If you are interested in studying technology or computer science, NZ has world-class degrees, and a simple pathway to PR.

The NZ tech sector is growing quickly. The geographical isolation, R&D culture, innovation and ‘number 8 wire’ attitude, and ability to quickly adopt technology makes NZ an ideal location for those interested in cutting edge tech, AI, and medical innovation in particular.Think about the following NZ tech startups that have all revolutionised their industries:

  • PowerbyProxi, a safe wireless charging system which was purchased by Apple

  • RexBionics, which is a robotic exoskeleton that allow paralysed people to walk

  • Techion, who created a digital microscope that assesses and identifies parasite burden in humans and animals

  • Capture6, commercial technology for direct air carbon capture

  • Dawn Aerospace creating sustainable space transportation

  • Halter, which uses smart collars on cows to optimise pasture and animals

  • Alimetry uses non-invasive technology to diagnose gastric disorders

If you want to change the world with your technological skills, NZ is a great place to start.

The demand for qualified professionals has quickly outstripped supply, with a huge number of roles on the NZ skilled shortage list. NZ’s tech sector already employs over 150,000 people, and it’s estimated that it will need up to 5,000 new staff every year. This means there are pathways to PR for the right people, and an abundance of roles to choose from.

The roles on the skills shortage list that NZ requires include:

  • ICT project manager ANZSCO 135112, salary NZ$86,000 - $137,000

  • Organisation and methods analyst ANZSCO 224712 salary range NZ$80,000 - $144,000

  • ICT business analyst ANZSCO 261111 salary range NZ$80,000 - $150,000

  • Systems analyst ANZSCO 261112 salary range NZ$70,000 - $100,000

  • Multimedia specialist ANZSCO 261211 salary range NZ$55,000 - $70,000

  • Web developer ANZSCO 261212 salary range NZ$60,000 - $90,000

  • Analyst programmer ANZSCO 261311 salary range NZ$65,000 - $90,000

  • Developer programmer ANZSCO 261312 salary range NZ$60,000 - $90,000

  • Software engineer ANZSCO 261313 salary range NZ$60,000 - $90,000

  • Software tester ANZSCO 261314 salary range NZ$60,000 - $80,000

  • Software and applications programmers nec ANZSCO 261399 salary range NZ$90,000 - $105,000

  • Database administrator ANZSCO 262111 salary range NZ$70,000 - $110,000

  • ICT security specialist ANZSCO 262112 salary range NZ$110,000 - $160,000

  • Systems administrator ANZSCO 262113 salary range NZ$60,000 - $90,000

  • Computer network and systems engineer ANZSCO 263111 salary range NZ$80,000 - $100,000

  • Network administrator ANZSCO 263112 salary range NZ$80,000 - $140,000

  • ICT quality assurance engineer ANZSCO 263211 salary range NZ$60,000 - $90,000

  • ICT support engineer ANZSCO 263212 salary range NZ$60,000 - $80,000

  • ICT systems test engineer ANZSCO 263213 salary range NZ$60,000 - $90,000

  • ICT support and test engineers nec ANZSCO 263299 salary range NZ$60,000 - $90,000

  • Telecommunications engineer ANZSCO 263311 salary range NZ$70,000 - $100,000

  • Telecommunications network engineer ANZSCO 263312 salary range NZ$60,000 - $90,000

  • ICT customer support officer ANZSCO 313112 salary range NZ$60,000 - $70,000

IT and Computer Science programs available in NZ

Bachelor of Applied Information System at Wintec

This three year course at Wintec gives IT professionals a strong foundation across a wide variety of different IT skills. From there, you can choose to specialise in your area of interest, whether it’s network engineering, software engineering, database architecture, or web development. Skills taught cover the fundamentals required for any career in IT, with an emphasis on industry alignment and emerging fields.

You’ll be expected to have an IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual band less than 5.5. It costs NZ$25,000 per annum.

Bachelor of Computer Science at Massey University

Massey’s three-year BSc in Computing gives applied skills and knowledge that allows graduates to tackle either post-graduate qualifications or start work in the industry. Massey is the only university that specialises in C and C++, alongside teaching Python, SQL, Java, and other languages. As well as learning the basics, you can specialise in subjects such as mobile apps, games programming, machine learning, web apps, data structure and algorithms, and object-oriented programming.

You’ll need an IELTS score of 6.0 overall and minimum 5.5 in each band. Fees are estimated to be NZ $34,750 each year.

Master in Information Technology at Auckland University

This one-to-two year MInfoTech at University of Auckland provides huge depth in your area of interest, and allows for project-based learning. This is complemented by a ten week internship working on a real-world project.

Once you have your undergrad bachelor’s degree, you can apply for this course. Fees are around NZ$48,386 per year. You’ll need an IELTS overall score of 6.5 and no bands below 6.0.

Pathway to PR After Computer Science Qualification

Once you’ve got your level 7 qualification, you’re eligible for two main pathways into NZ. Because IT roles are so in demand, there are plenty of occupation options.

First, apply for your post study work visa. This lets you stay in NZ for up to three years, working in any role. However, because most permanent visa roles require three years of experience, it’s wise to get a relevant role in your field of interest immediately.

Once you’ve completed your three years of experience, there are three main pathways.

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

This points-tested permanent visa is available to you if you fit into any of the roles on the skills shortage list. Submit an expression of interest and if accepted, you can find employment with an accredited employer. Once you’ve worked in the role for two years, you can apply for permanent residency.

Work to Residence Visa

This Work-to-Residence visa is for people on the tier two green list of roles, which are software tester ANZSCO 261314 and telecommunications technician ANZSCO 342414.

With two years of experience in your tier two green list role, you must have a relevant job offer from an accredited employer. This visa lets you stay in NZ indefinitely, and after two years, you can apply for PR.

Straight to Residence Visa

You can apply for this straight-to-residence visa if you fulfil any of these tier 1 green list roles:

  • Analyst programmer ANZSCO 261311

  • Chief Information Officer ANZSCO 135111

  • Developer Programmer ANZSCO 261312

  • ICT Managers nec ANZSCO 135199

  • ICT Project Manager ANZSCO 135112

  • ICT Security Specialist ANZSCO 262112

  • Multimedia Specialist ANZSCO 261211

  • Software and Applications Programmers nec ANZSCO 261399

  • Software Engineer ANZSCO 261313

Ensure you have a relevant job offer from an accredited employer. Once you’ve had this visa for two years, you can apply for PR.

Need NZ IT and Computer Science Course Advice?

Give us a call at IDP. We can help you choose the best degree, at the NZ university or institute of technology that best suits your needs. With a huge variety of courses, and an immense need in NZ for qualified IT staff, it’s a way towards PR and a fulfilling career.