Getting a job after graduation is one of the biggest goals for international students. That’s why many students are now choosing Green List courses in New Zealand. These are special courses that match jobs that are in high demand in New Zealand. By studying these programs, you not only improve your chances of finding work but also make it easier to apply for residency later. Whether you are interested in healthcare, engineering, IT, construction, education, or trades, there are many Green List options available in 2025. This blog is written under the guidance of Licensed Immigration Adviser Ms. Parwinder Kaur and is specially designed to help international students. It will explain what the Green List is, which jobs and courses are on it, and which universities in New Zealand offer them. We’ll also explain how these courses can help you get a New Zealand study visa, work in the country, and apply for permanent residence. If you want to study in New Zealand, this guide will help you make the right decision for your future.
What is the Green List in New Zealand?
The Green List is a special list created by Immigration New Zealand that shows the jobs most needed in the country. These are high-demand occupations where New Zealand faces skill shortages and needs qualified professionals from other countries. The Green List helps international students and skilled workers plan a future in New Zealand by connecting their studies to real job opportunities.
The Green List is divided into two parts:
- Tier 1 – Straight to Residence: If you get a job from this list after your studies and meet all the requirements, you can apply for New Zealand residence right away.
- Tier 2 – Work to Residence: If your job is in this category, you need to work for at least 2 years in New Zealand before applying for residence.
Each job on the Green List clearly mentions what qualifications, experience, or registration is needed. Fields include healthcare, engineering, construction, teaching, IT, agriculture, and trades. From 2025, even more trades jobs will be added. For international students, this list is very helpful. If you study in New Zealand in a course that leads to a Green List job, you will have better chances of getting a job and applying for residence. After completing your course under a New Zealand study visa, you can apply for a post-study work visa, which gives you time to gain work experience and meet the Green List job criteria. This makes it a smart and future-ready choice for international students.
Green List Sectors and In-Demand Courses
Civil Engineering (Tier 1 – Straight to Residence)
Civil engineering is one of the most in-demand fields on New Zealand’s Green List. Civil engineers design and build essential infrastructure, roads, bridges, water systems, and buildings that supports daily life and economic growth. To enter this field, you can study a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) or Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil Engineering) at top institutions like the University of Canterbury or the Auckland University of Technology. These programs align with NZ’s professional qualifications and engineering registration requirements. Graduates typically move quickly into skilled roles that meet the Green List criteria, making them eligible to apply for residence immediately under the Tier 1- Straight to Residence pathway. If you’re in New Zealand on a New Zealand study visa, you can work part-time during your studies. After graduation, you’ll likely receive a post‑study work visa, enabling you to work in your field full-time. This helps you gain the required experience and salary to apply for straight-to-residence status, setting you up for a stable career and long‑term settlement.
Software Engineering & Cybersecurity (Tier 1 – Straight to Residence)
The demand for software engineers and cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, and these roles are included in the Green List. If you’re keen on coding, building software, protecting systems, or managing IT projects, consider studying a Bachelor or Master in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Cyber Security at institutions like AUT, Victoria University, or Massey University. These courses teach programming, secure system design, data management, and ethical hacking, preparing you for roles such as Software Engineer, ICT Project Manager, or Cyber Security Specialist. Completing the program under a New Zealand student visa allows you to work part-time during study and apply for a post-study work visa afterward. These Green List roles often qualify for Straight to Residence, providing a clear path to permanent residency. This makes it easier for you to settle in New Zealand while doing work that’s essential to the country’s digital economy.
Healthcare & Nursing (Tier 1 – Straight to Residence)
Healthcare professionals like Registered Nurses, Midwives, and Medical Laboratory Scientists are critical in New Zealand and are on the Green List. Studying a Bachelor of Nursing, Master in Nursing, or Medical Laboratory Science at top universities such as University of Otago, AUT, or Massey University sets you on this path. These programs equip you with clinical skills, research knowledge, and registration readiness. You’ll learn patient care, health ethics, laboratory techniques, and evidence-based practice. With a New Zealand study visa, you can work part-time in healthcare settings during your studies. After graduation, a post-study work visa allows you full-time work while gaining professional registration. Since these roles are Tier 1 Green List occupations, once you meet registration and salary criteria, you can apply for Straight to Residence. This path provides stability and a vital contribution to the community, making New Zealand a great place to grow your healthcare career.
Quantity Surveying & Construction Management (Tier 1 – Straight to Residence)
Quantity Surveyors and Construction Project Managers play a key role in keeping New Zealand’s building projects on track. These roles are on the Green List under Tier 1. To pursue them, consider studying a Bachelor or Master in Construction Management or Quantity Surveying at University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, or other polytechnics. The courses cover cost control, contract law, risk management, and building technology. Students also learn to use industry software for budgeting and planning. Holding a New Zealand student visa enables part-time work during study, often in construction support or site roles. With a post-study work visa, you can step into managerial positions, gaining the required experience and salary to apply for Straight to Residence. This is an ideal path for those who want to build long-term careers in construction and infrastructure development.
Environmental Engineering & Science (Tier 1 – Straight to Residence)
Environmental engineers and scientists are essential for developing New Zealand’s sustainable future. These roles are on the Green List and can qualify for straight-to-residence. Study a Bachelor or Master in Environmental Engineering or Environmental Science at University of Auckland, AUT, or University of Canterbury. These courses offer knowledge in water treatment, waste management, pollution control, and sustainable systems, all grounded in real projects and research. During your study on a New Zealand study visa, you can work part-time in consulting firms, labs, or community projects. After graduation, your post-study work visa lets you build a career in environmental monitoring, design, or consulting. Once you secure a Green List job and meet eligibility, you can apply for residence directly, combining your academic qualifications, work skills, and sustainability focus for a long-term future in New Zealand.
Early Childhood & Primary Teaching (Tier 1 & 2 – Work to Residence or Straight to Residence)
Teaching is a rewarding and stable profession, and many roles are on the Green List. Early Childhood teachers are Tier 1, and Primary or Secondary teachers are Tier 2. You can study a Bachelor of Education or a Graduate Diploma in Teaching at universities like University of Waikato, University of Auckland, or Victoria University of Wellington. These programs include child development theory, classroom practice, and teaching methods. With a New Zealand student visa, students often gain practical experience in local schools. After graduating, you can receive a post-study work visa and become eligible to register as a teacher. If you’re in a Tier 1 role, you may apply for Straight to Residence; if in a Tier 2 teaching profession, you can follow the Work to Residence pathway after two years. This ensures you can grow your career in education and build a future in New Zealand communities.
How choosing a Green List Course help you?
Choosing a Green List course in New Zealand can give international students a big advantage. These courses are directly linked to jobs that are in high demand in New Zealand. When you study in New Zealand in a Green List field, you increase your chances of getting a good job after graduation. Many of these roles lead to faster pathways for residency, which means you can apply for permanent residence sooner. For example, if you choose a course in nursing, engineering, or IT, you could qualify for the Straight to Residence or Work to Residence visa categories. These benefits are specially designed to support skilled workers. Studying a Green List course with a New Zealand student visa also allows you to work part-time and apply for a post-study work visa. This makes a Green List course a smart option under a New Zealand study visa plan.
Eligibility for Green List-aligned courses
- Recognized Qualifications: To align with a Green List occupation, your degree or diploma must be at NZQF Level 6 or above, depending on the job point. For example, Civil Engineering or Construction Management roles require at least a Bachelor’s degree (Level 7) from a recognized institution. This ensures your qualification is valid under New Zealand standards.
- Accreditation or Registration: Certain occupations, such as engineers, surveyors, nurses, or teachers, require registration with a New Zealand professional body (e.g., Engineering NZ, Nursing Council) . Without official registration, your eligibility for Straight to Residence or Work to Residence may be limited.
- English Language Proficiency: You must provide proof of English skills, typically IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) or equivalent, both for admission and for securing a New Zealand student visa. This level ensures you can cope with course content and workplace communication.
- Work Visa Status: After completing your course under a New Zealand study visa, you’ll need to qualify for a post-study work visa to enter a Green List role. For Tier 1 roles, a job offer with the required pay means you can apply directly for residence. For Tier 2, you need 24 months of work experience.
- Salary & Employment Requirements: Your job must meet the minimum salary threshold defined for Green List occupations. For example, Quantity Surveyors and Engineers need to earn above a set New Zealand median wage per hour or annually for visa eligibility.
- Post-Study Work Pathway: Graduating from a Green List course gives you a post-study work visa, allowing full-time work in your field. This supports your transition from New Zealand student visa to work visa, and eventually, fast-tracked residence.
Meeting these requirements helps ensure a smooth transition from studying in New Zealand to working in a skilled Green List occupation, and ultimately securing permanent residence.
New Zealand Student Visa Process for Green List Courses
- Apply & Get an Offer of Place: First, choose a Green List-aligned course at an approved New Zealand education provider. Send your application and receive an Offer of Place, a key document needed for your New Zealand student visa application.
- Collect Required Documents: Prepare essential documents: valid passport, your Offer of Place, proof of funds (tuition and living costs), medical and police certificates, and English test results (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent). This ensures you qualify for the New Zealand study visa .
- Apply Online Early: Use the Immigration NZ website’s online system to submit your student visa application. Apply at least 3 months before your course start, and allow around 8 weeks for processing.
- Work Rights During Study: As a student on a New Zealand study visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays. Partner visas may also allow open work rights.
- Post-Study Transition: After graduation, apply for a post-study work visa. This allows you to work in your Green List field and gain experience, leading toward Straight to Residence or Work to Residence pathways.
Following these steps ensures a smooth path from your New Zealand student visa to full-time work and residence eligibility through Green List opportunities.
How West Highlander Immigration can Help?
West Highlander Immigration, led by Licensed Immigration Adviser Ms. Parwinder Kaur, provides expert support to international students planning to study in New Zealand. If you’re interested in a Green List course, our team helps you choose the right program based on your career goals and visa eligibility. We guide you through every step, from selecting universities to preparing documents, writing your SOP, and applying for your New Zealand student visa. With years of experience and a high success rate, West Highlander ensures your journey under a New Zealand study visa is smooth, secure, and aligned with future PR opportunities.