Need to enhance your engineering or management knowledge? Study in New Zealand.15 Oct 2025

New Zealand offers world-class engineering education which provide pathways to work and live permanently in New Zealand.

Studying as an international student in New Zealand has a number of benefits including work rights of 25 hours a week while studying, full-time work rights in the holidays and a post-study work visa following graduation.

Furthermore, engineering roles such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Structural Engineer are currently listed on the skills shortage Green List, meaning graduates with the required qualifications and employment offer can be eligible for a straight-to-residence application.

Qualifications include:

1. NZ Diploma in Engineering (Level 6)

  • Duration: 2 years
  • Fields: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical
  • Outcome: Entry-level technician roles; pathway to Bachelor-level study
2. Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Level 7)
  • Duration: 3 years
  • Accord: Sydney Accord accredited
  • Suitable for: Engineering Technologist roles
3. Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (Level 8)
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Accord: Washington Accord accredited
  • Suitable for: Professional engineering roles (e.g., Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineer)
4. Graduate Diploma in Engineering (Level 7)
  • Duration: 1 year (typically for those with prior engineering qualifications)
  • Outcome: Specialisation or upskilling; may meet Green List criteria with Engineering NZ assessment*
5. Master of Engineering / Master of Engineering Studies
  • Duration: 1–2 years
  • Suitable for: Advanced roles and research; may support Chartered Professional Engineer pathway*
*Please note: Meeting Green List criteria or eligibility for registration or assessment with Engineering New Zealand is not guaranteed. Individual outcomes depend on your qualifications, experience, and assessment by Engineering New Zealand. For accurate and up-to-date information, please contact Engineering New Zealand directly.

Post-Study Work Visa Opportunities

Graduates who complete eligible engineering qualifications in New Zealand may apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, allowing them to stay and work for up to 3 years depending on the level and duration of their study.

This visa allows graduates to:
  • Work for any employer in any job (if holding a degree-level or higher qualification)
  • Support visas for partners and dependent children
  • Gain New Zealand work experience, which may lead to residence under the Green List pathways
Pathways® is an agent for many of New Zealand’s universities and polytechnics and can assist with course selection and enrolments to deliver the required education outcome and can advise on how this study supports future New Zealand visa pathways.

New Zealand Residence

Studying in New Zealand can enhance job prospects due to the work rights available while studying, and following graduation, and due to having a New Zealand recognised qualification. This qualification, together with the offer of suitable skilled employment, then provides pathways to New Zealand residence either under the Skilled Migrant Category or the Green List straight-to-residence.

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