While countries such as Australia, the UK and Canada are tightening their immigration policies and study visa rules, New Zealand has announced more opportunities for international students.

According to a recent announcement by the New Zealand government, international students who study for a postgraduate diploma for 30 weeks and transfer to a Master’s degree immediately afterward are now eligible for a Post Study Work (PSW) visa.

“Students who studied a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) for 30 weeks and immediately progressed to a Master’s degree, but were not enrolled in the Masters for 30 weeks, are now eligible to apply for a Post Study Work visa (PSWV) based on their PGDip enrolment. This will give students more flexibility in their course of study and ensure they can remain eligible to work following their qualification,” the official notice stated.

Similarly, if a student has completed a qualification that is eligible for a PSW visa then immediately completes a higher-level qualification (that is ineligible for PSW visa, including 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.

Students should note, though, that if a student wants a three-year PSW visa, they would need to complete at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand, enrolled in the Master’s degree itself. To be eligible for a PSW visa, applicants must hold an eligible New Zealand qualification that has been studied full-time in New Zealand for the required minimum duration and apply within the required timeframe.

In addition to this, a few more changes have been listed to align the list of qualifications eligible for a PSWV with the Green List. PSWV applicants who qualify to teach at secondary school no longer require a Bachelor’s degree specialising in Science, Mathematics, Technology or Pacific Languages. Additionally, applicants who have completed graduate diplomas and meet the Teaching Council’s registration requirements are able to get a PSWV to work as a Primary or Intermediate school teacher. Also, the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6) with a strand in Mechanical Engineering has been added so Mechanical Engineering Technicians are eligible for a PSWV.