Into NZ

New Zealand's international education sector is getting a major boost!

The government has, today, unveiled a new "𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻" to double the value of international education from $3.6 billion in 2024 to $7.2 billion by 2034. The aim is to grow student enrolments from 83,400 in 2024 to 105,000 in 2027 and 119,000 by 2034

As part of this plan, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is changing some of its rules to help attract more international students, keep education standards high, and manage immigration risks.

Here's what you need to know:

✅ From 𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, eligible school and tertiary students will be able to work 𝟮𝟱 hours per week, up from the current 20. This now makes New Zealand a world leader in its international student offering.

✅ Expanded work rights: Work rights are being extended to all tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes.

Under consideration:

✅ The government will investigate the possibility of a short-duration work visa of up to six months for international graduates who don't currently qualify for post-study work visas, allowing them to seek employment with accredited employers.

✅ The government will also explore ways to make it easier for students to apply for multi-year visas, reducing the costs and hassle of renewing visas.

✅ Streamlining assessment and requirements for student visas for students and institutions - this will bring a welcome review of certain internal practices considered overly negative by many immigration practitioners.

Striking the right balance between quantity and quality will be challenging. However, the government plan sets out its commitment to undertaking ongoing quality assurance and monitoring of education providers and qualifications. The messaging is clear: New Zealand is looking to welcome international students just as all other major markets (Australia, the UK, Canada and... of course, the USA) are taking a more restrictive approach.

If you are interested in studying in New Zealand, there's never been a better time. Feel free to get in touch with our team to discuss your international study aspirations!

hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

This just dropped.
Note: Back in 2023, we were told 11 roles were coming onto the Green List, but the government backed off in April 2024 due to prevailing labour market conditions.
However, for all but Road Roller Operators, it's game on again, provided you have been in one of these roles for 2 years and can meet relevant wage (and, of course, other skilled residence) requirements.
If normal rules apply, you will need to have been earning at least the relevant median wage for the 2 years unless you applied for your AEWV before 29 September 2023, but this detail will need to be confirmed once we see the new instructions.