Immigration changes affecting students - New Zealand
These decisions are to:

From 2 April 2012 : Study to Work changes

this requirement until 2 April 2012 (students who commence their course before this date will not be affected)

• To qualify for Study to Work visas, students will need to have obtained a recognised New Zealand qualification of at least two academic years’
(a minimum of four semesters and 16 months in total) duration unless they have obtained:

» two SMC points-accruing (level four to six) qualifications in succession of at least one academic year’s (minimum of two semesters and eight months study) duration each, provided the second course is at a higher level – e.g. a one-year level five qualification followed by a one-year level
six qualification, or

» a postgraduate qualification of at least oneacademic year’s duration, or

» a credit-transferred bachelors’ degree with at least one year’s study in New Zealand, or

» any level seven qualification of at least one academic year’s duration

Other Changes in April 2012:
» Funds required for student visa applicants will increase from the current $10,000 per year to $15,000 per year for courses 36 weeks or longer, or pro-rated at $1,250 per month for shorter courses (less prepaid living
expenses).