Visa implications when changing the programme of study

If you are thinking about changing your study programme as an international student, keep these points in mind:

• Changing your programme means you will need a new student visa that matches the new programme you want to study (e.g. from a Bachelor of Science to a Bachelor of Arts)
• You can only start your new programme after your new student visa is approved, so consider the time needed for this: Visa processing times for international students
• Changing programmes during the semester is not recommended for international students as it can result in programme withdrawal due to visa compliance concerns. Additionally, it may affect eligibility for the Post-Study Work Visa. For any queries related to this information, you can contact Immigration New Zealand. Determining a Post-Study work visa.
• If your new programme is at a lower level than your current one, it may raise concerns with Immigration New Zealand, and you will need to explain your study plan and Immigration New Zealand must be satisfied with the plan before granting the visa for the new programme

Before you decide, visit your nearest Student Hub for guidance. They can guide you through the process and discuss your options. Please refer to How to Apply to change your programme

Once you are certain about the programme change after considering all factors, then follow the steps:

1. Apply for admission to the new programme. Find instructions in our How to apply for admission guide
2. After receiving and accepting an unconditional offer for the new programme, apply for a new student visa. Check Visa Information for details
3. Begin your new programme once the new student visa is approved
4. Once the new student visa is approved, withdraw from the old programme or apply for the discontinuation of the programme if you consider applying for Reassign courses from one programme to another through SSO. Please note that not all your completed courses may be reassigned to the new programme. You can request to discontinue your programme as part of this process. If you have not done this as part of the self-service reassignment, and all your courses are dropped, marked as withdrawn, or reassigned, you must request a programme discontinuation. To do so, please email recordsmaintenance@uoa.auckland.ac.nz.
5. Once you receive your new student visa, ensure you submit a copy to the University as we are legally required to hold a record of your visa status.

If you need further assistance, please contact us at int-questions@auckland.ac.nz.

For most Level 8 Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDip), graduates may be eligible for a one-year Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV). Masters graduates at Level 9 may qualify for a three-year PSWV, provided they meet all eligibility criteria.

Eligibility for PSWV following study at Levels 8 and 9 are:

1. A minimum of 30 weeks of full-time study in that specific qualification and
2. Hold/held a student visa for that specific qualification, and
3. Apply for their PSWV within three months of the student visa expiry for that specific qualification.

Note: Coursework for a masters may overlap with a PGDip, these programmes have different entry criteria and are considered separate qualifications. If you wish to cross-credit/reassign a PGDip to a masters and qualify for a three-year PSWV, you must study the masters programme full-time for at least 30 weeks.

Recently, some students cross-credited/reassigned their PGDip into a taught masters programme without completing the required 30 weeks of full-time study under a masters student visa in New Zealand. This has led to challenges when applying for their PSWV.

Interim solution for recent graduates

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has introduced an interim solution for recent graduates who have cross-credited/reassigned from a PGDip into a masters programme and are now in the process of applying for their PSWVs. This interim solution offers flexibility, potentially allowing for a one-year PSWV or longer, depending on INZ’s assessment, for those who:

1. Have completed two semesters of a PGDip and one semester of masters.
2. Have completed two or more semesters of a bachelor (honours) degree and one semester of a masters degree.

INZ will consider a pragmatic approach for students who will be graduating under similar circumstances at the end of the 2024 academic year. Affected students are encouraged to email their  student ID number and name to int-questions@auckland.ac.nz to have their information recorded and shared with INZ.

Graduates from Semester One 2025 onwards: All students must adhere to the standard PSWV policy. Exceptions to this policy are unlikely to be granted. 

Additional Information

1. Students with only one semester of PGDip and one semester of masters are unlikely to meet the 30-week study requirement for either qualification and may not be eligible for a PSWV, and this interim solution would not be applied.
2. Study weeks definition: Includes exam preparation time but excludes holiday periods and time spent repeating failed components.

The information is accurate as of 28 August 2024, and may be subject to change. The applicable instructions will depend on the date you submit your visa application.