Mr Viral
New Zealand has recently announced major changes to its Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) eligibility criteria. The changes are expected to make the country even more appealing to overseas students, particularly those pursuing postgraduate qualifications.
Under the new rules, students who complete a 30-week postgraduate diploma (PGDip) and then immediately enroll in a Master’s degree program will now be eligible for a PSWV. Previously, students who transitioned to a Master’s without completing the full 30-week period were excluded from the visa program.
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As per reports, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) clarified that this change addresses a key gap in the earlier policy, offering more flexibility to students pursuing combined postgraduate qualifications.
If reports are to go by, in 2023, more than 69,000 international students enrolling in various courses in New Zealand. This marks a 67% increase from the previous year.
For international students, the appeal of studying in New Zealand extends beyond its world-class education system. More often than not, the chance to gain work experience after graduation is one of the main factors in choosing a study destination, especially when it is a foreign destination. Now, with the revised Post Study Work Visa rules, international students have a clear pathway to explore work opportunities.
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There’s no denying that the policy changes are a step in the right direction, but once can’t overlook the backdrop of concerns – the high visa rejection rates. For many Indian students, the high rejection rates is an important issue, and an important hurdle to cross. With rejection rates high, one would definitely rethink before considering studies overseas.
It’s no surprise that there are challenges , but with the changes in the visa policy, New Zealand is likely to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for international students. It is also important to note that other countries like the UK and US are currently tightening immigration policies.
Also read: Dubai tightens tourist visa rules: Hotel bookings and return ticket mandatory
The global competition for international students is no doubt heating up. So amid all this, New Zealand addressing gaps in its visa policies and ensuring students have access to opportunities that match their aspirations, is not only attracting more talent but also solidifying its reputation as a top-tier study destination.
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