Archive · 30 Jun 2025
From Student to Resident: An Indian's Journey in New Zealand
Imagine going to a new country to study, like New Zealand.
That's what Siddharth did.
He got a Master's degree there and then a special visa to work for a few years.
If you work in certain jobs, you can then apply to stay permanently, like getting a green card in the US.
The cost of studying is high, but you can work part-time.
The job market can be small compared to India.
After living there for a bit and working, he was able to become a permanent resident.
Life is calm and organized there.
An Indian IT professional, Siddharth Thyagaraj, became a permanent resident in New Zealand after studying there.
He completed a Master's in IT project management in 2020 and obtained a post-study work visa for three years.
Thyagaraj transitioned from a post-study work visa to a residency visa, then permanent residency.
He estimates that studying in New Zealand now costs about ₹40 lakh, but part-time work can offset some expenses.
Starting salaries in IT are around 50,000-55,000 NZD annually, with a 33% tax rate kicking in at 78,000 NZD.
- Who
- Siddharth Thyagaraj, an IT professional, and other international students.
- What
- The journey of an Indian student from studying in New Zealand to becoming a permanent resident.
- When
- Thyagaraj went to New Zealand in 2020 and applied for permanent residency after two years on a residency visa.
- Where
- New Zealand.
- Why
- To pursue education and seek permanent residency in New Zealand.
Student Perspective
Resident Perspective
Cost vs. Opportunity
Student Perspective
High tuition fees and living expenses
Resident Perspective
Opportunities for part-time work
Lifestyle
Student Perspective
Limited Job Market and career growth
Resident Perspective
Quiet, Comfortable Life
- Student's Course
- Master's in IT Project Management
- Scholarship Amount
- ₹3 lakh
- Initial Tuition Fee
- 40,000 New Zealand dollars
- Estimated Current Study Cost
- ₹40 lakh
- Post-study Work Visa
- 3 years
- Starting IT Sector Salary
- 50,000-55,000 NZD annually
- Highest Tax Rate
- 33% over 78,000 NZD