NZ Announces PSW Visa Changes for PG Diploma Students

New Zealand has introduced changes to its Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) rules to make it easier for international students to stay and work in the country after their studies. Under the new policy, students who complete a postgraduate diploma (PGDip) of at least 30 weeks and then immediately move on to a Master’s degree will be eligible for a PSWV. This change provides more flexibility for students and ensures they can remain in New Zealand to gain work experience after their qualification.

Previously, students who pursued a Master’s degree right after a PGDip were not eligible for the PSWV unless they had studied the Master’s degree for 30 weeks. Now, students can apply for the PSWV based on the PGDip, even if their Master’s program is shorter than 30 weeks. There is also a grace period for students who complete a qualification but later enroll in a higher-level course that does not meet the PSWV criteria.

This update is expected to attract more international students, especially from India and South Asia, and make New Zealand a more appealing destination for higher education. Universities, like the University of Otago, are excited about the change, as many international students pursue postgraduate studies in New Zealand.

With over 69,000 international students studying in New Zealand in 2023, this policy update is likely to increase that number further and provide valuable work opportunities for students.