India and New Zealand Just Signed a  Deal That Changes Everything for Indian Students

Before the FTA, Indian students enrolled at educational institutions in New Zealand had the same post-study work opportunities as all other foreign students, three years post-study work opportunities for those who had graduated from bachelor’s and master’s programs.

The FTA has created a special mobility path for Indian students, which is unique to the relationship between New Zealand and India.

• Category: STEM Bachelor’s graduates
  Post-Study Work Visa Duration: Up to 3 years
• Category: STEM Master’s graduates
  Post-Study Work Visa Duration: Up to 3 years
• Category: Doctoral (PhD) graduates
  Post-Study Work Visa Duration: Up to 4 years

Three key things to understand here:

1. This is specifically for Indian students.

New Zealand created this arrangement exclusively within the India–NZ FTA. No other country currently has this dedicated pathway.

2. No numerical cap on Indian students.

The FTA has no limit on the number of Indian students who can study in New Zealand under this framework. You are not competing for a fixed quota.

3. 20-hour work rights during study.

Indian students now have the right to work at least 20 hours per week during their studies and financial flexibility while they are still enrolled.

NOTE: The four-year work visa after PhD studies is especially important. This allows Indian PhD students a longer period than most countries to gain an edge in building their careers and applying for New Zealand residency.

The FTA also creates a brand-new Working Holiday Visa category specifically for young Indians, something that did not exist before this deal.

• 1,000 visas per year, dedicated allocation for Indian nationals
• Valid for 12 months
• Multiple entries, you can leave and re-enter New Zealand within the validity period

This is ideal for students or recent graduates who want international work experience without committing to a full degree programme right away. It is a low-barrier way to experience New Zealand, build your resume, and explore whether it is the right long-term destination for you.

How does it work?

• Up to 5,000 TEE visas are available at any given time
• Each visa allows a stay of up to 3 years
• Open to skilled workers in high-demand sectors

Which sectors are covered?

• Information Technology
• Engineering
• Healthcare
• Education
• Construction
• Hospitality
• AYUSH practitioners
• Yoga instructors
• Indian chefs
• Music teachers

This last set of AYUSH practitioners, yoga instructors, chefs, and music teachers is a deliberate recognition of the value India’s traditional knowledge economy brings to New Zealand. It is not a token gesture; New Zealand has a genuine and growing market for these skills.

NOTE: The TEE Visa pathway is separate from the student post-study work route. If you are a working professional considering New Zealand, this is a brand-new option.

New Zealand was already a strong option for Indian students, safe, English-speaking, affordable compared to the UK and Australia, and with good universities. The FTA adds a layer of formal benefits that makes it even more compelling.

A recent survey by Education New Zealand found that 22% of potential international students globally already prefer New Zealand as their study destination. That number is expected to rise following this agreement.

• No student cap dedicated to the India pathway, no competition for a quota
• Post-study work 3 years (STEM UG/PG) or 4 years (PhD)
• Part-time work 20 hours/week during study
• Working Holiday 1,000 visas/year for young Indians
• 8 world-class public universities all under this FTA framework
• Affordable living significantly cheaper than Sydney, London, or Toronto
• Safe, liveable cities, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, consistently rank among the world’s most liveable cities

All eight public universities of New Zealand fit into this scheme. In terms of your study area, the universities worth considering are the eight universities that offer similar post-study work opportunities through the FTA. Selecting universities should be based on their programs rather than their names.

• University of Auckland: Business, Engineering, Medicine, IT (QS top 70 globally)
• AUT (Auckland University of Technology): Health Sciences, Business, IT, Design
• University of Otago: Medicine, Health Sciences, Law
  
• Victoria University of Wellington: Law, Public Policy, Business, Computer Science
• University of Canterbury: Engineering, Science, Arts
• Lincoln University: Agriculture, Environment, Agribusiness
• Massey University: Agriculture, Food Science, Veterinary, Design
• University of Waikato: Management, Law, Computer Science

NOTE: Be sure to explore other top universities to study in New Zealand to broaden your perspective and find the environment that suits you best.

The FTA is signed. Here are three practical steps to take today:

Step 1: Research your programme.

Identify the New Zealand university and degree that best fit your academic background and goals. Use university websites and compare entry requirements, fees, and scholarship options.

Step 2: Watch for implementation updates.

The FTA was signed on 27 April 2026. Official implementation dates for the new visa entitlements will be announced by Immigration New Zealand. Bookmark immigration.govt.nz and check regularly.

Step 3: Start your application early.

New Zealand’s main intakes are Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July). If you are targeting 2027, Semester 1 applications typically open from mid-2026. Do not wait; preparation takes time.

Choosing the right university, understanding your visa entitlements under the FTA, and navigating the full application process can feel overwhelming when planning to study in New Zealand.

With multiple universities, courses, and visa requirements to consider, it’s important to have clarity and the right direction to make informed decisions. Proper planning and understanding of the process can help you avoid common mistakes and ensure a smoother journey.

My Study offers a global education platform that provides end-to-end guidance to students from selecting their New Zealand programme to completing their application and getting their student visa sorted.

NOTE: Details mentioned are based on announced provisions and may be subject to official implementation guidelines by Immigration New Zealand.

1. What is the India–New Zealand FTA?

A Free Trade Agreement was signed on 27 April 2026 between India and New Zealand. For students, it creates a dedicated, cap-free mobility pathway with extended post-study work visas and guaranteed part-time work rights.

2. How long is the post-study work visa for Indian students after this FTA?

Up to 3 years for STEM bachelor’s and master’s graduates. Up to 4 years for doctoral (PhD) graduates.

3. Is there a cap on how many Indian students can study in New Zealand?

No. The FTA includes no numerical cap on Indian students, unlike the standard international student framework.

4. Can I work while studying in New Zealand?

Yes. The FTA formally guarantees Indian students the right to work at least 20 hours per week during their studies.

5. What is the Working Holiday Visa under the FTA?

A new dedicated category giving 1,000 young Indians per year a multiple-entry visa valid for 12 months to live and work in New Zealand. It was not available to Indian nationals before this deal.

Q6. When do these changes come into effect?
The FTA was signed on 27 April 2026. Specific implementation dates will be confirmed by Immigration New Zealand. Check immigration.govt.nz for the latest updates.

Q7. Does this apply to all New Zealand universities?
Yes. All eight public universities in New Zealand fall under this FTA framework.

Q8. Is New Zealand a good option for Indian students compared to Australia or the UK?
Yes, especially now. Costs are lower than in Australia and the UK, cities are safe and liveable, and the FTA now gives Indian students formally guaranteed extended post-study work rights that most other destinations do not offer.