Should You Study In New Zealand 🇳🇿 ? CHANGES HAPPENING FOR 2026 STUDENTS

Summary

The presenter argues that New Zealand could be an appealing study destination for international students, particularly those seeking a comparatively predictable route to work and settlement. The video highlights recent policy changes, potential immigration pathways, and trade-offs compared with Australia.

Main points

• More permitted part-time work: The presenter says the student work limit is increasing from 20 to 25 hours per week, effective 3 November 2025. Using an hourly wage of NZ$23.50, he estimates that the additional hours could mean roughly ₹20,000 more per month and about ₹5 lakh more over a year. These are the presenter’s estimates; the subtitles contain unclear figures for the calculation.

• Government plans to grow international education: The presenter describes New Zealand as seeking to expand its international student sector. He cites a goal of increasing its market value from $3.6 billion in 2024 to $7.2 billion by 2034, along with enrollment targets of approximately 83,700 in 2024, 115,000 in 2027, and 119,000 in 2034. He suggests that universities may offer more places and scholarships to attract students, and says students at leading universities could have a good chance of receiving scholarships of around 20–25%.

• Potential settlement pathways: After study and a post-study work visa, the presenter outlines three routes to New Zealand residence:

  1. Skilled Migrant Category: For people with relevant New Zealand study and employment. The presenter says residence may be possible within one to three years.
  2. Green List pathway: For people in eligible occupations, such as nursing. He presents this as a faster route.
  3. Work to Residence: For people who work in an accredited job for two years.

He says these pathways may be particularly relevant to people with qualifications above study level 7 and recommends consulting his separate video for more details.

• LQEA and recognition of Indian qualifications: The presenter explains the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA), which can allow some overseas degrees—particularly Indian qualifications—to avoid an individual assessment. Students should check whether their university, course, and graduation year are listed. If eligible, he estimates this could save ₹20,000–₹40,000 and six to eight weeks in processing time.

• New Zealand versus Australia: The presenter’s recommendation depends on a student’s priorities:

  • Australia may suit applicants with strong profiles who want a larger job market and higher salaries, though it is more competitive.
  • New Zealand may better suit those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle and a less competitive environment, though jobs and salaries are comparatively lower.
  • The presenter also notes that some New Zealand citizens move to Australia for work, describing this as a challenge for New Zealand. He says New Zealand citizenship can make moving to Australia easier.

Overall takeaway

The video presents New Zealand as an option for students who value a potentially clearer settlement route and a less competitive lifestyle, while acknowledging that Australia may offer stronger employment opportunities and higher pay. The presenter encourages viewers to weigh their profiles and priorities rather than assume one country is best for everyone.

Speakers and sources featured

• Murrad, presenter of “Murrad on Run” — the only speaker heard in the subtitles.
• New Zealand government policies and targets — referred to by the presenter, but no specific government official or document is named.
• No interviewees or other named speakers are featured in the subtitles.