When it comes to choosing study abroad and immigration destinations, Australia's immigration process has become increasingly difficult. Meanwhile, New Zealand, located adjacent to Australia, has gained attention in recent years due to its more relaxed environment, clear immigration policies, and high demand for skilled talent. As a result, it has become a popular choice for international students.

Among these options, the University of Auckland, located in New Zealand's largest city, stands out not only as the top-ranking university in New Zealand (QS Global Top 100) but also for its strong advantage in multiple high-demand professions that are crucial for immigration.

New Zealand Skilled Immigration & Green List Policy

Since 2022, New Zealand’s Immigration Department has introduced the "Green List", which includes professions that are in critical shortage.

If you complete a degree in a Green List-designated profession and meet work experience and salary conditions, you may be eligible for a fast-tracked immigration pathway.

The Green List covers the following fields:

Healthcare
Nurses, doctors, pharmacists, medical imaging technicians, social workers, etc.

Engineering & Construction
Civil engineers, electrical engineers, cost estimators, surveyors, etc.

IT & Data
Software engineers, ICT analysts, cybersecurity experts, etc.

Education
Secondary school teachers, primary school teachers, and Māori language teachers.

The University of Auckland offers courses that align with these professions, making it a key institution for students aiming for immigration.

Advantageous Immigration Professions at the University of Auckland

Nursing & Health Sciences
The Bachelor of Nursing directly aligns with the Green List profession of Registered Nurse. After graduation, you can work in New Zealand hospitals and apply for residency as long as you meet the salary conditions.

Engineering
Civil, electrical, mechanical, and software engineering are all Green List professions. Auckland's engineering faculty is the largest and most prestigious in New Zealand.

IT & Computer Science
(Computer Science / Software Engineering)
These fields correspond to Green List ICT roles. New Zealand has a large talent gap, high starting salaries, and clear immigration pathways.

Education
Secondary and primary school teaching are both on the Green List, with the University of Auckland offering a Master of Teaching.

Social Work
The Master of Social Work (Professional) aligns directly with New Zealand’s social worker registration, allowing you to apply for work visas upon graduation.

Median Salary Requirements

New Zealand’s Immigration Department specifies that to apply under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), applicants must have a salary that meets New Zealand’s median salary threshold (2025 standard: NZD $31.61/hour, approximately NZD $65,000/year).

If your occupation is on the Green List, you only need to meet the educational and registration requirements and secure a relevant job opportunity to quickly obtain residency.

For high-skill roles (such as some engineering and IT positions), the threshold can be slightly lower than the median salary.

For international students, choosing a Green List profession and meeting the median salary requirement is the most direct immigration pathway in New Zealand.

Additionally, once you obtain New Zealand Permanent Residency (PR) and meet the requirements, you can move to Australia and enjoy Australian PR benefits.

Why Choose the University of Auckland?

Academic Strength:

QS World Ranking in the Top 100, with research closely linked to employment outcomes.

Geographical Advantage:
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, with abundant job opportunities and high demand from businesses.

Course Pathways:
The University offers a range of direct pathway courses to professional registration through master’s and undergraduate programs.

Immigration Focus:
Many alumni have obtained New Zealand Permanent Residency through the Green List pathway.

Conclusion

For students seeking both high-quality education and a clear immigration pathway, the University of Auckland’s Green List-aligned programs (such as Nursing, Engineering, IT, Education, and Social Work) are undoubtedly the best choice.

Choosing the University of Auckland not only provides the opportunity to study at New Zealand’s top university but also serves as a solid guarantee for future success in obtaining skilled migration and realizing your dream of permanent residency.