WELLINGTON, April 20 (Xinhuanet) -- New Zealand has changed rules to make it easier for international students to work and study here, Immigration Minister Paul Swain said Wednesday.

    Under the new rule, foreign students who have graduated from a course that would gain points under certain skilled migrant category will be eligible for a six month open work permit.

    The pool of students eligible to work part time while studying will be expanded to include Year 12 & 13 school students and some English language students.

    Eligible students will be able to apply to work for up to 20 hours a week during the term, instead of the current 15 hours. Anyone undertaking a course of 12 months or more will be able to apply to work full-time over the summer holidays.

    Swain said the changes, which will come into force from July 4,will give more opportunities for foreign students to gain work permits after they have completed their studies.

    He said changes of rules will better align the student immigration policy with government's international education strategy as well as making sure New Zealand remains competitive inthe global market for students. Enditem