Changes introduced by immigration New Zealand will allow international students to stay in New Zealand for longer to look for work.

Immigration Minister David Cunliffe said "There is increasing competition for skilled graduates and we need to allow them enough time to find a job in their area of expertise here in New Zealand and not run the risk that they will go elsewhere,"

"In many cases, these are precisely the type of skilled workers we need in New Zealand" he added.

Students will be able to stay in New Zealand on a job search permit for up to a year, instead of six months, while they looked for skilled work. Mr Cunliffe said research indicated a significant number of international students were choosing to stay in New Zealand after studying here.

Most did so through the business immigration stream - meaning they were filling skill gaps in the economy.

To see if you are eligible to study in New Zealand fill out our free New Zealand assessment form.