Study restrictions eased for working holidays in New Zealand

A wide range of courses is currently available to travellers, from postgraduate research to short courses in horticulture or viticulture

A SMALL change to the New Zealand Immigration WHS (Working Holiday Scheme) has been announced today.

The WHS enables holders of the visa to work and travel in the country for up to 23 months, providing they are aged between 18-30, have no children, and hold a ticket to leave NZ before the visa expires (among other things, see the WHS page and NZ Immigration)

Over 9,000 people from the UK apply for a working holiday visa for New Zealand each year, allowing UK residents to live, study, work and travel throughout the country. Extended from one year to 23 months just over three years, there are unlimited places available annually to UK residents.

Currently, those holding a working holiday visa can study one course within a three-month period, but from July 2009 NZI will ease restrictions on the number of courses that travellers can study and in some cases, allow travellers the option to extend their course from three to six months.

Andrew Lockhart, Regional Manager for Immigration New Zealand, says, "The changes to the working holiday scheme will now make it even easier for students and graduates to study in New Zealand. A wide range of courses is currently available to travellers, from postgraduate research to short courses in horticulture or viticulture."