How a Green List Career Can Fast-Track International Students Pathway to PR in New Zealand

There is a growing interest from international students wanting to study in New Zealand. The introduction of student caps in Australia in 2024, has made it more difficult to get a student visa. New Zealand provides an excellent opportunity to Australian students looking for an alternative destination.

What is the New Zealand Green List?

The green list is a list of jobs and careers that are in high demand in New Zealand. Over and above the skills shortage list, these roles are highly skilled and facing increasing demand. The New Zealand government wants to attract highly skilled migrants in roles that are in demand globally. These roles include a range of sectors, including:

• Construction

• Health and medical

• ICT

• Engineering

• Psychological services

• Agriculture

• Teaching

The benefit of applying for a green list role is that they can either be a straight-to-residence visa (tier one), or a work-to-residence visa (tier two), which you can apply for after two years working in New Zealand.

In 2024, 17,400 people moved from Australia to New Zealand.

Why, as an international student in Australia, you might also want to consider moving to New Zealand?

For one, if your 485 visa in Australia is about to expire, New Zealand offers a fantastic alternative. It is just a 3-hour flight away. The visa fees are lower. And if you study a Green List course, their pathways to permanent residency are more straightforward.

Bonus part? You can have the chance to get your student visa for free (more about this below).

This is a much better option than flying back home if your visa situation doesn’t work out in Australia.

If you plan to study a Green List course in New Zealand, IDP can make your move even easier. 

We will be returning 100% of your NZ student visa fee (worth NZD 850) when you apply through us, plus you’ll get a $20 e-gift card!

You can claim both once your visa is approved and your enrollment starts. 

Sounds like the perfect way to save money and study in New Zealand? 

This offer ends 31 Dec. 2025.

Learn more about this offer

Use the Immigration New Zealand website to explore the Green List and check if your role qualifies for Tier 1 (Straight to Residence Visa) or Tier 2 (Work to Residence Visa). You’ll also find details on the qualifications, registration, and experience required for each pathway.

Where to Get Your Degree in NZ

New Zealand has eight universities. While they all offer green list courses some will be better for specific degrees.

• Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is known for its strong emphasis on applied learning and research, particularly in areas like health sciences and business.

• Lincoln University specialises in land-based studies, agriculture, agribusiness, environmental management, and food sciences.

• Massey University is known for expertise in business, agriculture, creative arts, and social sciences.

• University of Auckland is the largest university in New Zealand. It specialises in research, especially in business, engineering, and health sciences.

• University of Canterbury has strong engineering, science, and arts programs. It has a strong research focus, particularly in earthquake engineering and environmental science.

• University of Otago is best known for its health sciences, particularly in medicine and dentistry, as well as its strong programs in humanities and social sciences.

• University of Waikato is known for its business, education, and social sciences courses.

• Victoria University of Wellington specialises in humanities, social sciences, and creative arts. It has a strong reputation for its law school and public policy programs, due to its proximity to the NZ government.

There are financial support options for international students, especially those wanting to study Green List roles. Check out the following, and your institution’s scholarship page.

• Manaaki New Zealand scholarships for all international students

• Wellington Graduate Award For those studying at Victoria University

• New Zealand Excellence Awards for Indians studying in NZ

• Ah Nua Scholarship for Asian/ Pasifika students at Canterbury University

• Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship for India at University of Waikato

• Global Research Alliance Doctoral Scholarship (NZ-GRADS) for any international student from a developing country

• The University of Auckland ASEAN High Achievers Scholarship

• AUT International Scholarships South Asia

• International Academic Excellence Scholarship at Otago University

Apply for your NZ student visa even if you’re still processing your course requirements 

If you’ve received a conditional Offer of Place from a New Zealand university (for example, you’re still waiting for final grades or English test results), you can go ahead and apply for your student visa.

Immigration NZ will start processing your visa application while you finish those last steps. Once your offer becomes unconditional, your visa can be approved much faster.

This is especially helpful if you’re aiming for an in-demand Green List degree—like education or nursing—and want to start your studies without delay.

Learn more about applying with a Conditional Offer

Visit NZ universities (no need for a visitor visa if you qualify) 

If you’re a Chinese passport holder currently living or studying in Australia, there’s now an easier way to visit New Zealand while planning your Green List career path.

Starting November 2025, you can travel to NZ for up to 3 months with just an NZeTA—no visitor visa needed—as long as you hold a valid Australian visa.

This trial makes it simpler to explore NZ universities in person, attend open days, or start preparing for a degree in a Green List field like teaching, engineering, or healthcare.

How to apply for an NZeTA

How can I travel to NZ without a visa

Want to Migrate to New Zealand?

Studying one of the in-demand ‘Green List’ roles opens up a world of employment and residency options. With shortages in skilled people to fill jobs, becoming a qualified and skilled practitioner provides you with the option of PR in New Zealand.

If you’re ready to apply, we can give you expert assistance. Our IDP registered migration agents can help you with all of your migration and visa inquiries, as well as help with your application submission.

Which jobs are in demand in New Zealand?

A range of teachers, engineers, health workers, construction, and ICT jobs.

Which course is best for PR in New Zealand?

Any advanced medical course will help with employment and PR in New Zealand.

What is the green list of New Zealand?

A list of careers and skillsets that are facing shortages of workers in New Zealand.

What are green list courses in New Zealand?

There are a wide variety of courses in NZ for Green List roles. Consider a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Nursing, or Bachelor of Teaching.

What are the benefits of the green list?

The visas are either straight-to-residence visa, or a work-to-residence visa.