New Zealand introduces new policies in the Post-Study Work Visa. More opportunities and flexibility will be welcomed by international students.

Key updates in Post Study Work Visa

More clarification from the release states, "Students who studied a Postgraduate Diploma for 30 weeks 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 Post Study Work Visa based on their PGDip enrolment."

This is to the advantage of the students who have pursued a postgraduate diploma and did not complete the minimum required period in their Master's program, so they can still apply for a PSWV.

It added, "If a student has finished a qualification that is eligible for a PSWV and then completes a higher-level qualification (which is ineligible for a PSWV, 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 PSWV."

The rules are the same for students looking for a three-year PSWV from this program: at least 30 weeks of full-time study in the Master's program in itself. All students are bound to have only that amount of minimum full-time study period and apply within the time period.

Expanded eligibility

The government has also updated the list of qualifications eligible for a PSWV, aligning with the nation’s Green List to address skill shortages. Highlights include:

1. PSWV applicants who qualify to teach at secondary school no longer require a Bachelor’s degree specialising in Science, Mathematics, Technology, or Pacific Languages.

2. 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.

3. 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.