29/04/2026
A landmark moment for Indian students and professionals! 🇮🇳🤝🇳🇿
The recently signed India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Delhi is a game-changer for those looking to study and work in the "Land of the Long White Cloud."
By prioritizing the services sector and student mobility, this deal removes long-standing barriers and creates a clear, guaranteed pathway for global careers.
How This Benefits Your Overseas Education Dreams
For the first time, New Zealand has signed a dedicated annex on Student Mobility with any country, placing Indian students in a privileged position:
• Removal of Numerical Caps: There are no longer limits on the number of Indian students who can access these specific mobility pathways, making the dream of a New Zealand education more accessible than ever.
• Locked-in Work Rights: Indian students are now guaranteed the right to work at least 20 hours per week during their studies. This provides financial stability and vital local work experience from day one.
• Extended Post-Study Work Visas: To help you transition from student to professional, the FTA offers significant stay-back periods:
• 3 Years for STEM Bachelors and Masters degree holders.
• 4 Years for Doctorate (PhD) graduates.
- Future Career Prospects & New Pathways
This agreement isn't just about study; it’s about building a long-term career. The FTA introduces the Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) Visa, a new pathway designed to bridge the gap between graduation and global employment.
• 5,000 Annual Quota: A dedicated pool of 5,000 visas for Indian professionals to work in New Zealand for up to three years.
• Focus on High-Growth Sectors: The deal targets key industries where Indian talent shines, including IT, Engineering, Healthcare, and Education, as well as niche roles like Yoga instructors and Indian chefs.
• Working Holiday Scheme: 1,000 young Indians (ages 18–30) can now avail of a 12-month multiple-entry visa to travel and work, perfect for gaining international exposure.
With 100% duty-free access for Indian exports also included in the deal, the economic ties between our nations are set to explode—creating even more roles for bi-cultural professionals who understand both markets.
Ready to pack your bags? The future of Indo-Kiwi collaboration has never looked brighter!