I have devised a 6-year plan for myself in NZ!
The plan is to do a Graduate Diploma in Computer Science (1 year), then a Masters (2 years), and finally obtain a PhD in it (3 years) and subsequently lecture and apply for PR based on that.
I'm worried about how difficult the plan may be, though. I will need to get a scholarship for my Masters, else I may not have the funds to proceed. I would also need to get a fully-funded PhD. Does anyone have any experience in how easily an international student might obtain that?
Also, how is grad school like in NZ? I'm from Malaysia, where most grad students are having it relatively easy. I definitely don't want to stay there though, which is why I'm here. I've heard horror stories from PhD students in USA about having to work 60-hour weeks and consequently having no life - that is certainly not the reason I plan to go the academic route! If I really didn't mind working 60-hour weeks, I'd be a doctor.
Haven't heard any such complaints from people in other countries (Europe, Canada) though.
Finally, how easy would it be to obtain a lectureship position after the PhD? Are lecturers in demand? Would it make application for a PR easier?