New Zealand is one of the popular higher education destinations for Indian students. While immigrants do appreciate the amazing quality of life it offers, plenty of good-paying job opportunities are yet another reason why Indian look forward to staying in New Zealand.
Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand
New Zealand, with its low population and high quality of life, is a dream destination for many Indians. After completing their graduation in New Zealand, many international students choose to stay for a few years to experience the country’s lifestyle. The post-study work visa in New Zealand enables graduates to work for any employer and take up a wide range of job opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria for the Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand
To qualify for the post-study work visa in New Zealand, you must meet the following requirements:
- You need to have studied in New Zealand.
- Your qualification must be at least Level 4 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework or higher.
- You can apply for another post-study work visa if you complete a new qualification in New Zealand, provided that:
- The qualification is studied for 30 weeks or more.
- It is a bachelor’s degree or higher-level postgraduate qualification.
- The qualification is at a higher level than the one used to apply for your previous visa.
For those aiming to live permanently in New Zealand, securing a skilled job in an occupation facing a labour shortage can increase your chances of obtaining a residence visa.
Eligible Qualification for the Post-Study Work Visa
To qualify for a visa under the Post-Study Work stream, your education must meet specific criteria. Here are the key requirements to note:
- CRICOS Registration: The course you completed must be registered with CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students).
- Course Completion: You must successfully complete all requirements of your course.
- Language of Instruction: The course must have been conducted in English.
- Minimum Study Period: You must have completed at least two academic years (92 weeks) of study.
- Residence Requirement: You must have spent at least 16 calendar months physically in Australia to complete your studies.
- Valid Visa During Study: You must have held an Australian visa that allowed you to study during your course.
- Diploma Qualification Exception:
- Students completing courses that result solely in Diploma qualifications are not eligible for the Post-Study Work Visa.
- However, with a Diploma, you may qualify for a visa under the Graduate Work stream, which has different eligibility criteria.
Ensuring your qualification aligns with these requirements is crucial to securing a Post-Study Work Visa in Australia.
Top Business Jobs in New Zealand
New Zealand is renowned for its ease of doing business, making it an attractive destination for business enterprises over the past few decades. While agriculture and forestry remain vital to its economy, the country has increasingly opened itself to management job opportunities in various sectors.
Although businesses in New Zealand may be smaller compared to those in larger countries, they offer dynamic and challenging roles for professionals. The government also publishes a skills shortage list, highlighting occupations with a lack of qualified workers. If your qualifications align with these positions, you could seize valuable career opportunities.
Top Business Management Jobs in New Zealand
Here are some of the leading business roles available in New Zealand:
- Finance Manager
- Management Accountant
- Finance Broker
- Finance Administrator
- Finance Advisor
- Business Analyst
- Business Development Manager
- Management Consultant
- Investment Banker
- Actuary
- Farm Assistant
- Herd Manager
- Precision Agriculture Specialist
- Adventure Tourism Operator
- Hotel Manager
Top Technology Jobs in New Zealand
New Zealand’s IT sector is diverse, offering a wide range of opportunities for individuals with various tech specialties. Many of the
tech companies in the country are entrepreneurial and known for their flexibility and adaptability.
Here are some of the top tech jobs in New Zealand for immigrants:
ICT Business Analyst
As an ICT Business Analyst, you'll be responsible for the development and implementation of technology systems that enhance business processes and drive profits.
Developer/Programmer
IT companies are consistently hiring developers for new apps and digital platforms. If you have relevant experience, securing a job in this field should be straightforward.
Software Engineer
Software engineers are crucial in the creation and maintenance of IT systems for organizations, ensuring their smooth operation.
Project Manager
In this strategic role, you'll use both software and management skills to lead teams and oversee projects from start to finish.
Security Specialist
With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, even start-ups need security specialists to safeguard their data and systems.
Software Tester
Software testers play a key role in the development process by running automated and manual tests to ensure quality and functionality.
Database Administrator
DBAs help secure and manage large company databases, working closely with IT managers and programmers to prevent breaches and ensure smooth operations.
Multimedia Specialist
As digital platforms continue to grow; multimedia specialists are in high demand for creating and managing digital content across various platforms.
Systems Analyst
Systems analysts are responsible for designing efficient computer systems and processes, and with the constant evolution of technology, the demand for this role remains strong.
Top Healthcare Jobs in New Zealand
New Zealand offers both public and private healthcare systems, with a broad range of job opportunities across various specialties. The country’s hospitals are known for their welcoming work environment. Here are some of the top healthcare roles available in New Zealand:
- Resident Medical Officers (RMOs)
- Nurses
- Midwives
- Sonographers
- Psychiatrists
- Anesthetise Technicians
- Radiologists
- Audiologists
- Oral Health Therapists
Top Engineering Jobs in New Zealand
Engineering skills are in high demand in New Zealand, especially as the country continues to develop its infrastructure. Companies across various sectors are actively seeking engineers. Some of the most sought-after engineering roles include:
- Civil Design Engineers
- Civil Engineers in Land Development
- Computer Engineers
- Land Surveyors and Survey Technicians
- Stormwater and Three Waters Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Transport Planners and Engineers
- Geometric Designers
- Site and Project Engineers
Given that much of New Zealand’s infrastructure is still evolving, civil and mechanical engineers are in the highest demand.
Top Occupations in New Zealand
New Zealand’s job market has experienced rapid growth, especially in skilled sectors, with a significant portion of these positions likely to be filled by immigrants due to the country’s low population. According to New Zealand’s government skill shortage list, the following sectors are seeing the highest demand for jobs:
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Construction
- Education
- Engineering
- Finance/Business
- Health and Social Services
- ICT and Electronics
- Recreation, Hospitality & Tourism
- Science
- Trades
- Transport
- Adventure Tourism
- Hospitality
Part-Time Jobs in New Zealand
Securing a part-time job is important for students studying abroad. Not only does it help cover additional expenses, but it also provides valuable experience in your field of interest.
In New Zealand, student visas typically allow full-time students to work up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and up to 40 hours a week during the summer break. Research, master’s, and PhD students can work up to 40 hours a week year-round.
Here are some popular part-time jobs for students in New Zealand:
- Retail Sales Assistant
Many retail stores hire students for part-time roles, where you can assist customers, handle payments, and provide product recommendations. - Waitressing
If you have strong English communication skills, the hospitality sector offers numerous part-time opportunities. - Bartender
For those 18 and over with excellent social skills, bartending is a great option, though it typically involves evening hours, often until midnight. - Call Center
Students with strong communication skills can find flexible part-time work in call centers, which generally aligns well with academic schedules.
Hourly Rates in New Zealand
New Zealand ensures fair pay and a positive working environment for its workforce, reflected in competitive wages.
The following are the applicable hourly rates for students over the age of 16:
- Adult Minimum Wage: $18.90 per hour before tax.
After six months with an employer, or if you supervise or train other workers, you are eligible for this rate. - Starting-Out Minimum Wage: $15.12 per hour before tax.
This applies to workers aged 16-17 who have been with their current employer for less than six months, or workers aged 18-19 who have received a benefit for six months or more, or have been with their current employer for less than six months. - Training Minimum Wage: $15.12 per hour before tax.
Workers aged 20 or older, participating in industrial training (at least 60 credits per year), are eligible for this rate.
