Higher Education Study

New Zealand has eight universities and 19 Institutes of Technology. All of its higher education institutions are recognized by the government. Studying in New Zealand is divided into two parts: an undergraduate and a postgraduate degree. Undergraduate programs take three years to complete while postgraduate programs take an extra one to two years. After finishing your undergraduate degree you can also obtain an honors degree. Another choice would be to study one or two semesters abroad. If you decide to study abroad you can choose courses offered at any faculties making your study options flexible.

Work While Studying

If you want to work while studying in New Zealand, you can go for part-time jobs of 20 hours per week during the study period and 40 hours during semester break which will indeed help you to earn your living expense. Before opting for part-time jobs do check your eligibility and steps you need to take on.

Post Study Options

Students usually think what next after finishing the program. Some might stay on and get work experience in New Zealand or some might even consider going on to higher education, travel and spend some leisure time. Here are some options for the international students out there in New Zealand or planning to go:

Study To Work Policy

Study to work policy is basically for students and trainees who have completed their certain qualification in New Zealand. A student can apply a for a work permit; 3 months after the end date of the student permit. There are two options available for a student under study to work policy – the graduate job search permit and the work on completion of a course of a study permit.

If you are looking for a job, then you can go for post study work visa open. An only criterion is that you should have completed your qualification in New Zealand. Under this policy, one should submit the application three months after the student permit and this gives you 12 months to search a relevant job based on your qualification. This policy makes you work under an employer.

If you have already acquired a job offer then you can apply for work on completion of a course of study work permit. The main intention of this policy is to make you enter into an industry in which you have studied or trained in. You can apply for this policy, three months after the student permit or while you are under the post-study work permit visa with the employer assistance. This permit is valid for up to 3 years. Under this policy, you will only work for the specific employer, location, and position. In order to be eligible for this policy, you should have completed a course of a minimum of 2 years in New Zealand. The job must be accordance with your qualification in New Zealand.

Students can look out for job opportunities before their completion of a preferred course, as some employers in New Zealand does take on students over the summer holidays. After completion of your program, straight away you will be eligible for a work permit. And, once your work permit ends, you can extend your time period or else apply for a PR.