How to Choose a Major for New Zealand's Skilled Migration Points System

Understanding the Points System

New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) uses a points-based system to assess applicants. To be eligible for an invitation to apply for residence, you need to meet a points threshold. While specific numbers have changed over time, a commonly cited target is 160 points. This figure represents the current threshold for selection from the pool of applicants.

How Study Choices Influence Points

Your qualifications and area of study can contribute to your points score. Points can be awarded for:

• Recognised qualifications: Higher-level qualifications generally earn more points.
• Skilled employment: A job in a skilled occupation that aligns with your qualification can add points.
• Job offer bonus: An offer of skilled employment can provide additional points.

When choosing a major, you should consider whether the qualification is likely to lead to skilled employment in New Zealand. Occupations that are in demand or are listed as skilled can improve your employment prospects and thus your points.

Selecting a Major with Migration in Mind

To maximise your points potential, you should focus on fields that are aligned with New Zealand’s skills needs. However, the evidence does not list specific majors or their point values. Instead, the approach is to ensure your study plans are consistent with the goals of the migration system: gaining skills that can lead to skilled employment and a job offer.

Consider these factors when choosing a major:

• Select a qualification from a recognised institution.
• Research which occupations are considered skilled in New Zealand.
• Evaluate how likely your chosen field is to result in a job offer.

A well-chosen major can be part of a strategy to accumulate points, but the actual points you receive depend on the level of your qualification, your employment situation, and other factors.

Mapping Study Plans to the Points Threshold

While the evidence does not provide a direct mapping from specific majors to points, you can use the points framework to guide your decisions. For example, if you aim for 160 points, you would need to combine points from your qualification, skilled employment, and possibly a job offer. By choosing a major that leads to a skilled occupation and is valued by employers, you increase your chances of meeting the threshold.

Remember that the points system is subject to change, and you should always check the latest requirements on official sources. Your study choices should be made with long-term migration goals in mind, while also considering your personal interests and strengths.