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Highlights: New Zealand’s Pathway Visa Simplifies the Admission Process for International Students

• New Zealand announced a new Pathway Student visa to simplify the admission process for international students.
• The Pathway Student visa in New Zealand allows overseas students to study multiple courses under a single permit, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
• The visa is a pilot program that allows students to enroll in up to 3 courses consecutively at different affiliated NZ universities.
• International students can live in New Zealand for up to 5 years while pursuing courses with approved Pathway Education Providers.
• Eligible students can also work part-time up to 25 hours/week and full-time during scheduled holidays.

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New Zealand Pathway Student Visa To Support Multi-Course Approach

New Zealand is offering a Pathway Student visa to international students wanting to pursue multiple courses in the country. Under the single Pathway permit, students can enroll in three courses consecutively. This structured immigration route is suitable for students planning long-term education in the country.

Students eligible for a Pathway visa can live in New Zealand up to 5 years while completing a planned sequence of courses through approved Pathway Education Providers.

Pathway student visa holders in the country must meet the individual course-specific requirements to transition to the next program. During the course duration, students are allowed to work part-time (25 hours/week) and full-time during scheduled holidays.

The New Zealand government intends to maintain educational continuity for international students through its newly introduced Pathway visa. Students with a single-pathway permit do not need to apply for new visas when switching programs repeatedly.

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Benefits of the Pathway Student Visa in New Zealand

New Zealand’s Pathway Student visa is an initiative to streamline the educational process for international students. The single permit pathway simplifies the visa application process by eliminating the need to apply for a visa each time a course ends.

The benefits of the Pathway visa for overseas students in New Zealand are as follows:

• Structured immigration route for students with long-term overseas educational plans.
• Eligibility to enroll in up to three courses consecutively under the same permit.
• Eliminates the need for separate visas for each stage of study.
• Valid for 5 years to complete a planned sequence of courses.
• Students are eligible to work part-time (25 hours/week) and full-time (during scheduled breaks) while pursuing an academic program.
• Applicable for students enrolled under a broad range of affiliated universities, institutes of technology, private training establishments, and schools across New Zealand.
• Reduced visa costs and processing times, promoting a practical immigration pathway.

 

Note: Existing approved Pathway Education Providers can support applications, as the programme is not yet open to new institutions.
 

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Highlights: Greece Introduces Tech and Talent Visas with Simplified EU Blue Card Rules

• Greece has launched new Tech and Talent Visas and is streamlining the EU Blue Card rules, effective from February 6, 2026.  
• To qualify for the new Tech visa, skilled professionals must have a job offer in any registered tech startup in Greece.
• The Talent visa is granted to foreign postgraduates, allowing them to enter Greece and seek employment.
• Under the revised Greek immigration policies, the validity of an EU Blue Card has been increased from 2 to 3 years.
• The Greek government also announced a new Specialized Technical Personnel visa, along with changes to work permits to offer greater flexibility for foreign workers.

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Greece announced Tech and Talent Visas, with faster access to the EU Blue Card for Foreign Professionals

Greece has recently announced a new Tech and Talent Visa while simplifying EU Blue Card rules to meet high workforce demand in the country. The immigration reforms took effect on February 6, 2026, highlighting the country’s initiative to streamline the hiring process.

As part of the changes, Greece has introduced a new Specialized Technical Personnel visa and updated work permit policies.

The following are the implementations under Greece’s latest immigration updates in February:

Tech Visa

Foreign workers employed at a registered tech startup in Greece are eligible to apply for a Tech visa. The permit will provide immediate work authorisation for professionals to operate legally in the country. Upon a job change or termination of the current employment contract, tech visa holders will lose their immigration status.

Also, read...

Highest Paying Jobs in Greece for Indians

Talent Visa

Skilled professionals can apply for a Talent visa to migrate to Greece, provided they have at least a Master’s degree in a relevant field. The Talent visa allows foreign nationals to enter Greece and seek employment; however, it does not offer direct work authorisation. With a talent Visa, you can transition to a work/residence permit upon securing a job offer.

EU Blue Card Rules

The Greek immigration authorities revised the validity period of the EU Blue Card from 2 to 3 years for highly skilled professionals. Upon expiration of their period, existing EU Blue Card holders are eligible to apply for renewal within 3 months of the expiration date.

New Immigration Pathways in Greece

The new Specialized Technical Personnel visa will permit foreign nationals to transfer from a company in another country to a Greek company for major projects extending up to 12 months. Professionals are offered a Specialised Technical Personnel visa, provided the associated project exceeds a market value of €10 million.

It is possible to convert the Specialised Technical Personnel visa to an EU Blue Card if you meet the eligibility criteria.

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Greece to hire Indians to fill skill shortages. Apply now!
 

Revised work permit policies in Greece

The Greek government also released updated work permit policies in February, reducing the requirement for standard permits from 1 year to 6 months.  Additionally, foreign workers can look for new opportunities in the country for 3 months upon termination of their current job offer. Professionals who have spent at least 2 years in Greece are allowed to look for a new job offer in the country for 6 months when their existing employment contract expires.

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Greece Job Market in 2026-30
 

How would Greece’s Immigration Reforms affect Skilled Workers Abroad?

The recent immigration reforms in Greece will affect overseas skilled workers in the following ways:

• Tech and Talent visas offer broader immigration pathways to foreign workers to explore the Greek job market.
• Simplified rules for the EU Blue card permit professionals to qualify with shorter job contracts and smoother application processes.
• Skilled professionals can work on high-value projects in Greece through a Specialized Technical Personnel visa.
• Foreign workers can enter Greece on a tech visa and later transition to a long-term EU Blue Card.
• Revised work permit policies will give existing foreign workers in Greece more time to look for new jobs upon termination of their existing contracts.
• Greece has a high demand for foreign workers to fill labour shortages across the tech, construction, and infrastructure sectors.
   

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Highlights: Canada Reintroduces Job Offer Points for Express Entry Candidates

• IRCC has announced plans to restore additional CRS points for Express Entry candidates with a job offer.
• The Canadian immigration authorities have officially updated their CRS points for job offers on March 13, 2026.
• Foreign nationals with job offers and Canadian work experience in high-wage occupations will receive extra CRS points in Express Entry draws.
• Skilled workers across several in-demand fields of Express Entry’s occupational categories must obtain official certification from a specific regulatory body.
• The recent measures are part of a broader Talent Attraction Strategy in Canada to attract top global talent to address a workforce shortage.

*Want to check your eligibility for Canada? Try the FREE Y-Axis Canada CRS points calculator to get an instant score!
 

Canada Updates CRS Points for Express Entry Candidates with Job Offer

Canada recently plans to allot extra CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) points to Express Entry applicants with a secure job offer. (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had decided initially in March 2025 to remove bonus points for Express Entry candidates with valid job offers, including those backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Under the previous system, foreign nationals working in Canada would receive an additional 50 or 200 CRS points. IRCC later removed point allocation for job offers in Express Entry draws on March 25, 2025, to restore the integrity of the system.

Canada published its plans to reintroduce CRS points for job offers for Express Entry draws later on March 13, 2026, as part of a broader suite of reforms. Although a clear timeline is yet to be released, Canada expresses its firm intention to award points to candidates with “job offers and Canadian work experience in high wage occupations.

The planned measures are here to support Canada’s Talent Attraction Strategy to hire qualified foreign professionals to meet workforce demand.

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Which Canadian Jobs qualify as High-Wages Occupations for Express Entry?

The Express Entry program assesses skilled work based on experience in Training Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) classification and  Canada's National Occupation Classification (NOC) system.

Here is how Canada classifies high-wage roles for Express Entry:

• Higher TEER (0, 1, 2) occupations are broadly considered under the revised Express Entry rules.
• For the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), a job qualifies as a high-wage role if the occupation's hourly wage meets or exceeds the province's median hourly wage.
• The high-wage role is subject to the region where a candidate's work experience was gathered in Canada.
   

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Highlights: New Zealand announces the Salary Threshold work visa applicants

• New Zealand has introduced new wage rules for foreign workers applying for work visas.
• Work visas in New Zealand will be approved for applicants who meet the minimum salary threshold for specific work permit categories.
• The new salary threshold is associated with the national median wage and job market rates in New Zealand.
• Immigration New Zealand will also check the hourly wages criteria while approving work permits for foreign nationals.
• Several visa categories, including Accredited Employer work visas, work-to-residence permits, and skilled migrant programs, will be affected by the revised wages criteria.

*Want to apply for a New Zealand work visa? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.
 

New Zealand to approve work visas for applicants meeting salary thresholds in 2026

Immigration New Zealand has recently announced a new wage threshold for foreign workers seeking to work in the country. Foreign nationals applying for a New Zealand work visa must secure a job that meets the minimum salary requirement. The country updated its salary threshold for foreign workers to determine whether a job offer qualifies for certain work visas.

New Zealand’s revised wages rule assesses eligibility for immigration pathways, including Accredited Employer work visas, work-to-residence permits, and skilled migrant programs.

Immigration authorities have also decided to verify the hourly wages of foreign workers to confirm that the job meets the threshold for the visa category.

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Factors affecting the wage threshold

Wages for international workers in New Zealand are determined by the national median wage and are updated frequently based on labour market data.

National median wages

The minimum salary thresholds for different work visas in New Zealand are linked to the national median wage in the country. New Zealand’s median wages are updated regularly based on labour market statistics. Upon an increase in median wages, the associated immigration threshold will also rise.

The wage rates in immigration assessments are estimated on an hourly basis and expressed in New Zealand dollars.

Note: Existing foreign workers in New Zealand do not have to meet the revised threshold until their current work permit expires.

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New Zealand to Revise Open Work Visa Policies from April 20 – Check Your Eligibility!
 

Labour market rates

Work visa salary thresholds are set based on market pay rates in New Zealand. This refers to the average salary that residents of the country earn for a similar job. Depending on industry standards and work experience, these factors affect the average salary requirements for foreign nationals in the country.

New Zealand has also set other wage-related standards, which include the national minimum wage and occupation-specific pay levels.

Also, read...

New Zealand launches Short-Term Graduate Work Visa and expands post-study work options. Apply Now!
 

Types of New Zealand work visas affected by the Minimum Wages Rule
 

The following New Zealand work visa categories fall under the newly announced salary threshold requirement:

• Accredited Employer work visas.
• Visas connected to residence pathways(work-to-residence and skilled migrant programs).
• Visas for seasonal workers, fishing crew members, and partners of workers.
   

Note: Immigration authorities in New Zealand have advised foreign nationals to check the salary criteria for their work visa category before submitting an application.

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Highlights: Philippines Gains Popularity among Indian MBBS Aspirants

• Indian medical aspirants are increasingly choosing the Philippines for affordable education and strong clinical exposure.
• Medical tuition fees in the Philippines typically range between USD 3,000 and USD 6,000 per year.
• The total cost of completing a medical degree, including living expenses, is around ₹25–35 lakh.
• A recent batch saw 1,015 Indian-origin students graduate from the Davao Medical School Foundation.
• Nearly 12,000 Indian students have graduated from the institution since 1999, highlighting the country’s growing popularity.

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Philippines Emerges as a Rising Destination for Indian MBBS Aspirants

Indian students planning to pursue medical education abroad are increasingly choosing the Philippines due to its affordable tuition fees, English-medium instruction, and globally aligned medical curriculum. Experts say the country is becoming a preferred destination for Indian medical aspirants looking for quality education and strong clinical exposure at a relatively lower cost.

The growing interest has also been influenced by global developments such as the Russia–Ukraine conflict, which disrupted the studies of many Indian medical students in Ukraine and pushed them to explore alternative destinations. As a result, the Philippines is gaining attention as a reliable and cost-effective option for studying medicine abroad.

Recent reports also highlight the rising number of Indian graduates from Philippine medical institutions, reflecting the increasing demand for international medical education among Indian students. Universities in the Philippines continue to attract large cohorts of Indian-origin students, reinforcing the country’s reputation as an emerging hub for medical studies.

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Philippines Attracts Indian Students with Affordable Medical Education

The Philippines is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for Indian students pursuing medical education abroad. Factors such as affordable tuition fees, English-medium instruction, and strong clinical exposure are attracting aspiring doctors from India. Experts also point out that global disruptions, including the Russia–Ukraine conflict, have pushed many students to explore alternative countries for medical studies. Recent reports show a growing presence of Indian students in Philippine medical universities, highlighting the rising demand for overseas medical education.
 

 

• The Philippines is emerging as a preferred destination for Indian students seeking affordable medical education abroad.
• Tuition fees range between USD 3,000 and USD 6,000 per year, making it significantly cheaper than Western countries.
• The total cost of completing the program is around ₹25–35 lakh, including living expenses.
• A recent graduating batch at Davao Medical School Foundation included 1,015 Indian-origin students.
• Nearly 12,000 Indian students have graduated from the university since 1999, showing a strong and growing Indian presence.

Also, read…

Affordable destinations to pursue MBBS abroad

 

What Indian MBBS Aspirants Should Know About Studying in the Philippines

With intense competition for medical seats in India, many Indian students are exploring international destinations to pursue an MBBS degree. The Philippines is gaining attention as a viable option due to its affordable education, English-medium instruction, and structured clinical training. The growing number of Indian graduates from Philippine medical universities highlights the country’s rising popularity among Indian medical aspirants.

• Limited medical seats in India push many NEET-qualified students to consider affordable MBBS programs abroad.
• The Philippines offers English-medium medical education, making it easier for Indian students to adapt academically.
• Many universities follow a US-style medical curriculum, which includes strong practical and clinical exposure.
• The country already has a large Indian student community, with nearly 12,000 Indian graduates from Davao Medical School Foundation since 1999.
• Recent reports show 1,015 Indian-origin students graduating from Davao Medical School Foundation in one batch, reflecting the growing demand among Indian students.

 

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FAQs

1. Why are Indian students choosing the Philippines for medical studies?

Indian students are increasingly choosing the Philippines for medical education due to its affordable tuition fees, English-medium instruction, and US-style medical curriculum. Medical programs in the Philippines generally cost between USD 3,000 and USD 6,000 per year, making them more affordable compared to countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia. Additionally, Philippine medical schools emphasize strong clinical exposure and practical training. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has also pushed many Indian medical aspirants to explore alternative destinations for MBBS abroad. These factors together make the Philippines an attractive and accessible option for Indian students seeking global medical education.
 

2. How much does it cost to study medicine in the Philippines for Indian students?

Medical education in the Philippines is considered relatively affordable compared to many other international destinations. Tuition fees typically range from USD 3,000 to USD 6,000 per year, depending on the university and program. When living expenses such as accommodation, food, and transport are included, the total cost of completing a medical program generally ranges between ₹25 lakh and ₹35 lakh. This cost is significantly lower than studying medicine in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia. Because of this affordability and reasonable living costs, many Indian students view the Philippines as a practical option for pursuing medical education abroad.
 

3. What makes the Philippines’ medical curriculum attractive to Indian students?

The Philippines follows a US-pattern medical curriculum, which is one of the key reasons Indian students choose the country for medical studies. Many universities offer a structured approach that combines theoretical learning with extensive clinical training. The curriculum is also taught in English, making it easier for Indian students to adapt academically and socially. Clinical rotations in hospitals provide hands-on experience that helps students develop practical medical skills. Additionally, the teaching style emphasizes patient interaction and clinical exposure, which can help students build confidence before entering professional practice in the global healthcare sector.
 

4. How did the Russia-Ukraine conflict influence Indian students’ choice of medical education abroad?

The Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted the education of thousands of Indian medical students who were studying in Ukrainian universities. Many students had to return to India and look for alternative destinations to continue their medical education. As a result, countries that offer affordable and English-medium medical programs gained attention. The Philippines emerged as one such destination due to its comparatively lower costs, established medical universities, and strong clinical training opportunities. The situation encouraged Indian students and parents to consider safer and more stable countries for studying medicine abroad, which contributed to the growing popularity of the Philippines.
 

5. Which Philippine medical school recently graduated a large number of Indian students?

The Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) recently saw a large cohort of Indian-origin students graduate as doctors. According to reports, 1,015 Indian-origin students graduated in a single batch, making it one of the largest groups of Indian graduates from a single overseas medical institution in recent years. The institution has a long history of admitting Indian students and supporting them during their medical training. Over the years, thousands of Indian students have completed their medical degrees from the university. This highlights the growing trust Indian students have in Philippine medical institutions.
 

6. How many Indian students have graduated from Davao Medical School Foundation?

The Davao Medical School Foundation has a long track record of educating Indian medical aspirants. According to officials from the institution, nearly 12,000 students from India have graduated from the university since 1999. This large number reflects the strong presence of Indian students in the Philippines’ medical education system. The university has built support systems for international students, including academic guidance and clinical training opportunities. The growing number of graduates from Indian backgrounds indicates the increasing popularity of Philippine medical programs and their ability to attract students from across India seeking global medical careers.
 

7. What are the key benefits of studying medicine in the Philippines?

Studying medicine in the Philippines offers several advantages for Indian students. The programs are relatively affordable, with tuition fees significantly lower than in many Western countries. The English-medium instruction ensures students do not face language barriers in academics or daily life. Additionally, the US-style curriculum and strong clinical exposure allow students to gain practical medical training. The Philippines also has a long tradition of educating international students, especially from India. These benefits make it a suitable destination for those seeking quality medical education abroad without the extremely high costs associated with many Western universities.
 

8. Which other countries are popular for Indian students studying medicine abroad?

Apart from the Philippines, several other countries are popular destinations for Indian students pursuing medical education abroad. These include Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, and several Eastern European countries. These destinations attract Indian students mainly due to their relatively affordable tuition fees and established medical universities. Some of these countries also offer English-medium programs designed specifically for international students. However, global events such as geopolitical conflicts or policy changes can influence student preferences. As a result, students often evaluate factors like safety, affordability, recognition of degrees, and clinical training opportunities before selecting a destination.
 

9. Why is affordability an important factor for Indian medical aspirants studying abroad?

Affordability is one of the most important considerations for Indian students pursuing medical education abroad. Medical degrees in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia can be extremely expensive, often costing several crores of rupees. In contrast, countries such as the Philippines offer programs where the total cost, including tuition and living expenses, may range between ₹25 lakh and ₹35 lakh. This makes overseas medical education more accessible to middle-income families. Lower costs also reduce financial pressure on students and parents, allowing aspiring doctors to focus on their education and training rather than worrying about large debts.
 

10. What does the growing interest in the Philippines indicate about global medical education trends?

The rising number of Indian students choosing the Philippines reflects broader trends in global medical education. Students today are actively exploring international options that provide quality education, clinical exposure, and affordable costs. The demand for medical education abroad is also increasing because competition for medical seats in India remains very high. Countries that offer English-medium instruction and internationally recognized curricula are becoming more attractive to aspiring doctors. This trend highlights the increasing global mobility of students and the growing importance of accessible international education pathways for those seeking careers in healthcare.