Does a paid PhD counts as a job in New Zealand?

[Farshad]

Hi friends,
I have been looking into SMC for a while but I have a marginal situation which makes my points not being in a very secure level for application. After considering my situation, applying fro jobs in New Zealand which was unsuccessful I thought it might be better to come to NZ for a paid PhD. My field is about working with water resources and ecological-environmental aspects of water resources. The SMC scheme and job list are very broad and apparently restrictive for instance about the title of your degree which requires the person to apply for an assessment which is expensive. So, I would prefer to tray something less risky which would be paid PhD position but I don't want to end up having no privilege with regard to Permanent Residency.

I would like to know if someone studies in a PhD level in New Zealand, would him/her have an opportunity to receive permanent residence permit as countries like Canada, Norway or Denmark?

I appreciate your input!
Farshad

[JandM]

I would like to know if someone studies in a PhD level in New Zealand, would him/her have an opportunity to receive permanent residence permit as countries like Canada, Norway or Denmark?

This http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migra...tudytowork.htm is what you can be entitled to following study in NZ. Of course, gaining skilled employment can then be used to earn Residence. There is no direct entitlement following study in NZ.

[eternalkiwi]

An application for residence is separate from an application for a student visa, so there is no special entitlement for PhD grads to gaining residence.
In NZ there is mainly 1 criteria for all non-family related residence applications.

Some advantages of studying a PhD is that you have a higher level qualification, which earns more points for your residence application; and you have experience living in NZ which makes it easier to prove you can settle, understand the local culture/environment and find work opportunities in NZ.

[Farshad]

Thank you guys!

[Karen Phillips]

... and don't forget you don't have to pay international fees for PhD study because you have domestic student status. Usually, you will need to submit a copy of your Masters thesis. If you need help finding the right Uni, let me know (I am not charging for this!!). There are also quite a few perks with a PhD visa relating to dependents, partners, police checks valid for longer (36 months instead of 24). Many PhD students get offered part-time tutoring work with undergraduates when the opportunity arises. You would be eligible for Job Search and Graduate Work experience after completion and I would imagine that you wouldn't have too much difficulty getting the points for residence with a NZ PhD = depending on work experience, age etc. Cheers. Karen

[jawnbc]

Assuming you've been accepted to do a PhD and are being funded for your PhD, no that does not count as work experience: it's a fellowship or scholarship. But completing a university degree at a NZ institutions does give you more points.

[Farshad]

Thank you guys!
I have been facing a confusion and an uncertainty whether or not my qualification is comparable to the occupation on the LTSSL as Environmental Research Scientist (234313), since the standard of the New Zealand Qualifications for this occupation is very broad which is Bachelor of Science specialising in Environmental Studies.
As I have checked a detailed breakdown of the field of studies under the NZSCED (0509 Environmental Studies), I am well prepared for such occupation on the LTSSL due to the content of my academic qualifications and work experiences, but the title of my qualifications are M.Sc. in Aquatic Ecology and B.Sc. in Natural Resources Engineering-Fishery (They are on exempted list of qualification).
Do you think a letter from my university noting that the content of my graduate studies has covered the necessary skills for this occupation will help me to avoid the unnecessary IQA assessment?
What I am trying to understand and be sure prior any decision is, if my qualification is comparable to the Environmental Research Scientist (234313) LTSSL or not.

Thank you very much for your consideration. I look forward to receiving your reply.

[Farshad]

Thank you Karen, I checked you website workstudylivenewzealand. May I sent you an email and explain the situation?

... and don't forget you don't have to pay international fees for PhD study because you have domestic student status. Usually, you will need to submit a copy of your Masters thesis. If you need help finding the right Uni, let me know (I am not charging for this!!). There are also quite a few perks with a PhD visa relating to dependents, partners, police checks valid for longer (36 months instead of 24). Many PhD students get offered part-time tutoring work with undergraduates when the opportunity arises. You would be eligible for Job Search and Graduate Work experience after completion and I would imagine that you wouldn't have too much difficulty getting the points for residence with a NZ PhD = depending on work experience, age etc. Cheers. Karen