With world-leading agricultural practices and a shortage of qualified workers, NZ is the perfect place to study farming, forestry, and crop cultivation.

New Zealand is famous for their agriculture. With an emphasis on sustainable and ethical practices, it uses innovation and a ‘number 8 wire’ attitude to create world-leading solutions. With huge dairy and meat exports, NZ is the world’s 12th largest agriculture exporter, which is amazing considering it has only the 50th largest GDP in the world.NZ is a country with plenty of scope for long term and permanent immigration too. While their technological innovation has increased productivity, there’s still as shortage of skilled labour. With a huge range of agriculture and forestry careers in demand on the regional skill shortage list, finding a role (and a visa) after graduation paves your way to permanent residency. The following agricultural roles are on NZ’s skill shortage list:

  • Apiarist - salary range NZ$50,000 - $70,000

  • Arborist - salary range NZ$50,000 - $70,000

  • Cattle beef farmer or farm manager - salary range NZ$60,000 - $85,000

  • Dairy farmer and/ or assistant farm manager - salary range NZ$70,000 - $160,000

  • Market gardener or crop production/ agronomist manager - salary range NZ$50,000 - $150,000

  • Pig farmer. manager or assistant farm manager - salary range NZ$60,000 - $90,000

  • Viticulturist/ winemaker - Specialist positions, not pickers - salary range NZ$60,000 - $120,000

Job Outcomes and Future Growth in Agriculture

The MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) predicts their export revenue will reach $56.8 billion by 2026. As demand internationally grows, the market is expected to grow with it. Alongside the rising demand, it’s expected the preference for ‘organic’ or sustainable farming options will increase too, and this is where NZ leads the way.

There will always be a need for meat, dairy, and produce, and the agriculture industry in NZ is rising to meet both domestic and international needs.

Agriculture Programs Available in NZ

With a huge range of courses ranging from certifications to post graduate degrees, allowing for specialisation in your area of interest, NZ has everything you need to study what you want to.

Foundation Certificate in Agriculture at Southern Institute of Technology

Located in the deep south of NZ surrounded by lush farms, Telford (part of SIT) offers this 17-week foundation Certificate of Agriculture introductory course. It’s ideal for those needing a stepping stone through to higher education, teaching the basics of farm studies, animal production, soil productivity, and pasture and crop production.

You’ll need an IELTS of 5.5 with no band lower than 5.0. The course costs NZ$12,500.

Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Lincoln University

Located just out of Christchurch in the South Island, Lincoln University offers a broad range of agricultural degrees and qualifications. Their Bachelor of Agricultural Science is a four-year full-time degree that provides a diverse understanding of agriculture and food production. You’ll drill down to develop your learned knowledge into working expertise through practical hands-on paid work in a relevant farm or industry.

You’ll need an IELTS of 6.0 overall with no individual band below 5.5. Fees are estimated to be around NZ$35,000 per year.

Master of Agricultural Science at Massey University

Located in Palmerston North in the North Island, you’ll be able to specialise in your area of interest, learning from the best in the world, and collaborating with the nearby Crown Research Institute. This 18-month Master of Science in Agricultural Science equips you with advanced knowledge to improve sustainability and productivity of agricultural systems.

You will have already completed a Bachelor of Science degree with an appropriate major. You’ll need an IELTS of 6.5 overall with no individual band below 6.0. The course costs between NZ$53,000 and $67,000.

Pathway to PR After Agricultural Qualification Completion

Once you’ve completed your qualification, it’s time to look for a role in the industry. Because all agriculture courses have some level of on-the-job engagement and training, you may already have a role lined up.

From your student visa, if you don’t have a job lined up, you can apply for your post study work visa. This allows you to live and stay in NZ for up to three years. You can work in any role for any employer if you obtained a qualification at degree level seven or above. This gives you time to find a relevant role in the industry you studied in.

Once you’ve found relevant employment that fits under the skills shortage list, you can apply for a range of visa types, depending on the role. Typically, the agriculture roles are found on the regional skills shortage list, which requires you to live and work in specific regions.

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

This permanent visa requires an invitation to apply once you submit an expression of interest and get the required number of points. The skilled migrant visa is applicable to you if your role is:

  • An ANZCO 1-3 and earns above NZ$61,692 a year, or

  • An ANZCO 4-5 and earns above NZ$86,611 a year

After two years of working in a relevant role, you can apply for PR.

Work To Residence Visa

The following roles are on the Green List and allow you to apply for a work to residence permanent visa:

  • Assistant dairy farm manager ANZSCO 121313

  • Beef cattle farm manager ANZSCO 121313

  • Dairy farmer ANZSCO 121313

  • Dairy farm manager ANZSCO 121313

  • Dairy herd manager ANZSCO 121313

While these may require a minimum of three years’ experience before applying, you may have completed this throughout your qualification and post-study work visa. Before applying, you must have a job offer from an accredited employer.

Accredited Employer Work Visa

This visa allows you to live and work in NZ for up to three years. You will need a job offer from an accredited employer, as well as having the skills and qualifications for the role. The following roles fall under this accredited employer work visa type:

  • Apiarist ANZCO 121311

  • Arborist ANZCO 362212

  • Beef farmer or farm manager ANZCO 121312

  • Dairy farmer or assistant farm manager ANZCO 121313

  • Market gardener or crop production/ agronomist manager ANZCO 121221

  • Pig farmer or manager or assistant farm manager ANZCO 121318

  • Viticulturist/ winemaker - Specialist positions, not pickers ANZCO 234213

Contact IDP To Find Out More

If you want to study agriculture in an environment that fosters innovation and sustainability, then NZ has what you want. With an easy pathway to long term employment and permanent residency, there are so many benefits to getting your qualification in NZ. Contact us at IDP to chat about your options and we can help you find your dream agriculture course in NZ.