🇳🇿New Zealand
Three years of open work visa after graduation and a PhD at the domestic rate, in the world’s most spectacular country.
A 3-year open work visa after graduation, 25 hours of work a week during your studies and a PhD charged at the domestic rate: New Zealand has one of the most generous frameworks in the world for international students.
Why New Zealand?
- 3 years of post-study workThe Post Study Work Visa gives graduates at bachelor’s level and above 3 years of unrestricted work: exactly the time you need to aim for permanent residency.
- A PhD at the local rateInternational doctoral students pay the domestic rate (around NZD 8,800 a year instead of NZD 40,000+): one of the best-kept secrets in global higher education.
- Work at NZD 23 an hour25 hrs/week during term at the minimum wage of NZD 23.15/hr: around NZD 14,000 per academic year.
- Eight recognised universitiesAuckland in the world top 70, with Otago, Victoria Wellington and Canterbury in the top 300: degrees accepted everywhere.
Admission requirements
- Baccalaureate with a strong record (bachelor’s) or a bachelor’s degree with transcripts (master’s)
- Proof of English: IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 for bachelor’s, 6.5 to 7.0 for master’s
- Motivation letter for competitive programmes
- For a PhD: prior agreement from a research supervisor
- Proof of funds: NZD 20,000 per year on top of tuition
- Mandatory health and travel insurance
The student visa is applied for online with Immigration New Zealand (3 to 8 weeks) after paying tuition or confirming a scholarship. Your exact work conditions are printed on the visa: we check them the moment it arrives.
Your monthly budget at a glance
| Expense | Range |
|---|---|
| University residence | NZD 800 – 1,200 |
| Flatshare | NZD 600 – 950 |
| Food | NZD 350 – 500 |
| Transport | NZD 60 – 120 |
| Phone, internet & extras | NZD 60 – 100 |
| Going out & leisure | NZD 120 – 250 |
| Estimated total | NZD 1,500 – 2,300 /month |
Auckland is the most expensive; Dunedin (Otago) and Christchurch offer real student life for less. Working at NZD 23/hr rebalances the budget.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work during my studies?
Yes: 25 hrs/week during term and full time during holidays. Research master’s and doctoral students can work with no hour limit at all.
How does the post-study visa work?
Graduates at bachelor’s level and above get 3 years of open work rights: any employer, any sector. You apply within 3 months of your student visa expiring.
Is the PhD really charged at the domestic rate?
Yes: international doctoral students living in New Zealand pay around NZD 8,800 a year. With university scholarships and unlimited work rights, a PhD largely pays for itself.
Is permanent residency within reach?
Yes: since the 2026 reform, two years of skilled experience are enough for the Skilled Migrant Category. The 3-year post-study visa gives you all the margin you need.
It’s far away: is it manageable?
It is the other side of the world (around 30 hours of travel), but thousands of international students take the leap every year for the quality of life and the prospects. We prepare you for everything, from the ticket to your first home.
Figures and rules verified at the time of publication: fees, scholarships and visa conditions change regularly. Every detail is confirmed with you, up to date, during the consultation.
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