University welcomes modernisation of post study work rights

University welcomes modernisation of post study work rights for international students

The University of Auckland welcomes a move to an open three-year post study work visa for international students graduating from New Zealand universities.

The announcement, made today by the Minister of Immigration, Iain Lees-Galloway, means that international students graduating with a degree Level 7 or above qualification will qualify for a three-year open work visa. This is a change from the previous two-step process where employer support was required to acquire the visa.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Engagement) Professor Jenny Dixon says post study work rights are a key factor for students and their families when they select a country for study.

“Students and their families seek qualifications they can apply to their future career. Only a portion of international graduates remain in New Zealand long-term but the opportunity to apply what they have learned in their country of study is a key driver in the global international education market.

“The change to an open visa reinforces New Zealand’s position by streamlining the process to make it fit-for-purpose in today’s world of work.”

Professor Dixon said it was a positive outcome for the 1500 international students who graduate from the university each year.

“This modernisation of work rights supports our efforts to recruit high quality, high achieving students who enhance our learning community at the University of Auckland.”

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