Best Health Courses in New Zealand for International Students

Healthcare courses are in high demand among international students in New Zealand. 

Particularly because many healthcare careers are in the Green List, with most of them in Tier 1, a straight-to-residence pathway. 

So, if you’re interested in a health care career, and if you’re shortlisting courses that could give you a shot at PR in New Zealand, start here. 

We’ll discuss the best health-related courses you can study, their course outcomes, NZQF levels, and more.

Bonus: We’ll also sprinkle in some expert tips for applications, PR pathways, and scholarship opportunities to help you not only study this course, but also work and stay in New Zealand.

Ready for it? Let’s get started!

Yes, most healthcare jobs are in demand and are on the Green List in New Zealand.

Here are some of the health and social services roles in Tier 1 (straight to residence pathway): 

• Medical Doctors and Specialists

• Nurses and Midwives

• Allied Health Professionals

• Radiology & Medical Imaging

• Dental Professions

• Laboratory and Pathology

• Physiology and Technicians

• Veterinary Science

• Organisational/Industrial Roles

The health care and social assistance sector employs nearly 300,000 people (MBIE, Labour Market Statistics Snapshot, 2024). That makes it one of the largest industries in the country, bigger than construction, transport, and even manufacturing.

Sources: New Zealand Immigration, MBIE, Labour Market Statistics Snapshot, 2024

Healthcare careers are in demand

If you want a career where jobs are waiting for you, the health industry offers great opportunities.

Over the past year, New Zealand has added more than 8,000 new jobs in healthcare and social assistance.

The salary in this sector went up by 8.2%, which was the strongest growth of any industry (Stats NZ, 2024). 

While other parts of the economy slowed down, healthcare kept growing.

NZ needs more doctors

Like many countries, New Zealand is short of healthcare workers. Thousands left the profession after COVID-19, and many doctors have moved overseas. 

A report from Health New Zealand showed the country already has a shortfall of about 1,700 doctors, and that gap could reach 3,400 by 2032 if more aren’t trained or recruited (NZ Medical Journal, 2024).

International students are part of the solution

Here’s some good news: from 2026, all New Zealand–trained medical graduates—including international students — will be offered jobs (Health NZ Workforce Plan, 2024).

So if you study here, you’re not just getting a degree. You’re guaranteed a career pathway.

Health is one of the top industries for migrant workers

The health sector is consistently listed among the top industries that employ migrants, alongside manufacturing, hospitality, and IT (Employers of Migrant Workers Profile, 2025).

Training is expanding in high-need areas

New Zealand is also putting money into training more specialists where the need is greatest. 

More places are opening in radiology, dentistry, and psychiatry, with psychiatry roles alone set to grow to 50 positions by 2025 (Health NZ Workforce Plan, 2024). If you want to specialise, there are clear opportunities in areas the country needs.

Sources: New Zealand Health Workforce Plan, December 2024, Labour Market Statistics Snapshot - Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), New Zealand Medical Journal 2024, Stats NZ, THE 2025 EMPLOYMENT MONITOR

New Zealand offers a wide range of health-related courses for international students — from entry-level certificates to postgraduate qualifications. 

The right course for you depends on your educational background, career goals, and PR plans.

Here’s a quick overview of your options:

Certificate Courses in Health (Level 4)

Duration: 6 months to 1 year

Specific Courses:

Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3) – Health Assistance

• Focus: Entry-level care work under supervision

• Pathway to: Healthcare Assistant, Aged Care Support

Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 3) – Support Work

• Focus: Basic support for people with disabilities or mental health conditions

• Pathway to: Support Worker roles, home care assistant

Certificate in Public Health and Health Promotion (Level 4)

• Focus: Intro to public health, lifestyle education, health promotion strategies

• Pathway to: Community Health Worker (entry level), health promoter

Certificate courses in health may be ideal for you if:

• You're new to the health sector and want to start with a beginner-friendly qualification.

• You’re aiming to work in aged care, mental health, or disability support roles as soon as possible.

• You don’t have the budget for a bachelor’s degree right now, but still want to get qualified and start earning.

• You plan to use this qualification as a pathway into higher-level health study that could lead to a Green List job.

PSWV eligibility

Most standalone Level 4 certificates do not qualify for a post-study work visa. 

However, if the certificate is part of a longer, approved study pathway (e.g. leads to a Level 5–6 diploma), it may contribute toward a work visa and eventually support PR eligibility.

What you can do after this course:

Graduates of Level 4 health certificates may find employment in support roles such as:

• Aged Care Worker

• Disability Support Worker

• Mental Health Support Worker

• Healthcare Assistant

Can these roles help you gain PR? 

These roles are not currently on New Zealand’s Green List, but they are still in demand across the public and private care sectors, particularly in aged care, disability, and mental health support. Gaining work experience in these roles can help you become eligible for employer-assisted work visas. 

It can also strengthen your application if you choose to pursue higher-level qualifications that lead to Tier 1 health roles.

Enquire about certificate courses

Check your eligibility

Diploma Courses in Health (Level 5–6)

Duration: 1 to 2 years (full-time)

Specific Courses:

Diploma in Health and Wellbeing (Applied Practice) (Level 5 or 6)

• Focus: Mental health, addiction support, leadership in care

Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (Level 5)

• Focus: Practical nursing skills under supervision of RNs

Diploma in Applied Health Sciences (Various Specialisations) (Level 6)

• Focus: Often tailored to public health, complementary medicine, or applied health

A diploma course may be ideal for you if:

• You already have some background in care work and want to move into more specialised roles.

• You’re looking for a more advanced qualification that builds on your certificate-level study.

• You want a course that balances practical placement with deeper theory in areas like mental health, addiction, or disability.

• You want to become eligible for a post-study work visa and eventually work toward a Green List health occupation.

• You plan to transition into a Level 7 bachelor’s degree later on, such as Nursing or Occupational Therapy.

PSWV eligibility
Level 5–6 diplomas may qualify for a post-study work visa, depending on the course and provider. Always check that the qualification is on the List of Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa published by Immigration New Zealand.

What you can do after this course:
Diploma graduates may work in more advanced or specialised roles within the health and wellbeing sector, such as:

• Mental Health Support Worker

• Senior Disability Support Worker

• Addiction Support Worker

• Community Health Worker

• Health and Wellbeing Team Leader

Can these roles help you gain PR?

Some roles at this level may appear on regional skill shortage lists, but they are not Tier 1 Green List occupations. However, completing a diploma can give you:

• Eligibility for a post-study work visa (if the course qualifies)

• Real-world work experience in New Zealand’s healthcare system

• A strong foundation to apply for a Level 7+ qualification (e.g. Nursing or Occupational Therapy)

This pathway is often used by international students who want to gradually work their way toward Green List health roles that offer a clearer path to permanent residency.

Enquire about diploma courses

Check your eligibility

Bachelor’s Degrees in Health (Level 5–6)

Common health-related Bachelor’s Degrees that lead to Tier 1 roles in New Zealand:

• Bachelor of Health and Science

• Bachelor of Nursing

• Bachelor of Midwifery

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)

• Bachelor of Physiotherapy

• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

• Bachelor of Oral Health

• Bachelor of Medical Imaging

• Bachelor of Radiation Therapy

These degrees prepare you for direct clinical practice and include both academic study and hands-on training through clinical placements.

A health-related bachelor’s degree may be ideal for you if:

• You want to become a fully registered health professional in New Zealand.

• You're looking for a direct pathway to a Tier 1 Green List role—which qualifies you for the Straight to Residence Visa.

• You’re academically prepared and meet the English language requirements for undergraduate study.

• You are committed to a 3-year full-time program that includes theory and supervised clinical practice.

• You’re planning to work long-term in New Zealand’s health sector and want strong job security.

PSWV eligibility

Most Level 7 bachelor’s degrees in health are fully eligible for a post-study work visa (up to 3 years).

This gives you time to gain local work experience and secure a job offer in your profession, which is often required for PR applications.

What you can do after a bachelor’s degree:

Upon graduation and registration, you can work in skilled roles such as:

• Registered Nurse

• Midwife

• Occupational Therapist

• General Practitioner (GP)

• Resident Medical Officer

• Hospital Registrar (with further training)

• Medical Specialist (after years of postgraduate training, e.g. in psychiatry, internal medicine, surgery)

• Physiotherapist

• Oral Health Therapist

• Medical Imaging Technologist

• Radiation Therapist

• Speech Language Therapist

Can these roles help you gain PR?

Yes. These are among the strongest pathways to permanent residency for international students in New Zealand. 

Once you are registered and receive a job offer in one of these roles, you may be eligible to apply for the Straight to Residence Visa.

In many cases, graduates of these degrees secure long-term employment within the public health system (Te Whatu Ora), aged care, or specialist clinics, all of which are experiencing ongoing shortages of skilled workers.

Enquire about undergraduate courses

Check your eligibility

Master’s Degrees in Health (Level 9)

Common health-related Master’s Degrees that can lead to Tier 1 roles in New Zealand:

• Master of Nursing Science (Graduate Entry)

• Master of Speech and Language Therapy Practice

• Master of Occupational Therapy Practice

• Master of Social Work (Professional / Qualifying)

• Master of Health Practice (with clinical specialisation)

• Master of Health Science (with applied clinical focus)

These programs are designed for students who either want to enter a registered health profession or upskill into more advanced or specialised clinical roles. Some are “graduate entry” programs, meaning you don’t need a previous health degree to enrol.

A health-related master’s degree may be ideal for you if:

• You already have a bachelor’s degree (health-related or not) and want to move into a clinical, registered profession.

• You’re aiming for a Tier 1 Green List job—such as Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist, or Speech Language Therapist—to access the Straight to Residence Visa.

• You’re looking to secure post-study work rights and build a pathway to PR.

PSWV eligibility:

Most Level 9 Master’s degrees in health are eligible for a post-study work visa (up to 3 years).

This gives you time to gain local health sector experience and apply for registration and skilled work—two key requirements for many PR pathways.

What you can do after a master’s degree:

Depending on the program, you may become eligible for clinical registration and work in skilled health roles such as:

• Registered Nurse (via Master of Nursing Science)

• Speech Language Therapist

• Occupational Therapist

• Mental Health Practitioner (in roles aligned with registration)

• Social Worker (if registered)

• Clinical Advisor or Rehabilitation Specialist (depending on experience and qualification)

You may also work in leadership, coordination, or advisory roles across:

• Aged care

• Disability support

• Mental health and addiction services

• Community health programmes

• Public or private hospitals

Can these roles help you gain PR?

Yes, especially if your degree leads to registration in a Tier 1 Green List profession.

Graduates in roles such as Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist, or Speech Language Therapist may be eligible to apply for the Straight to Residence Visa once employed.

Even if your master’s doesn't lead directly to a Tier 1 role, it can still improve your PR chances by:

• Giving you New Zealand qualifications and clinical experience

• Helping you secure a job with an accredited employer

• Strengthening your Skilled Migrant Category or employer-sponsored PR application

Enquire about postgraduate courses

Check your eligibility

To qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) in New Zealand, your course must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be Level 7 or above (Bachelor’s, Graduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, Master’s, etc.) Some Level 4–6 diplomas may be eligible only if they are part of an approved, longer study pathway.

• Be at least 30 weeks (around 8 months) of full-time study in New Zealand

• Be delivered by a university or a government-approved education provider

• Lead to a qualification that aligns with occupations in demand, especially those on the Green List.

If you meet these conditions, you may be eligible for a PSWV of up to 3 years, depending on the level and length of your qualification.

On average, people working in health care and social assistance earn around $46 an hour (MBIE, 2024).

Here’s a simple breakdown of the salaries of different healthcare roles in New Zealand:

• Registered Nurses (RNs): NZ$75,670/year (~NZ$36.40/hour) with a range from NZ$53,248 to NZ$128,300 depending on experience and employer. (Jobted)

• Dentists: $129K-$254K per year (ASMS and NZDF, 2023)

• Health care assistant: $24-$34 per hour (Te Whatu Ora and NZNO, 2023-2024).

• Medical Imaging Technologist: $63K-$84K per year (APEX and Te Whatu Ora, 2023).

• Diagnostic Radiologist: $206K-$247K per year (TEC research).

Worried about the cost of studying healthcare in New Zealand? You’re not alone, and the good news is, there are real scholarships out there that you actually have a shot at.

At IDP, we don’t just show you generic scholarships for top students. 

We help you find healthcare scholarships that match your background, goals, and budget, whether you’re applying for Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine, Public Health, or any other health course.

You can browse over 5,000 scholarships from 370+ institutions (yes, including top New Zealand universities) using our Find a Scholarship tool.

And if you want help? We’re here for that too. Our counsellors will:

• Match you with health-related scholarships you’re actually eligible for

• Show you options that can cover tuition fees, living costs, or both

• Help you prepare the documents, application forms, and personal statements

• Even get you ready for scholarship interviews, if needed

Find a scholarship

After completing an eligible health qualification in New Zealand and receiving a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV), your next goal is usually to:

1. Find a full-time job in your field

2. Apply for a work visa or residence, depending on your occupation and visa eligibility

There are two main directions you can take:

1. Apply for a Work Visa

If your job is not yet eligible for residence, you can apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This allows you to stay and work in New Zealand as long as you meet the criteria.

2. Apply for Residence (PR)

If your role is on the Green List, you may qualify for a fast-tracked residence visa:

• Straight to Residence Visa (Tier 1 roles only)

• Work to Residence Visa (Tier 2 roles after 2 years of work in the role)

Your eligibility depends on your job title, employer, and whether you meet the registration and qualification requirements.

Need help planning your PR pathway?

This information is a general guide only and does not replace expert advice tailored to your unique situation.

At IDP, our licensed migration experts are more than just professionals; we are honest, credible, and we truly listen. We take time to understand your background, your goals, and your budget. Then we suggest realistic pathways that align with your study plans, visa options, and PR goals.

Whether you're just starting your health course or already thinking about your next visa, IDP can support you every step of the way.