Study Archives - New Zealand Shores

New Zealand’s Infrastructure Boom and Education Plan Open Doors for Migrants and International Students

fab-admin — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 06:23:12 +0000

The New Zealand government has announced two major initiatives that together signal a clear message: Aotearoa is open for growth, talent, and long-term migration.

Massive Infrastructure Investment to Create Thousands of Jobs in New Zealand

The New Zealand government is investing billions in national infrastructure projects—upgrading roads, public transport, housing, water systems, and hospitals. These projects will create tens of thousands of new jobs across the country.

Aotearoa is open for growth, talent, and long-term migration

This is a golden opportunity for skilled migrants in engineering, construction, trades, IT, logistics, and project management. These jobs are closely aligned with New Zealand’s long-term immigration strategy, meaning visa pathways are being streamlined to meet demand and we are already seeing meaningful additions to the New Zealand Green list.

Eligibility assessment

New International Student Strategy Offers Pathways to Work and Residency

At the same time, the government is moving to supercharge its international education sector, aiming to more than double the number of international students over the next decade. With a new strategic plan to increase enrolments and strengthen support pathways, international learners will find clearer routes from study to skilled employment and ultimately, to residency. The education sector is being positioned not just as an export, but as a cornerstone of long-term workforce development.

For anyone looking to study in New Zealand as a pathway to permanent residency, the timing couldn’t be better. These policies align to create a favourable environment where students can transition into high-demand jobs—many of which are directly tied to the infrastructure push—and then apply for long-term visas under New Zealand’s evolving immigration settings. And Immigration New Zealand has already taken a few steps towards positive updates to student working rights.

Study, Work, and Settle in New Zealand: Your Pathway Starts Here

In short, whether you’re planning to bring your skills directly into the workforce or come to study and settle, New Zealand is actively making space for you.

Whether you're:

A skilled worker looking for stable, long-term employment
A student planning to gain qualifications and settle
A family exploring relocation and permanent residency options

These policy shifts show that New Zealand is actively making space for new talent and future citizens.

Now is the ideal time to begin your journey—through education, employment, or both

Eligibility assessment

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QS World University Rankings 2026: Why New Zealand Is a Top Study Destination for International Students

fab-admin — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:38:14 +0000

If you're considering studying abroad, the newly released QS World University Rankings 2026 offer compelling reasons to put New Zealand universities at the top of your list. Known for their academic excellence, strong global reputations, and welcoming student environment, New Zealand's institutions are also becoming a strategic pathway to New Zealand residency through study.

Top-Ranked Universities in New Zealand – QS Rankings 2026

In this year’s global rankings, New Zealand’s universities have performed exceptionally well, with all eight ranked institutions placing in the top 30% of over 1,500 universities worldwide.

University of Auckland leads the way at #65 in the world, retaining its place in the top 100 for another year and improving its score significantly in academic and employer reputation.

University of Otago returns to the global top 200, now tied at #197.

Massey University has made notable progress, ranking #230 globally and overtaking several peers.

Other strong performers include Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, and University of Waikato, all ranked within the top 300.

AUT and Lincoln University also maintained solid rankings, with AUT at #410, reinforcing New Zealand’s reputation for quality higher education.

As a country, New Zealand ranks 5th globally among nations with at least eight ranked universities, outperforming many larger and more established education systems in key areas like international faculty ratio and sustainability efforts.

Study in New Zealand

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Study in New Zealand and Unlock a Pathway to Residency

For many international students, studying in New Zealand is more than just earning a degree—it's a smart move toward permanent residency in New Zealand.

Here’s how:

After completing a recognised degree at a New Zealand institution, you may be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa (valid for up to three years).
This work experience can count toward eligibility for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, particularly in high-demand sectors like IT, engineering, health, education, agriculture, and construction.
You may also study a qualification that leads to employment opportunities in a role on the Green list, such as Teacher or Quantity Surveyor

Many degree programs offer work-integrated learning and internships, giving students valuable local experience that employers look for.

This education-to-residency pathway makes New Zealand an increasingly attractive option for students who want more than just a qualification—they want a future.

Residency pathways

Why Choose New Zealand for Higher Education in 2026?

New Zealand has globally ranked universities with strong reputations for research and teaching. The country offers a safe, diverse, and inclusive society perfect for international students. It boast high graduate employability rates and strong industry links, and there are clear post-study pathways that support long-term career and immigration goals.

New Zealand also has stunning natural landscapes, a relaxed lifestyle, and a unique blend of Māori and modern culture.

Whether you're searching for the best universities in New Zealand for international students or exploring how to study and settle in New Zealand, 2026 is the perfect time to take the next step.

Ready to Study in New Zealand in 2026?

We can help you find the right programme, understand visa requirements, and map out your education-to-residency journey in New Zealand.

Contact us today to learn how studying in New Zealand can lead to long-term opportunities—and a life you love in Aotearoa. Or take our online assessment!

The post QS World University Rankings 2026: Why New Zealand Is a Top Study Destination for International Students appeared first on New Zealand Shores.

New Eligibility criteria for family of Work visa holders

fab-admin — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 23:21:25 +0000

The New Zealand Government has announced changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. Effective immediately, AEWV holders in ANZSCO level 4 or 5 roles can no longer support visa applications for their partners and children. This includes work, student, and visitor visas.

This change does not affect visa holders in ANZSCO level 1, 2, 3 roles

However, partners and dependent children can still apply for these visas independently if they meet the necessary immigration requirements.

Notably, this change DOES NOT affect:

Individuals who already hold visas as a partner or dependent child of an AEWV holder.
Applications from partners or dependent children of AEWV holders that were received before June 26. These are assessed based on the previous policy that was in place at the time of application.
AEWV holders in ANZSCO level 4 or 5 roles who have a pathway to residency.
- This includes roles on the Green List, those covered by a Sector Agreement with a residence pathway, and those earning at least 1.5 times the residency median wage (currently $31.61).
- Partners of care workers may now be eligible for a work visa if the principal applicant (care worker) is earning at least the temporary visa median wage ($29.66)
AEWV holders in ANZSCO level 1, 2, or 3 roles
partners of students
partners of New Zealand residents/citizens

The post New Eligibility criteria for family of Work visa holders appeared first on New Zealand Shores.

New Eligibility criteria for partners of international students

fab-admin — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 04:01:36 +0000

Good news for families moving via study pathway

We are thrilled to announce a significant amendment to the immigration instructions that will bring clarity and excitement to many current and prospective students and their families.

Partners of students undertaking a level 9 or 10 programme (Masters of PhD) may obtain a work visa to accompany their spouse or partner. But until this morning, programmes below level 9 were less straightforward: there was considerable confusion regarding the eligibility criteria for a student (current or prospective) holding a student visa to study a level 7 or 8 qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) to support their partner for work visa. The ambiguity centered on whether the requirement was for the role or the exact course to be on the Green List. Immigration New Zealand has now clarified that the actual qualification must be mentioned on the Green List, which previously led to many students being unable to bring their partners to New Zealand on a work visa.

The new guidelines now include all qualifications that make a person eligible for a work visa if their partner holds a student visa to study a level 7 or 8 qualification specified on the Green List. Qualifications required for occupational registration have now been added to the Green List.

Question about studying in New Zealand?

Email our team!

The following programmes have been added to the existing list of qualifications:

Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Bachelor of Dental Technology
Bachelor of Dental Technology with Honours
Bachelor of Health Science (Endorsement in Dental Therapy)
Bachelor of Oral Healtk
Bachelor of Health Science in Oral Health
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Bachelor of Midwifery
Bachelor of Health Science (Midwifery)
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science with Honours
Bachelor of Health Science (Perioperative Practice)
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science in Physics (Medical Physics and Imaging Technology)
Bachelor of Science with Honours in Medical Physics
Bachelor of Applied Science
Bachelor of Psychology
Bachelor of Veterinary Science
Bachelor of Counselling
Bachelor of Counselling and Addiction Practice
Bachelor of Health Sciences (Mental Health and Addiction)
Bachelor of Applied Counselling*
Bachelor of Health Science in Counselling*
Bachelor of Social Services (Counselling)*
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Chiropractic
Bachelor of Science with a major in nutrition, food science, or Dietetics
Bachelor of Optometry
Bachelor of Health Science
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Biomedical Engineering
Bachelor of Health Science in Paramedicine
Bachelor of Health Science (Paramedic)
Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Health
Bachelor of Science in Genetics
Bachelor of Pharmacy
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Bachelor of Health Science (Physiotherapy)
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching)
Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Childhood Education
Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
Poutuarongo Whakaakoranga Kōhungahunga (PWK) (Taumata 7 Rumaki Māori Early Childhood)
Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood
Te Tohu Paetahi Whakaako Kohungahunga: Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood Education
Bachelor's degree in speech and language therapy with Honours
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)
Bachelor of Applied Social Work
Bachelor of Bicultural Social Work
Bachelor of Social Practice
Bachelor of Medical Imaging
Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology)
Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging)
Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours)
Bachelor of Radiation Therapy
Bachelor of Health Science (Occupational Therapy)
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (at Otago Polytechnic or Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec))
Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry)
Bachelor of Education (Technology)
Bachelor of Teaching

The post New Eligibility criteria for partners of international students appeared first on New Zealand Shores.

Study in New Zealand – Showcasing Massey University

fab-admin — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 00:22:04 +0000

Unlock Your Academic Journey

New Zealand Shores Partners with Massey University for an informative 1-Hour webinar.

Delve into a variety of study options and gain insight into exciting placement opportunities.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Note: Information reflects the current landscape but is subject to change, stay posted.

Webinar contents

02:10 Studying in New Zealand
05:10 Massey campuses
10:10 NZ Economic Outlook
12:33 Green list Careers
13:20 Ranking
14:40 Entry requirements
16:02 Study Aviation
22:46 Study Veterinary Science
28:47 Study Food Technology
30:20 Study Construction & Quantity Surveying
32:32 Study Computer Science and IT
33:50 Study Business
36:20 Study Agriculture
37:00 Showcase video
38:20 Tuition & Living Costs
40:00 Work rights
42:30 Why choose Massey
45:25 English requirements
45:50 Pathway programmes
53:18 Massey University College
56:15 Scholarships

The post Study in New Zealand – Showcasing Massey University appeared first on New Zealand Shores.

Study in New Zealand – Showcasing Victoria University of Wellington

fab-admin — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 00:17:56 +0000

Your Academic Pathway Unveiled: Join New Zealand Shores and Victoria University of Wellington for an exclusive 1-Hour Webinar.

Explore Study Options and Placement Opportunities—Straightforward and Up-to-Date Information for Your Next Steps.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Note: The information presented is accurate at the time it was recorded and is subject to change.

Webinar contents

3:34 Wellington at a glance
7:50 Victoria University
8:14 Rankings
11:40 Campuses
13:14 Subject areas
13:47 Study levels
14:46 Admissions requirements
15:50 English language requirements
16:20 English courses
19:28 China 3-year diploma pathway to Masters Programmes
25:50 Business & Government
36:15 Humanities & Social Sciences
39:10 Engineering
44:20 Key Dates
46:00 Accommodation
48:14 International Student Support
50:40 Career services
53:27 Leadership Awards
55:45 Scholarships
57:10 Q&A

The post Study in New Zealand – Showcasing Victoria University of Wellington appeared first on New Zealand Shores.

Study in New Zealand – Showcasing the University of Waikato

fab-admin — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 22:58:44 +0000

Embark on Your Academic Adventure: Join New Zealand Shores and the University of Waikato for an exclusive Webinar! Discover a world of study options and exciting placement opportunities in Just 1 Hour.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Note: The information presented is accurate at the time it was recorded and is subject to change.

Webinar contents:
2:50 University of Waikato rankings
3:45 Waikato Business School
4:25 Key Bachelor Programmes
5:30 Entry requirements - Undergraduate studies
6:40 Entry requirements - Post-Graduate/Masters studies
8:30 Internship and placement partnerships and opportunities
12:40 Career development services
13:15 What is it like to study in the Waikato?
15:12 Campus tour
15:56 Scholarships
20:06 Health, Engineering, Computing * Science (HECS)
20:42 Spotlight on new qualifications (2023-2024)
21:12 Course planner case study: Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science
22:40 Course showcase: Master of Nursing Practice
25:40 Course showcase: Master of Business & Management
27:40 University of Waikato College
30:00 College Programmes overview
34:00 Academic pathways to Bachelor's Degrees
35:50 Pre-Masters pathways
43:10 Why choose the University of Waikato?
46:15 Accommodation options

The post Study in New Zealand – Showcasing the University of Waikato appeared first on New Zealand Shores.

Fee-free vocational Education and training

fab — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 03:23:34 +0000

A Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF; also known as free trades training) is available to support learners to undertake vocational education and training without fees. Some temporary visa holders may qualify

What is the TTAF?

The Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund makes a range of training and apprenticeship programmes at sub-degree level free for learners. It is aimed to upskill New Zealanders and some temporary visa holders towards acquiring industry skills that are needed in targeted areas.

Who qualifies?

All New Zealand citizens and residents qualify, but you may also qualify as a temporary work visa holder if your employer supports your study plans.

More information (Tertiary Education Commission)

What courses are available?

All apprenticeships
Level 3-7 sub-degree programmes in targeted areas delivered by tertiary providers
Industry training, outside of apprenticeships, in targeted areas, such as
- Primary industries, including agriculture, horticulture and viticulture, fisheries and forestry;
- Construction, including building, plumbing, and civil engineering;
- Community support, including youth work, care for elderly, counselling, and community health including mental health and addiction support;
- Manufacturing and mechanical engineering and technology;
- Electrical engineering;
- Road transport (vehicle operations);
- Conservation, including freshwater management, biodiversity and biosecurity training needs that support the Jobs for Nature initiative;
- Information technology, including cybersecurity, technical support and web development; and
  Expanded scope within community support, to specifically include enrolled nursing and cleaning (within community health), and programmes that train teacher aides and people learning to teach New Zealand Sign Language to others (within support for people with disabilities).

A full list of programmes is available here.

QUESTIONS? CONTACT US!

The post Fee-free vocational Education and training appeared first on New Zealand Shores.

Domestic tertiary student eligibility change for dependent children of migrants applying for 2021 Resident Visa

fab — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 00:40:22 +0000

Domestic student eligibility in tertiary institutions

Along with the one-off resident visa and the one-off 12 months interim visa, the Government has announced a one-off tertiary student visa that may enable certain non-resident dependent children to study at tertiary level as domestic students (no international student fees) from 1st January 2022, and for the 2022 and 2023 academic years.

INZ website

What is a domestic student?

Traditionally, a domestic student is a New Zealand resident or citizens, and pays 1/2 to 1/3 of the fees charged to an international student, for the same course. Non-residents would normally require an offer of place, and an international student visa, to study at tertiary level at universities, polytechnics and institutes of technology, wānanga and private training establishments.

What changes and who is eligible?

The definition of a domestic tertiary student (for the 2022 and 2023 academic years only) has been expanded to include people who are:

currently in New Zealand and,
25 or under as at 1 January 2022 and,
1. the child of a person who held one of the following visa types as at 29 September 2021:
  - Essential Skills Work Visa
  - Approval in Principle
  - Work to Residence (all categories)
  - Skilled Migrant Category Job Search
  - Religious Worker
  - Post Study Work Visa
  - Work Visa granted under section 61 of the Immigration Act 2009 (provided the applicant held another eligible visa type within 6 months of being granted a visa under section 61)
  - Special work visa for victims of people trafficking
  - Migrant Exploitation Protection
  - Special work visa for victims of family violence
  - Silver Fern Practical Experience
  - Other Critical Workers visitor visas (provided the visa was granted for a minimum of 6 months)
  - Critical Health Workers visitor visa (provided the visa was granted for a minimum of 6 months ); or

2. the child of a person who was granted a visa between 30 September 2021 and 31 July 2022 if it is:
  - an Other Critical Workers visa (provided the visa was granted for a minimum of 6 months); or
  - a Critical Health Workers visa (provided the visa was granted for a minimum of 6 months).

In other words, if you have a 2021 resident visa application currently in process or are eligible to apply, your dependent child aged 25 or under can commence their studies at tertiary level, before you/they become a New Zealand resident.

What is the process?

Eligible applicants will require a new student visa with conditions that allow them to study as domestic tertiary students and will be able to apply from 1 January 2022. These visas will be granted with an expiry date that either aligns with the expiry date of their parent’s visa or 31 December 2023, whichever is sooner.

Can the child work on this visa?

You may seek a Variation of Conditions on the visa to allow work rights up to 20 hours per week. You will need evidence of enrollment for this.

The post Domestic tertiary student eligibility change for dependent children of migrants applying for 2021 Resident Visa appeared first on New Zealand Shores.

New Border class exception for 1,000 international tertiary students

fab — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 03:56:15 +0000

More international students allowed in New Zealand

A further border class exception for 1,000 international tertiary students has been approved by the New Zealand Government. This is very exciting news and a positive indication of the steps New Zealand is taking towards allowing students and workers into the country. This new exemption will allow certain categories of international students to commence their studies in New Zealand, namely:

400 pilot trainees
300 students at degree level and above, and
300 students at the sub-degree level.

These new students are expected to be able to commence studies from March-2022.

More information

More international students allowed in New Zealand

A further border class exception for 1,000 international tertiary students has been approved by the New Zealand Government for certain categories of international students, namely

400 pilot trainees
300 students at degree level and above, and
300 students at the sub-degree level.

These new students are expected to be able to commence studies from March-2022.

How will the selection process be managed?

Education providers will be asked to nominated international students who are eligible for a border exception to the Ministry of Education by December 2021. The latter will be responsible for confirming students are eligible for the border exception by January 2022, to allow them to start their course in March 2022.

Timeline

October 2021 - Eligibility criteria confirmed
November 2021 - Education providers are expected to nominate and communicate with eligible students to allow for allocation of places
December 2021 - Ministry of Education to commence nomination process
January 2022 - Successful nominated students announced, student visa applications open
March 2022 - expected first student arrivals to New Zealand

What can candidates do?

You should reach out to your education consultant or the education provider to express your interest. Only once nomination has been confirmed can you proceed with a visa application.

You will need to have evidence that you have at least NZD $20,000 annually for living costs (or NZD $1,667 for each month of study if your programme of study is less than thirty-six weeks).

You will also require to be fully vaccinated with any of the 22 COVID-19 vaccines approved by a government or approval authority and received your last dose at least 14 days prior to arrival in New Zealand.

See eligible vaccines

The post New Border class exception for 1,000 international tertiary students appeared first on New Zealand Shores.