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Post-graduation job opportunities in New Zealand

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  • 27 March 2025

Studying in New Zealand is an ideal destination that offers opportunities for global career development. With the student visa policy, the New Zealand government creates conditions for international students to continue working for up to 3 years after graduation. This is an opportunity to help international students develop themselves, gain experience and lay the foundation for long-term settlement. So what are the actual job opportunities after graduation in New Zealand? What are the rules for a post-graduation visa in New Zealand? Let's explore the details with IDP in this article!

1. Introduction to New Zealand Job Opportunities

New Zealand is one of the countries with a stable economy, with an average annual GDP growth of 2.5% according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). As a result, the labor market here is always exciting, opening up tens of thousands of job opportunities every year for both people and international workers.

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New Zealand's average annual GDP growth is 2.5%

Moreover, the country is still facing a shortage of human resources in many industries that require high skills, creating favorable conditions for foreign workers to have the opportunity to work and settle down permanently. With diverse career prospects, ideal living environment and immigration opportunities, New Zealand is becoming an ideal destination for those who want to develop their careers in a leading country.

2. Post-graduation visa regulations in New Zealand

International students, after completing their studies in New Zealand, can apply for a Post Study Work visa, which allows them to stay in New Zealand to work for up to 3 years, depending on your qualifications. Below is information about the post-study work visa:

Conditions for applying for a Post Study Work visa

  • If you have a bachelor's degree (Level 7) or higher and have studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand, you can work in any profession for any company.

  • If you hold a certificate or diploma below Level 7, the job you choose needs to be suitable for your field of study, and your program of study must meet the minimum required time. In addition, your diploma must be on the eligibility list for a post-study work visa.

Post-study work visa rules

  • You can only apply for a post-study work visa once after graduating in New Zealand.

  • The Post post-study work visa application must be submitted within 3 months after the student visa expires.

  • You must not work in the business of commercial services related to sex, nor may you invest in or operate related businesses.

  • If you have a spouse or children, they can also stay with you. For spouses who can apply for work visas, their children will be able to attend schools with the same tuition fees as local students.

3. Professions with high employment opportunities

The New Zealand labour market welcomes highly skilled professionals who wish to find a work-life balance in a modern and developed country. The New Zealand government has issued a Green List - occupations that are in high demand for foreign workers. This list is divided into two groups:

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The New Zealand government has issued a list of occupations that are in high demand for foreign workers

  • Tier 1: Issuance of direct permanent residency under the Straight to Residence Visa.

  • Careers Counsellor

  • Chemical Engineer

  • Civil Engineer

  • Clinical Physiologist

  • Educational Psychologist

  • Construction Project Manager

  • Dentist

  • Developer Programmer

  • External Auditor

  • Hospital Pharmacist

  • ICT Security Specialist

  • Nurse Practitioner

  • Primary School Teache

In addition to the list of industries above, there are many other industries under the Straight to Residence Visa, please contact IDP for a detailed list

  • Tier 2: Permanent residency after 2 years of working under the Work to Residence Visa.

  • Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher – registered

  • Electrician (general)

  • Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages

  • Telecommunications Technician

  • Building Supervisor (Building Associate)

  • Primary School Teache

In addition to the above list, there are many other industries under the Work to Residence Visa, please contact IDP for a detailed list

See more: 8 easy majors to apply for a job and settle in New Zealand

4. Tips for students looking for jobs in New Zealand

With a professional, trust-oriented, and demanding working environment in New Zealand, proactively connecting and preparing well will help you seize better career opportunities. Here are some tips for students looking for a job in New Zealand.

Gain experience right from school

To have full-time job opportunities after graduation, students should take the initiative to work part-time or do internships early. Part-time jobs will be an opportunity for you to get acquainted with the working environment, practice your skills, and gain practical experience.

Build a network of relationships

The majority of small and medium-sized enterprises in New Zealand, accounting for 97% of all businesses, regularly recruit through referrals rather than traditional recruitment channels. So, actively participate in events, specialized seminars, connect with lecturers, alumni, or participate in student groups to expand career opportunities.

Take advantage of internship opportunities

Look for internship opportunities in the field of pursuit early, this is an important stepping stone to help you have an advantage when applying later. The internship program is not only an opportunity for you to gain experience, but also help you prove your competence in front of employers. According to statistics, up to 60% of engineering graduates find jobs through internship programs.

New Zealand Study Abroad Counselling at IDP - Expanding Career Opportunities

With its post-graduation work visa policy and high demand for manpower, New Zealand offers a great opportunity for you to develop your career and settle down permanently. However, to seize these advantages, it is extremely important to prepare from the first step, such as choosing the right major and understanding visa regulations.

At IDP, our team of experienced and dedicated professionals will support you throughout your study abroad journey, from finding the right major, completing your study abroad application, and assisting with scholarship hunting to registering for the IELTS test and finding housing.

With more than 55 years of experience in the field of study abroad counseling, IDP has supported thousands of Vietnamese students to successfully study abroad in leading countries, such as Australia, the UK, the US, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland. If you are planning to study in these countries, contact the IDP 19006955 hotline for more detailed advice.

See more: All about the topic of finding a part-time job when studying in New Zealand

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