New Delhi: In a landmark move to strengthen educational and commercial ties between India and New Zealand, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, has proposed a transformative collaboration. He has called upon universities from both nations to launch "Joint Degree" programs, creating a seamless academic bridge for students.
The proposal was put forward on Monday following a high-level meeting with New Zealand’s Trade Minister, Todd McClay.
Joint Degrees and Student Exchange
Minister Goyal emphasized that cultural immersion is key to bilateral growth. He noted that New Zealand students coming to India to understand its diverse culture and work environment, and Indian students exploring the opportunities in New Zealand, would inject new energy into the partnership. "Why don’t we run joint courses through universities in both countries and award joint degrees to our students?" Goyal proposed, highlighting the potential for global academic integration.
Major Visa Reforms: A Windfall for Indian Students
Under this new Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the New Zealand government has opened specialized visa pathways for Indian students and professionals:
Study Visas: The previous numerical caps on the number of Indian students allowed have been completely removed.
Work Rights: Students are now guaranteed the opportunity to work at least 20 hours per week during their course of study.
Post-Study Work Visas: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) graduates can now extend their work visas for up to 3 years, while Doctorate holders are eligible for up to 4 years.
Working Holiday Visas: Annually, 1,000 young Indians will be granted a 12-month multiple-entry visa for cultural and professional exposure.
Golden Opportunities for Professionals (TEE Visa)
The agreement also introduces a Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) visa for 5,000 Indian professionals. This quota includes:
AYUSH practitioners and Yoga instructors.
Indian Chefs and Music teachers.
Experts in high-demand sectors such as IT, Engineering, Healthcare, and Education.
These professionals will be allowed to work in New Zealand for a period of up to 3 years.
The Economic Impact
This agreement is set to significantly boost India’s services exports. In the 2025 financial year, India’s services exports stood at approximately $255.8 million, while imports reached $550 million. Economists predict that this deal will yield massive benefits for India’s IT, Financial, and Telecom sectors by balancing the trade deficit through increased professional mobility.