.
- Healthcare: Nursing, aged care, and medical sciences programs are highly sought after.
- Engineering and IT: These are fields in which there is ongoing demand and robust career prospects.
- Construction Industry – It’s a high-demand sector.
- Primary and Secondary teachers – Teachers are in high demand, in 2024 NZ government announced a fast-track residency for Secondary Teachers
A Migration-Friendly Pathway
New Zealand’s migration policies are designed to support integration. By starting on a study visa, individuals and their families can acclimate to the country, its culture, and its job market while building a stable future.
A Golden Opportunity
New Zealand remains one of the most attractive destinations for students looking to migrate and settle abroad. With flexible intakes, affordable education, and clear PR pathways, now is the perfect time to explore opportunities in this “heaven on Earth.”
If you’re considering New Zealand as your destination for education and migration, contact expert advisors to guide you through the process and help you make the most of this incredible opportunity.
