New Zealand’s Post-Study Work Visa lets eligible international graduates stay in the country and work for any employer after finishing an approved qualification, with the length of the visa now tied directly to the qualification level and study duration rather than a flat term.
Immigration New Zealand has also confirmed further changes from late 2026 that widen who can qualify. Here’s what the Post-Study Work Visa covers, who’s eligible in 2027, and how to apply.
What Is the New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa?
The Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) is an open work visa issued by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to graduates of approved New Zealand qualifications. It allows most degree-level graduates to work for any employer, in any role, without needing a job offer before applying. Graduates of lower-level or non-degree qualifications may have work rights tied to their field of study instead.
A Post-Study Work Visa can only be granted once in a lifetime, even if you later complete a second, higher-level qualification. This makes timing and course choice genuinely important decisions, not just academic ones.
What Changed for the Post-Study Work Visa in 2026 and 2027?
If you’ve seen older guidance describing separate one-year, two-year and three-year visa categories, that system no longer applies. Since September 2022, visa length has been based on the qualification’s NZQF level and how long you actually studied, not a fixed category. Two further changes affect graduates from late 2026 onwards.
- Short-Term Graduate Work Visa: a new visa opening from 16 November 2026, offering six months of open work rights to graduates who complete an NZQCF Level 5 to 7 qualification but don’t qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa.
- Expanded Post-Study Work Visa eligibility: from the same date, graduates who complete a Level 7 Graduate Diploma in New Zealand can qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa, provided they already hold a bachelor’s degree from New Zealand or overseas.
Both changes are confirmed in Immigration New Zealand’s official announcement on post-study work visa options, and are designed to give a wider range of graduates a genuine post-study work pathway, rather than leaving diploma-level students with no options at all.
How Long Can You Work in New Zealand After Graduating?
Visa duration depends on your qualification level and how long you studied full-time in New Zealand. The table below sets out the current structure.
| Qualification Level |
Example Qualification |
Visa Duration |
Work Rights |
| NZQF Level 9 or 10 |
Master’s degree, doctorate |
Up to 3 years |
Open, any employer |
| NZQF Level 7 or 8 |
Bachelor’s degree, postgraduate diploma |
Matches length of study (up to 3 years) |
Open, any employer |
| NZQF Level 4 to 7 (non-degree) |
Approved certificates and diplomas |
Matches length of study |
Related to field of study only |
| Level 7 Graduate Diploma (from 16 Nov 2026) |
Graduate Diploma, plus existing bachelor’s degree |
Length of Graduate Diploma, up to 1 year |
Open, any employer |
A useful way to think about it: a three-year bachelor’s degree earns a three-year visa, but a one-year postgraduate diploma only earns a one-year visa, even though both sit at a similar qualification level. It’s the study duration, not just the level, that sets your ceiling.
Am I Eligible for the Post-Study Work Visa?
Eligibility rests on your qualification, your study pattern and your timing. You’ll generally need to meet all of the following.
- Hold a Level 8 to 10 qualification studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand, or
- Hold a Level 7 degree studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand, or
- Hold a non-degree qualification at Level 4 to 7 that appears on INZ’s list of qualifications eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa, studied full-time for the full duration required
- Apply within three months of your student visa expiring (six months for doctoral graduates)
- Show evidence of at least NZD 5,000 in available funds
- Not have been granted a Post-Study Work Visa before
Study weeks include exam preparation but exclude holidays and any time spent repeating failed papers, so a delayed or extended course can affect your eligibility window.
What About the New Short-Term Graduate Work Visa?
From 16 November 2026, graduates who complete a full-time NZQCF Level 5 to 7 qualification of at least 24 weeks, but who don’t qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa, can apply for the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa instead. It provides six months of open work rights, requires NZD 5,000 in funds, cannot be extended and cannot be granted a second time. It’s a genuine option if your course sits below the usual Post-Study Work Visa threshold.
Expert View
“Because a Post-Study Work Visa can only ever be granted once, we always map out a student’s full study-to-work timeline before they enrol, not after they graduate. Choosing a one-year diploma over a three-year degree can quietly cost you two extra years of open work rights.” – Priya Kaur, Counsellor, StudyIn.
How Much Does the Post-Study Work Visa Cost?
The current Post-Study Work Visa fee is NZD 1,670, made up of a NZD 320 application fee and a NZD 1,350 Immigration Levy. This is in addition to the NZD 5,000 in funds you’ll need to show. Immigration New Zealand processes around 80% of applications within four weeks, though fees and processing times are reviewed periodically, so it’s worth checking the official visa page for the latest figures before you apply.
How Do I Apply for the Post-Study Work Visa?
- Create a RealMe account: this lets you submit your application online through Immigration New Zealand and track its progress.
- Gather your documents: passport, qualification certificate, official transcript or completion letter, and proof of NZD 5,000 in funds.
- Complete the application form: provide accurate details of your qualification, study duration and intended work plans.
- Provide health and character evidence: a medical certificate or chest X-ray and a police certificate may be required depending on your circumstances.
- Pay the visa fee: NZD 1,670, payable online at the time of application.
- Wait for a decision: processing times vary with demand, so apply as early as your three or six-month window allows.
Can My Partner and Children Join Me?
If you hold an eligible Post-Study Work Visa, your partner may be able to apply for their own work visa, and your children can generally apply for student visas at domestic (not international) fee rates. Family visas typically expire alongside your own Post-Study Work Visa, so they won’t extend beyond it.
Does the Post-Study Work Visa Lead to New Zealand Residency?
The Post-Study Work Visa doesn’t guarantee residence, but it’s a genuine stepping stone. Many graduates use the visa period to secure skilled work and later move onto an Accredited Employer Work Visa or apply through the Skilled Migrant Category, where required work experience dropped from three years to two from August 2026 for most applicants. Roles on the Green List can also offer a more direct Straight to Residence pathway.
Get Expert Visa Support
Post-study work rules in New Zealand have shifted meaningfully over the past two years, and they’re set to shift again from November 2026. Getting your qualification level, study duration and application timing right can make the difference between a three-year open work visa and a much shorter one, or none at all.
StudyIn’s counsellors work with students from course selection through to visa application, so the plan you build at enrolment still holds up at graduation. Book a free consultation to talk through your options with a StudyIn counsellor.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa?
Graduates of a Level 7 bachelor’s degree or higher studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand are generally eligible, along with graduates of approved non-degree qualifications at Level 4 to 7 studied full-time for the required duration. You must also apply within three months of your student visa expiring, or six months if you completed a doctorate, and show at least NZD 5,000 in funds.
How long can I work in New Zealand after I graduate?
Master’s and doctoral graduates can receive up to three years of open work rights. Bachelor’s degree and postgraduate diploma holders receive a visa matching their actual study duration, up to three years. Non-degree qualification holders receive a visa matching their study duration, with work limited to their field of study.
How much does the Post-Study Work Visa cost?
The current fee is NZD 1,670, made up of a NZD 320 application fee and a NZD 1,350 Immigration Levy. This is separate from the NZD 5,000 in funds you need to show as part of your application.
Can I apply for the Post-Study Work Visa more than once?
No. Immigration New Zealand only grants one Post-Study Work Visa per person, even if you go on to complete a further, higher-level qualification afterwards.
What is the new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa?
It’s a new visa opening from 16 November 2026 for graduates of an NZQCF Level 5 to 7 qualification who don’t qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa. It offers six months of open work rights, requires NZD 5,000 in funds, and cannot be extended or granted a second time.
Does the Post-Study Work Visa lead to residency?
Not automatically, but it’s a common pathway. Graduates often move into skilled employment during their visa period and later apply through the Skilled Migrant Category or an Accredited Employer Work Visa, or pursue a Straight to Residence route if their role is on the Green List.
