5 Courses Eligible for PR in New Zealand

Do you find the quality of life in New Zealand excellent enough to apply for permanent residency (PR)? While studying abroad is a common path that many international aspirants consider to study, work, and eventually apply for a PR permit in a foreign country, it is essential to understand which courses might lead to a PR in New Zealand.

While there is no specific course that makes international students eligible for a PR in New Zealand, certain areas of study may offer better pathways to permanent residency. Due to the high demand for skilled workers in certain sectors, international graduates can work in New Zealand after their studies on a specific skilled work visa. These include Information Technology, Engineering, Business and Management, Agriculture and Agribusiness, Construction and Skilled Trades, Education, Tourism and Hospitality, and Healthcare, especially Nursing.

Even though certain courses may lead to a PR in New Zealand, acquiring a PR in New Zealand is a multi-step process that requires first obtaining a resident visa and living in the country for at least two years. Completing a course in New Zealand does not guarantee permanent residency, but studying in a high-demand sector significantly improves your chances. The best pathway is to complete a qualification that leads to a job on the Immigration New Zealand Green List.

The Green List is categorised into two tiers with different residency paths:

Tier 1 (Straight-to-Residence): Occupations in this tier have a direct pathway to a resident visa for those with a job offer from an accredited employer.

Tier 2 (Work-to-Residence): These roles offer a pathway to a resident visa after you have worked in the job for two years.

Did You Know?
Healthcare and Engineering professionals remain the backbone of the Straight-to-Residence pathway. If you are eyeing a role as a Registered Nurse, Civil Engineer, or Project Manager, your degree is your direct ticket.

Register with AECC—land a Tier 1 role and skip the 2-year wait. Our experts stay updated on the Green List additions to ensure your course choice qualifies you for immediate residency upon finding a job. Match your profile with top New Zealand universities.

General Pathway to PR Through Study

Navigating the immigration system of New Zealand can be a complex process. Sticking to a strategic pathway can significantly increase your chances of obtaining permanent residency. Here is a step-by-step guide to the most common route for international students:

Step 1: Choose a Green List-Aligned Course: Enrol in a qualification that leads to a job on the Green List, preferably at NZQF Level 7 (bachelor's degree) or higher. This is the most direct path to residence. Additionally, ensure you meet the English proficiency requirements through tests like the IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT.

Step 2: Obtain a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV): After completing your studies, you can apply for this visa, which allows you to stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years. This visa is crucial for gaining the necessary work experience in your field of study.

Step 3: Gain Skilled Employment: Find a skilled job with an accredited employer in your study area. To maximise your chances, work in a job that is on the Green List, as it is the most efficient path.

Step 4: Apply for a Resident Visa: Once you have relevant skilled employment, you can apply for a resident visa. Depending on whether your job is on the Tier 1 (Straight-to-Residence) or Tier 2 (Work-to-Residence) list, you can apply for a resident visa either immediately or after two years of skilled work.

Having understood the basics, let us now explore which courses may help you find promising post-study work opportunities in New Zealand, leading to qualifying for the Immigration Green List.

With the new 2026 rules reducing work-experience requirements for some pathways from 3 years to 2, picking a course that aligns with current labor shortages is critical. The first step to your PR Strategy begins with navigating the transition from a student visa to the Green List Tier 1 (Straight-to-Residence) is a game of precision.

Don't leave your PR to chance—register with us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward your global future. Register with AECC today for a PR-Pathway Audit by our experts, who will help you select the exact NZQF Level 7+ qualification that puts you on the fastest track to residency.

5 PR Eligible Study Areas in New Zealand

As discussed before, courses that equip you for jobs on the Green List offer the most direct paths to PR. It means that there are certain job sectors in New Zealand that hire skilled graduates from across the world. As an international candidate, if you hold a higher qualification in one of these areas, your chances of getting a job in a PR eligible sector increase. The top 5 study areas and job sectors that allow you to find 5 PR eligible courses in New Zealand include:

#1 Healthcare and Social Services

Consistently experiences a high demand for skilled workers in the areas of:

• Medical and Nursing courses that produce registered nurses, midwives, general practitioners, and specialist physicians on the Tier 1 list
• Therapies and Sciences courses that produce physiotherapists, occupational therapists, medical laboratory scientists, and medical physicists
• Psychology and Social Work courses that produce clinical and educational psychologists, along with social workers

#2 Engineering and Construction

With many ongoing infrastructure and upcoming development projects in the country, engineers and skilled tradespeople are consistently sought after for the following profiles:

• Civil engineers, structural engineers, electrical engineers, and mechanical engineers are listed in Tier 1. Technicians in these sectors are also in demand.
• Construction project managers and quantity surveyors are on the Green List. Many specialised trades were recently added to Tier 2 in August 2025, including electricians, plumbers, and welders.

#3 Information Technology (ICT) and Electronics 

The IT sector has a continuous demand for skilled professionals in New Zealand, making it easy for graduates to find employment in the following sectors:

• Software and Development courses that produce software engineers, analyst programmers, and developer programmers
• Management and Security courses that produce ICT project managers, ICT security specialists, and chief information officers
• Data and Network courses that produce database administrators, network administrators, and telecommunications engineers

#4 Education

Teachers across different levels are in demand throughout New Zealand. Primary and Secondary Teachers training that produces graduates in Early Childhood and Māori-medium primary school teaching. Please note that some teaching roles may offer a direct-to-residence pathway.

#5 Trades, Agriculture, and Science

With diverse opportunities for skilled professionals to contribute to New Zealand's key industries, this sector can be pursued through the following courses:

• Agriculture and Viticulture courses with qualifications in agricultural sciences, agribusiness, and viticulture can lead to roles as dairy farmers or winemakers.
• Environmental Science courses with emphasis on environmental protection, programmes in environmental sciences, ecology, and conservation are growing in relevance.
• Skilled Trades in the sector, in addition to those under construction, positions like automotive electricians and diesel motor mechanics are consistently in demand.

For the first time, New Zealand is introducing a dedicated Trades & Technician Pathway for those with Level 4+ qualifications and 18 months of local experience. Whether you are a Software Developer or a Specialised Technician, the residency rules are becoming more flexible. Register with us to find out how these 2026 policy updates benefit your specific field of interest.

Additionally, Agriculture and Skilled Trades are now major priorities for New Zealand's growth. With roles like Environmental Scientists and Diesel Mechanics in high demand, choosing a course in these sectors is a smart PR move. At AECC, we provide a Skilled Occupation Check to see if your dream career is eligible for the Work-to-Residence or Straight-to-Residence visa types.

Under every situation, do not forget that there is no guaranteed pathway. While some courses offer better pathways, there is no guarantee of PR based solely on your chosen area of study. Additionally, individual circumstances matter. Factors like age, work experience, and qualifications all play a role in the PR application process.

Completing a course is only half the battle. The 2026 Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) points system rewards those who plan their journey end-to-end. Consulting with an education or immigration advisor can help you navigate the process with personalised guidance and explore suitable courses eligible for PR in New Zealand.

Turn your in New Zealand residency dream into a reality, with your trusted partner. Register with AECC for expert guidance on university admissions, scholarship searches, and visa protocols.