The New Zealand Post Study Work Visa allows graduates to remain and work in the country for up to three years.
New Zealand has updated the qualifications list for Post Study Work Visas to match the Green List.
The New Zealand Post Study Work Visa allows graduates to stay and work for up to three years, depending on their qualifications. The New Zealand government has updated the Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) rules to ensure that students who complete a Master’s degree after a Postgraduate Diploma do not lose their eligibility for a PSWV.
Students who completed a 30-week Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) and immediately progressed to a Master’s degree, but were not enrolled in the Master’s for 30 weeks, are now eligible to apply for a PSWV based on their PGDip enrolment.
To qualify for a PSWV, applicants must hold an eligible New Zealand qualification studied full-time for the required duration and apply within the specified timeframe.
If a student completes an eligible qualification for a PSWV and then immediately pursues a higher-level qualification (that is ineligible for a PSWV due to not meeting the minimum study duration), they will have 12 months from the end date of their student visa for the initial qualification to apply for a PSWV.
This change allows students greater flexibility in their academic pursuits while maintaining their eligibility to work after completing their qualifications.
To obtain a 3-year Post Study Work Visa, a student must complete at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand, specifically enrolled in the Master’s degree program.
Modifications to the qualifications list for Post Study Work Visa eligibility
The qualifications list for Post Study Work Visas (PSWV) is being updated to match the Green List:
- The New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6) with a specialization in Mechanical Engineering is now included, making Mechanical Engineering Technicians eligible for a PSWV.
- PSWV applicants who qualify to teach at secondary school no longer require a Bachelor’s degree specializing in Science, Mathematics, Technology or Pacific Languages
- Applicants who have completed graduate diplomas and meet the Teaching Council’s registration requirements can get a PSWV to work as a Primary or Intermediate school teacher