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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