Green List Courses in New Zealand for Nepali Students 2026

Quick answer: Green List courses in New Zealand are programmes in nursing, IT, engineering, teaching, and trades that lead directly to occupations on Immigration New Zealand’s official shortage list. Nepali students who graduate from these programmes and secure a job with an accredited NZ employer can apply for permanent residency through either the Tier 1 (Straight to Residence) or Tier 2 (Work to Residence) pathway making New Zealand one of the most transparent study-to-PR countries available from Nepal today.

Every year, thousands of Nepali students pick a course based on rankings, fees, or what sounds impressive. Very few make that decision based on immigration strategy and that is exactly where most people lose years and hundreds of thousands of rupees.

New Zealand built an entire system around this thinking. It is called the Green List an official register of occupations where New Zealand faces critical, long-term skill shortages and it comes with a direct, documented pathway from student visa to permanent residency.

At Education Tree Global, when a Nepali student comes to us about New Zealand, the first question our counsellors ask is not which university has the best ranking. It is: does your career goal sit on the Green List? Because if it does, your entire immigration roadmap becomes clearer, faster, and far more predictable.

This guide covers everything: what the Green List is, which courses qualify in 2026, the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 PR pathways, the critical August 2026 changes, eligibility requirements, costs in NPR, and a step-by-step process from student visa to permanent residency.

What Is the New Zealand Green List?

The New Zealand Green List is an official list published by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) identifying occupations facing critical, long-term shortages across the country. These are not jobs that ran short because of a single project. These are roles New Zealand structurally needs year after year to keep its healthcare system running, its infrastructure growing, its schools staffed, and its technology sector expanding.

The Green List was introduced in 2022, replacing the older Immediate Skill Shortage List, Regional Skill Shortage List, and Construction and Infrastructure Skill Shortage List. It is a more structured, more transparent system and critically for international students, it comes with two clearly defined residency pathways so you know what to expect before you even leave Kathmandu.

What Nepali students need to understand clearly: universities in New Zealand do not label their programmes as “Green List courses.” The Green List identifies occupations. You need to choose a qualification that leads clearly into one of those occupations. This is where early planning and the right guidance makes a genuine difference to your outcome.

As of 2026, the Green List covers 205 roles across healthcare, engineering, IT, construction, education, trades, agriculture, and science. For Nepali students who plan correctly, this is one of the most accessible permanent residency pathways available from Nepal to any country.

Tier 1 vs Tier 2 The Two PR Pathways Explained

Understanding the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 is the single most important decision in any Green List study plan. It determines your timeline, your course choice, and how long you stay in New Zealand before getting permanent residency.

Tier 1 Straight to Residence

Tier 1 is New Zealand’s fastest immigration route. If your occupation is on Tier 1 and you secure a full-time job with an accredited employer after graduation, you can apply directly for permanent residence no waiting period, no points system, no queue.

Tier 1 is for the most critically short roles: registered nurses, software engineers, civil engineers, secondary school teachers, and specialist healthcare professionals.

Tier 2 Work to Residence

Tier 2 follows a structured two-year pathway. After graduating and securing a qualifying Green List job with an accredited employer, you work in that role for 24 months at or above the salary threshold. Once complete, you apply for permanent residence.

Tier 2 covers roles like quantity surveyors, construction project managers, dairy farm managers, trades workers, and environmental scientists.

Tier 1 vs Tier 2 Side-by-Side Comparison

2026 salary update: As of March 9, 2026, the general median wage threshold was updated to NZD $35.00 per hour. Always check the current rate at the immigration.govt.nz before finalising your application.

Top Green List Courses in New Zealand for Nepali Students 2026

Here are the six most relevant course areas for Nepali students, each matched to their Green List occupations, PR tier, and what makes them specifically suitable for students from Nepal.

1. Nursing and Allied Health Tier 1 (Straight to Residence)

Qualifying courses: Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Health Science, Bachelor of Midwifery, Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing

Key Green List roles: Registered Nurse, Midwife, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Radiographer, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Pharmacist (130+ roles total in Health)

PR tier: Tier 1 Straight to Residence

Starting salary: NZD $35–$45/hr (Registered Nurse), higher for specialists

Nursing is the strongest Green List pathway from Nepal right now. The shortage is structural and severe New Zealand hospitals and aged care facilities are consistently understaffed, and the government has responded by making Registered Nursing a Tier 1 Straight to Residence occupation. For Nepali students with the academic background and the IELTS score, this is the most direct study-to-PR route available.

One thing ETG counsellors always tell nursing students: plan for Nursing Council of New Zealand registration from day one. Without it, you cannot practice or use the Green List pathway regardless of your qualification. We build this registration timeline into our counselling from the very first session.

Top universities: Auckland University of Technology (AUT), Massey University, Otago Polytechnic, Unitec

2. Information Technology Tier 1 (Straight to Residence)

Qualifying courses: Bachelor of Computing and Information Sciences, Bachelor of Software Engineering, Graduate Diploma in Information Technology, Master of Information Technology

Key Green List roles: Software Engineer, Developer Programmer, ICT Project Manager, ICT Security Specialist, Systems Administrator, Database Administrator, Software Tester

PR tier: Tier 1 Straight to Residence

Starting salary: NZD $75,000–$110,000/year

New Zealand’s tech sector is expanding rapidly in Auckland and Wellington, with consistent demand for software developers and cybersecurity specialists. Most IT roles on Tier 1 require a New Zealand bachelor’s or higher degree in a relevant computing field and meet the salary threshold no mandatory professional registration, unlike nursing or teaching, which simplifies the post-graduation pathway.

2026 addition: Enterprise Architect and VR/AR Specialist roles have been added to the Green List this year, expanding options for students in advanced computing programmes.

Top universities: University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, Auckland University of Technology, University of Waikato

3. Civil and Construction Engineering Tier 1 (Straight to Residence)

Qualifying courses: Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), Master of Engineering Management, Bachelor of Construction (Quantity Surveying), Master of Construction Management, Diploma in Civil Engineering (Level 7)

Key Green List roles: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Construction Project Manager, Building Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Site Foreman, Surveyor (28+ engineering roles total)

PR tier: Tier 1 for civil and structural engineers, construction project managers | Tier 2 for quantity surveyors and certain site roles

Starting salary: NZD $80,000–$130,000/year (engineers); NZD $70,000–$95,000 (quantity surveyors)

New Zealand is in a sustained infrastructure growth phase roads, housing, schools, and commercial construction creating consistent, structural demand for engineers and project managers. Civil engineering sits on Tier 1, meaning qualified graduates can target direct residency immediately after securing employment.

Engineers must meet Engineering New Zealand requirements before practising. ETG factors this into course planning and timeline advice.

Top universities: University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, Massey University, AUT

4. Teaching (Secondary and Early Childhood) Tier 1 (Straight to Residence)

Qualifying courses: Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary), Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood), Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary), Postgraduate Diploma in Education

Key Green List roles: Secondary School Teacher (all subjects), Early Childhood Teacher, Special Education Teacher, Primary School Teacher (shortage areas)

PR tier: Tier 1 Straight to Residence

Starting salary: NZD $55,000–$85,000/year

Most secondary and early childhood teaching roles are now on the Straight to Residence pathway. Qualified teachers who secure a New Zealand teaching position and hold Teaching Council of New Zealand registration can apply for residence directly. Teaching is one of the more affordable Green List routes for Nepali students qualification costs are lower than nursing or engineering, and demand is consistent across both urban and regional New Zealand.

Top universities: University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, Massey University, AUT

5. Trades and Technical Roles Tier 2 + New August 2026 Pathway

Qualifying courses: NZ Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Level 4-5), NZ Certificate in Plumbing and Gasfitting, Certificate in Welding (Level 4), NZ Certificate in Building and Construction, Diploma in Automotive Engineering

Key Green List roles: Electrician, Plumber, Welder, Fitter and Turner, Metal Fabricator, Refrigeration Mechanic, Automotive Technician (17+ roles in trades)

PR tier: Tier 2 Work to Residence (with new August 2026 pathway see below)

Starting salary: NZD $55,000-$80,000/year

This is the most significant 2026 development for Nepali students who want a PR pathway without a full bachelor’s degree. Starting August 2026, New Zealand’s new Trades and Technician Pathway opens permanent residency to graduates of Level 4-5 trade qualifications. Previously these diploma holders faced a much harder route to residency. That barrier is being removed.

Top institutions: Unitec, Ara Institute of Canterbury, Wintec, NZMA

6. Agriculture and Environmental Science Tier 2

Qualifying courses: Bachelor of AgriScience, Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Diploma in Agriculture (Level 5/6), Bachelor of Environmental Science

Key Green List roles: Dairy Cattle Farm Manager, Dairy Herd Manager, Assistant Dairy Farm Manager, Environmental Research Scientist, Food Technologist, Spatial Scientist

PR tier: Tier 2 Work to Residence

Starting salary: NZD $55,000-$75,000/year (farm management); NZD $65,000–$90,000 (scientists)

New Zealand’s dairy sector is a cornerstone of the national economy and faces real structural shortages in skilled management. For Nepali students from agricultural or science backgrounds, these programmes offer a genuine PR pathway that most other countries do not provide in this sector.

Top universities: Massey University (the leading agricultural university in NZ), Lincoln University, University of Otago

Eligibility Requirements for Nepali Students

Nepali students often ask us at ETG: “Will I qualify?” The answer depends on two separate sets of requirements what the university needs to admit you, and what Immigration New Zealand needs after graduation for the Green List to work in your favour.

Academic requirements:

• +2 (NEB or equivalent) for Level 7 bachelor’s degree programmes
• Bachelor’s degree for postgraduate and master’s programmes
• Minimum GPA varies by university and course typically 50–60% or equivalent

English language proficiency:

ETG runs IELTS and PTE preparation classes in Kathmandu specifically calibrated for New Zealand university entry requirements. Most Nepali students reach their target score within 3-6 months of structured preparation.

Financial documentation:

• Proof of tuition fee payment or sponsorship for the first year
• Evidence of living expenses approximately NZD $15,000–$20,000 per year (roughly NPR 13-18 lakhs)
• Bank statement demonstrating funds for at least one full academic year

Standard visa documents:

• Valid Nepali passport
• Academic transcripts and certificates (NEB, bachelor’s, or equivalent)
• English proficiency test certificate (IELTS or PTE)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Financial evidence (bank statements, loan letter)

Post-graduation requirements to actually use the Green List pathway:

• Full-time job in your qualifying Green List occupation
• Employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand
• Salary at or above NZD $35.00/hr (the March 2026 median wage update)
• Professional registration where required Nursing Council NZ, Teaching Council NZ, Engineering NZ, or equivalent

Step-by-Step: From Student Visa to Permanent Residency

This is the complete roadmap ETG counsellors use when building a New Zealand PR plan for Nepali students. Every step matters and every step connects to the next.

Step 1: Identify your Green List occupation Before selecting a university or course, confirm whether your intended career sits under Tier 1 or Tier 2. This single decision shapes your entire timeline. ETG’s occupation-first approach means we match your academic background, career interest, and settlement goal to a Green List occupation first everything else is built around that.

Step 2: Choose the right NZQA-recognised qualification Select a programme at a New Zealand university or institute that leads clearly and directly into your Green List occupation. The qualification level matters a Level 7 bachelor’s, Level 8 postgraduate diploma, or Level 9 master’s all have different implications for your Post-Study Work Visa and occupation eligibility.

Step 3: IELTS/PTE preparation and document assembly Most Green List-aligned programmes require IELTS 6.0-6.5 or PTE 50-58. ETG’s Kathmandu preparation classes are designed around these specific requirements. A strong Statement of Purpose written around your Green List career goal is equally important it directly supports your student visa application.

Step 4: Apply for New Zealand student visa Once you have an offer letter, submit your student visa application. If you are progressing from an English language programme to a diploma to a degree, the NZ Pathway Visa links multiple study stages under one application saving fees and processing time.

From November 2025, international students in New Zealand can work up to 25 hours per week during study (increased from 20), which significantly helps offset living costs.

Step 5: Graduate and secure a Green List role Upon completing a Level 7 degree or higher, you automatically receive a 3-year Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) no job offer required to apply. This gives you time to find and settle into a Green List role. The critical requirement: your employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand. ETG advises students on identifying accredited employers before graduation, not after.

Step 6: Apply for permanent residence

• Tier 1: Apply directly for residence once you have your qualifying Green List job and salary. No waiting period.
• Tier 2: Work full-time in your Green List role for 24 months at NZD $35+/hr, then apply for residence.

Partner benefit: Partners of students enrolled in Level 7 or Level 8 Green List-aligned qualifications can apply for an open work visa allowing them to work for any employer in New Zealand while you study.

Cost of Green List Courses in New Zealand for Nepali Students

One of the first things ETG counsellors do is give Nepali families a complete, honest cost picture not a brochure number. Here is a realistic breakdown in both NZD and NPR.

Part-time work offsets costs significantly. At 25 hours/week on New Zealand’s minimum wage (NZD $23.15/hr), a student can earn roughly NZD $30,000 per year covering most living expenses.

Scholarship options: ETG counsellors identify and help apply for merit-based university scholarships, New Zealand Government scholarships, and institutional bursaries. Several of ETG’s 400+ partner institutions offer partial scholarships specifically to international students in Green List-aligned programmes.

Important 2026 Updates Every Nepali Student Must Know

These are the changes that directly affect Nepali students applying to New Zealand in 2026 and 2027. Staying current on these is part of what ETG counsellors do so you do not have to track immigration policy documents yourself.

March 9, 2026 Median wage updated to NZD $35.00/hr The general median wage threshold for Green List residence eligibility was updated to NZD $35.00 per hour. Any employment used to support a Green List residence application must meet this floor. This affects both Tier 1 direct residence and Tier 2 work-to-residence assessments. Always verify the current rate at immigration.govt.nz before applying.

August 2026 Two new residency pathways launching This is the biggest immigration development of 2026 for students in trades and skilled work:

• Skilled Work Experience Pathway A clearer route to residence for workers building skilled experience, particularly relevant for graduates of Level 4-7 qualifications who previously had limited options.
• Trades and Technician Pathway Opens permanent residency specifically to Level 4-5 trade graduates electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters whose qualifications were previously difficult to use for PR. This is a genuine game-changer for Nepali students who want a PR pathway without a full three-year degree.

August 2026 Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) updates The SMC 6-point system is also being updated with new occupation lists. Note: the Green List and SMC are entirely separate systems. If your occupation is on Tier 1, you do not need the SMC points system at all. If it is on Tier 2, the Work to Residence pathway gives a clearer and more predictable timeline than the SMC for most Nepali students.

November 2025 25 hours/week work rights for students Students can now work 25 hours per week during the academic year up from 20 hours. This provides more financial flexibility and adds real-world industry experience to strengthen post-graduation job applications for Green List roles.

How ETG Helps Nepali Students Choose the Right Green List Course

At Education Tree Global, our approach to New Zealand always starts with the Green List not with a list of universities.

Occupation-first counselling: Our counsellors map your academic background, career interests, and long-term settlement goals to the most suitable Green List occupation first. Then we identify the qualification, institution, and city that gives you the strongest employment outcome for that specific role. ETG is AAERI-registered, ICEF-certified, and QEAC-certified our NZ counsellors meet international standards for Australian and New Zealand education advice specifically.

Pre-application eligibility check: Before you invest time and money in an application, ETG evaluates your realistic eligibility including whether your target occupation’s salary threshold, registration requirement, and qualification standard are achievable given your academic profile. This upfront honesty saves years and avoids expensive mistakes.

IELTS and PTE preparation in Kathmandu: Most Green List-aligned programmes require specific English scores. ETG’s preparation classes cover all four IELTS modules Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking with mock tests calibrated to New Zealand university requirements. Our instructors provide targeted feedback and most Nepali students reach their target score within 3–6 months.

Visa documentation and SOP preparation: A strong, strategically framed Statement of Purpose is critical for NZ student visa applications. ETG counsellors help you articulate your study plan, career goal, and immigration rationale in a way that is honest, coherent, and aligned with what Immigration New Zealand expects.

End-to-end support from Kathmandu to New Zealand: ETG guides you across every step: Green List occupation matching, course and university shortlisting, application submission, offer letter review, visa lodgement, scholarship identification, and pre-departure orientation. We have helped thousands of Nepali students build lives in Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, and New Zealand — and our office is always at Kamalpokhari-01, Kathmandu, opposite City Centre.

→ Book a Free Green List Counselling Session with ETG

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the New Zealand Green List? 

The New Zealand Green List is an official register of occupations facing critical, long-term shortages in New Zealand, published and maintained by Immigration New Zealand. It is divided into Tier 1 (Straight to Residence) and Tier 2 (Work to Residence). Choosing a qualification that leads into a Green List occupation gives international students a defined, transparent route to permanent residency.

Which Green List courses lead to permanent residency fastest in New Zealand? 

Tier 1 occupations are the fastest no waiting period once you secure a qualifying job with an accredited employer. The fastest routes in 2026 are Registered Nursing, Software Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Secondary School Teaching. Nursing is particularly fast due to the severity of the shortage and the volume of open positions.

How long does it take to get permanent residency in New Zealand after studying?

 For a Tier 1 occupation: from arrival in New Zealand as a student, most students achieve PR within 5-7 years this includes 3-4 years of study, the 3-year Post-Study Work Visa period, and immediate residence upon securing a Green List job. For Tier 2, add 24 months of qualifying employment before the PR application.

What is the salary requirement for the New Zealand Green List in 2026? 

As of March 9, 2026, the general median wage threshold is NZD $35.00 per hour. Some occupations have occupation-specific rates that are higher. Your employment must meet or exceed the applicable threshold at the time of your residence application.

Can a +2 pass Nepali student apply for Green List courses in New Zealand? 

Yes. Students who completed +2 (NEB or equivalent) can apply for Level 7 bachelor’s programmes in Green List fields including Nursing, IT, Engineering, and Teaching. Requirements include +2 mark sheets, IELTS/PTE scores, financial documentation, and a Statement of Purpose. ETG specialises in guiding +2 pass Nepali students through the complete NZ application process.

Do partners of students studying Green List courses get work rights in New Zealand?

Yes. Partners of students enrolled in Level 7 (bachelor’s) or Level 8 (postgraduate diploma/honours) Green List-aligned qualifications are eligible for a Partner of a Student Work Visa with open conditions they can work for any employer in New Zealand. This was expanded by Immigration New Zealand in June 2024.

Does ETG help with Green List course selection and student visa for New Zealand? 

Yes. Education Tree Global provides complete guidance for Nepali students planning to study in New Zealand Green List occupation mapping, course and university selection, IELTS/PTE preparation, student visa documentation, SOP preparation, and pre-departure support. ETG is AAERI-registered, ICEF-certified, and QEAC-certified. Book a free counselling session at our Kathmandu office or online.

Conclusion

The New Zealand Green List is not a marketing phrase. It is a government-backed signal the country telling the world exactly which skills it needs, and exactly what it will give in return. For Nepali students, that return is one of the most transparent and achievable permanent residency pathways available anywhere from Nepal today.

But the Green List only delivers when it is planned from the start. The wrong course, the wrong institution, or a missed registration requirement can add years to your timeline. The right guidance from people who understand both New Zealand immigration policy and the specific challenges Nepali students face changes everything.

At Education Tree Global, we have guided thousands of Nepali students to study abroad successfully. Our New Zealand counsellors understand the Green List occupations, the NZQA qualification framework, and the INZ visa process at a level that goes well beyond brochure knowledge.

If you are a Nepali student planning to study in New Zealand with a clear goal of permanent residency, start with a free counselling session at ETG. We will map your profile to the right Green List occupation and build your roadmap from day one.

→ Book Your Free ETG Counselling Session → Study in New Zealand from Nepal: Full Guide → IELTS Preparation Classes in Kathmandu

Sources: Immigration New Zealand (immigration.govt.nz), INZ Green List Appendix 13, INZ Amendment Circular 2024-14, NZ median wage update March 9, 2026, INZ Search Status Dashboard – SMC August 2026 update, Education Tree Global counsellor expertise.

Education Tree Global is AAERI-registered, ICEF-certified, and QEAC-certified. Kamalpokhari-01, Kathmandu (opposite City Centre). Tel: 9700044344 / 015911945.