NZ’s universities are ranked highly in the world, the Kiwi lifestyle is exceptional, and the opportunities are waiting for you.

There are so many reasons to study in NZ. There are studies showing that NZ has one of the best lifestyles in the world and there’s a great outlook for the future. The scenery and natural world are amazing and easily accessible. But all that aside, there’s also a highly respected educational system.

Your intended course of study may change depending on your goals. For example, if you intend to remain in NZ and seek employment, you’ll want to study something that is on the skills shortage list. As a result, there are a handful of courses that can almost guarantee a job, and PR, in NZ.

1. Software Development

A Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is a three-year course that sets you up with the skills needed to start in a software developer role. This course should provide you with all the basic languages needed to write code, an understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and computer science basics including algorithms, Boolean logic, architecture, operating systems, UX, databases, loops, interfaces, polymorphism, and data structures.

Further into the course, there are opportunities to deepen knowledge on some topics, and specialise further.

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2. Data Analysts

A Bachelor of Applied Information Technology opens the door for a huge range of careers, including network engineers, web developers, and data analysts. There’s no specific pathway into this career, but focusing on statistics, economics, and business systems entwined with technical computer science gives a strong foundation. Understanding architecture, databases, and datasets also can help in strengthening career opportunities.

3. Healthcare Workers

This includes nurses, paramedics, anaesthetists, cardiologists, radiologists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, midwifes…. If you have a medical qualification, you are on a fast track to residency. The benefit of gaining your qualification in NZ itself is that you can start working immediately, unlike those coming from other countries who may have to complete further education.

To become a registered nurse in NZ, you’ll need a Bachelor of Nursing, which takes three years. This prepares you to work in a range of different roles, providing plenty of placement and real-life experiences so you’re prepared from day one. You can also go on to complete a master’s degree, giving more specialisation options.

4. Teachers

Whether you want to be a primary or secondary school teacher, the demand in NZ is high. You’ll need a three year Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)at minimum, and for secondary school you’ll also need a one year Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary).

The degrees offer work placements, all the basics needed to run a classroom, but nothing will ever truly prepare you for a class of 30 teenagers.

5. Civil Engineering

Civil engineering needs a balance of theoretical and practical skills in order to create a successful career. You’ll also need to choose an area to study, as civil engineering is extremely broad and doesn’t necessarily have interchangeable skillsets. Structural, geotechnical, transport, construction, water and environmental engineering all fit broadly under the civil engineering umbrella.

An accredited Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) provides all you’ll need to start as a civil engineer, plus your NZ qualification in civil engineering is recognised in many other countries.

6. Dentist

Dentists, dental practitioners, dental surgeons, and other dental specialists are all in demand in NZ. The University of Otago offers the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), which qualifies graduates as dentists. You’ll need to complete Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) before completing four years of the BDS.

While you’ll get plenty of clinical experience that allows you to start practicing after graduation, many opt for post-graduate studies too. This allows specialisation into areas like orthodontics and maxillofacial surgery.

7. Mechanical Engineers

The accredited Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in mechanical engineering provides the fundamentals for a role as a mechanical engineer. Dynamics and controls, manufacturing systems, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and design all are encompassed in this four-year degree. From there, you can start working or move into a master’s degree to specialise in an area of interest.

8. Psychologists

Typically, to practice as a psychologist in NZ, you’ll need a three-year undergraduate degree and either a master or PhD. This allows you to register as a psychologist, diagnose and assess disorders, and help to resolve and prevent mental disorders using therapy.

Typically, someone may get a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts with a specialisation in psychology. This gives you the basics in neuroscience, cognition, perception, social and developmental psychology. From there, you can get your Master of Arts in Psychology, Honours year in your BSc, Master of Science, or consider the PhD.

9. Optometry

Dispensing opticians, ophthalmologists, and a range of other optometry careers are on the NZ skills shortage lists. A five-year accredited Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom) gives you the clinical skills and theory needed to practise in NZ, and overseas too. Only the University of Auckland offers this course and is the only way to register with the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board (ODOB).

10. Still Not Sure? Talk To Us At IDP

If you have decided you want to study in idyllic NZ, give us a call. Everyone is different and we can chat to you about your interests, skills, and strengths. From there, we may be able to recommend a course that you’ll love, with a career that provides you what you need.