The New Zealand Post Study Work Visa lets you stay and work in New Zealand after studying an approved qualification with duration and condition dependants upon the qualification you completed.
As an international student looking to study in New Zealand, the post study period is something of crucial importance to you, as much as the course of study itself. This is because the opportunities open to you after graduation can be just as defining as the ones during.
The PSWV, or Post Study Work Visa, gives temporary work rights, not permanent residency. However, Immigration New Zealand confirms that the PSWV can be upgraded to a resident visa if the applicable requirements are met.
The rules in 2026 are of particular interest as New Zealand is launching another graduate-work option in the year.
From 16 November 2026, eligible graduates without a PSWV may be able to apply for a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa that gives up to 6-months open work rights.
Eligibility criteria will also be relaxed for certain students completing an NZQCF Level 7 Graduate Diploma who also hold a bachelor’s degree from New Zealand or overseas. Therefore, international students who apply for a New Zealand student visa in 2026 need to have a good idea of the post study options open to them before choosing their course of qualification.
What are the latest New Zealand Post Study Work Visa rules in 2026?
The key rules for the PSWV in 2026 will relate to your qualification, your level of study, the duration of full-time study and whether or not an applicable set of criteria from Immigration New Zealand is met.
The most crucial rules to note are:
- Eligible graduates can stay and work on a PSWV in New Zealand for up to 3 years, depending on your qualification and study duration.
- Degree Level 7+ qualifications generally require at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand.
- Eligible non-degree Level 7 and below require your qualification to be on an approved list from Immigration New Zealand and the study requirements as applicable.
- Graduates holding a PSWV based on a degree Level 7+ generally qualify for any legal job, subject to occupational registration.
- Graduates holding a PSWV based on an eligible non-degree Level 7 and below must work in a related occupation.
- Applicants will generally need at least NZD 5,000 available for personal expenditure.
- Generally, a PSWV can only be applied for once.
- Eligible Level 7 Graduate Diplomas with bachelor’s degree will qualify from 16 November 2026.
- From 16 November 2026, eligible graduates without a PSWV may have access to a new 6-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa.
New Zealand Post Study Work Visa 2026 at a glance
| Feature | 2026 information |
|---|---|
| Visa | Post Study Work Visa |
| Maximum stay | Up to 3 years |
| Application fee | from NZD 1,670 |
| Funds required | at least NZD 5,000 |
| Degree Level 7+ | Generally requires 30 weeks of full-time study |
| Eligible non-degree Level 7 or below | Must meet specific qualification-list requirements |
| Application deadline | usually within 3 months of Student Visa expiry |
| Previous PSWV | generally cannot receive another PSWV |
| New 2026 option | Short-Term Graduate Work Visa from 16 November 2026 |
Immigration New Zealand currently lists the PSWV cost from NZD 1,670 and notes that 80% of applications are processed within 5.5 weeks, although this can fluctuate and applicants are advised to check the official website before applying.
Who is eligible for a Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand?
Students who have recently completed an eligible qualification in New Zealand can apply for a Post Study Work Visa if they meet the applicable qualification, study, health, character, genuine-intention and financial requirements. There are two general categories of qualification that students should be aware of when considering their visa options.
- Degree-level qualifications: This category includes:
- Level 7 bachelor’s degrees
- Level 8 postgraduate qualifications
- Level 9 master’s degrees
- Level 10 doctoral degrees
For a degree-level 7 or higher qualification, Immigration New Zealand will generally require that the student studied the qualification full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks.
- Non-degree qualifications: Non-degree qualifications of Level 7 or below may also qualify, subject to one crucial condition.
The qualification must appear on Immigration New Zealand’s List of Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa, and the student must have studied it full-time in New Zealand for the applicable duration to gain the qualification. The graduate must also work in a related occupation.
This is why it would not be correct to state that “all Level 7 courses get a Post Study Work Visa”.
What kind of qualification do I need to gain a Post Study Work Visa?
Completing a qualification in New Zealand does not always entitle the student to a PSWV. For degree-level qualifications, the student will need to meet the full-time study requirements.
For non-degree Level 7 and below qualifications, there are specific requirements from Immigration New Zealand and the qualification must appear on an eligible list if applicable.
This is especially important for students comparing courses in New Zealand for international students.
For example, a student should not select a course simply for including “Level 7” in the qualification title, and instead consider:
- Whether the qualification is a degree or non-degree
- The NZQCF level
- The study duration
- Whether the qualification is on the PSWV eligibility list
- What work conditions would apply after graduation
- Whether a new 2026 graduate-work pathway may apply
What qualifications are eligible for the New Zealand Post Study Work Visa?
Eligible qualifications include degree-level qualifications and certain specified non-degree qualifications.
General qualification categories:
| Qualification | General PSWV position |
|---|---|
| Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree | Eligible if study requirements are met |
| Level 8 Postgraduate Diploma | Eligible if study requirements are met |
| Level 9 Master’s Degree | Eligible if study requirements are met |
| Level 10 Doctoral Degree | Eligible if study requirements are met |
| Selected Level 7 non-degree qualifications | Eligible only when specific INZ requirements are met |
| Selected Level 5–6 qualifications | Eligible only when included on the official eligible list and requirements are met |
| Level 7 Graduate Diploma with bachelor’s degree | New pathway from 16 November 2026, subject to requirements |
Immigration New Zealand’s qualification list contains specific examples for non-degree qualifications including certain construction, engineering, quantity surveying and teaching-related qualifications amongst others.
How long can you stay on a Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand?
The PSWV can let you stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years, although not all graduates will automatically receive three years’ worth of work rights.
Generally, the work rights depend on the qualification that the student studied and the full-time study duration.
For example, Immigration New Zealand states that a student who completes a Master’s or Doctoral qualification in New Zealand and studied it full-time for at least 30 weeks can work in New Zealand for three years.
For some qualifications at or below the applicable level, the work rights will be directly related to the study duration. Immigration New Zealand gives an example that if the offer of place states that a programme takes 32 weeks, the visa can be for 32 weeks.
PSWV duration in simple terms:
| Study completed | Possible PSWV duration |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree meeting the 30-week requirement | Up to 3 years |
| Doctoral qualification meeting the requirements | Up to 3 years |
| Other eligible degree-level qualifications | Depends on qualification and study |
| Eligible non-degree qualifications | Generally linked to the study duration |
| New Level 7 Graduate Diploma pathway | Up to the relevant period under the new rules |
Students should be wary therefore of assuming that a one-year course will automatically lead to three years’ worth of work rights in New Zealand.
The qualification and Immigration New Zealand’s current rules determine the outcome.
What is the new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa for New Zealand?
The Short-Term Graduate Work Visa is a new visa which opens for applications on 16 November 2026 for eligible graduates who have completed certain Level 5 to Level 7 qualifications but do not qualify for a PSWV.
The visa lets eligible graduates remain and work in New Zealand for up to six months while they search for employment and consider longer-term work options.
The new visa represents one of the largest changes for students wishing to study in New Zealand in 2026.
The Short-Term Graduate Work Visa should not be described as a PSWV alternative, but as an additional, short-term graduate-work visa option.
Short-Term Graduate Work Visa at a glance:
| Feature | Short-Term Graduate Work Visa |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 16 November 2026 |
| Maximum stay | Up to 6 months |
| Qualification level | NZQCF Level 5 to 7 |
| Study requirement | At least 24 weeks full-time in New Zealand |
| Funds | at least NZD 5,000 |
| Work rights | Open work rights |
| Job offer before applying | Not required |
| Previous Short-Term Graduate Work Visa | Makes applicant ineligible |
| Extension | Not available |
Immigration New Zealand states that the new visa will generally allow graduates to work in any job for any employer in New Zealand, subject to the conditions of the visa.
Who can apply for the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa?
The new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa has specific eligibility criteria.
An applicant must have completed an eligible NZQCF Level 5 to Level 7 qualification that:
- Was studied full-time
- Was studied in New Zealand
- Was studied for at least 24 weeks
- Is not an English-language qualification
- Is not a foundation qualification
- Is not a bridging qualification
- Does not already make the person eligible for a PSWV
The applicant must also have held a valid Student Visa for New Zealand within the required period, have at least NZD 5,000 available for personal expenditure and meet the applicable health, character and genuine-intention requirements.
Which Green List Programmes Can Students Consider for New Zealand Study and Post Study Work?
For students considering studying in New Zealand, choosing a qualification can also involve exploring the career opportunities associated with it. The New Zealand Green List contains occupations where there are shortages of skilled workers; depending on the occupation, someone who meets the necessary qualification, registration, job and pays requirements may qualify for residence through either Tier 1 or Tier 2.
This creates a particular interest in certain fields of study for students who intend to plan their New Zealand student visa around their Post Study Work Visa and future profession. However, it is not always the case that someone studying a related programme will be placed on the Green List; they have to actually meet the requirements of the occupation.
PSWV-eligible qualifications/programmes listed in the 09 March 2026 Green List
| Green List course / qualification | Post Study Work Visa |
|---|---|
| Graduate Diploma in Construction | Up to 1 year |
| Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying | Up to 1 year |
| New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Civil Engineering) | Up to 1 year |
| New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying) | Up to 1 year |
| New Zealand Diploma in Construction with a strand in Quantity Surveying | Up to 1 year |
| New Zealand Diploma in Engineering with a strand in Electrical Engineering | Up to 1 year |
| New Zealand Diploma in Engineering with a strand in Electronics Engineering | Up to 1 year |
| New Zealand Diploma in Engineering with a strand in Mechanical Engineering | Up to 1 year |
| New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture with a strand in Dairy Farming | Up to 1 year |
| Nursing | |
| Teaching |
Can you work in any job on a New Zealand Post Study Work Visa?
It will depend on the qualification.
If the PSWV is based on a degree Level 7 and higher, the graduate can generally work in any legal job anywhere in New Zealand subject to any applicable occupational registration requirements.
Immigration New Zealand also states that eligible degree-level PSWV holders can be sole traders or own and run a business although they cannot employ other people via that business. Commercial sexual services are also prohibited.
For a non-degree Level 7 and below, the graduate must generally work in a related occupation and this will be applicable to the visa conditions.
Work rights comparison
| Qualification basis | Work rights |
|---|---|
| Degree Level 7 or higher | Any legal job, anywhere in New Zealand, subject to registration requirements |
| Non-degree Level 7 or lower | Job must be related to qualification |
| Short-Term Graduate Work Visa | Open work rights for up to 6 months |
| Occupationally regulated profession | Registration requirements still apply |
So the phrase ‘Post Study Work Visa gives unlimited work rights’ is slightly misleading. The correct answer depends on the qualification.
Can you work in New Zealand after completing a Master’s degree?
Yes, an eligible Master’s graduate can apply for a PSWV if the applicable requirements are met.
For a Master’s qualification, Immigration New Zealand states that the student must have studied the qualification full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks to qualify for the three-year PSWV.
However, students should always check their programme of study, mode of study and qualification before making assumptions about their future visa.
What happens if a student studies a Postgraduate Diploma and then a Master’s?
There are specific rules for students who complete one qualification and then progress straight onto a higher-level qualification. Immigration New Zealand has also made adjustments so that students who complete a qualifying PGDip and then progress directly onto a Master’s do not accidentally lose out on their PSWV simply because the Master’s itself will be studied for less than 30 weeks. So, for example, a student may complete a PGDip which meets the applicable PSWV requirements and then immediately progress onto a Master’s programme which is less than 30 weeks.
In such circumstances, the student may be able to apply for a PSWV based on the first qualification, subject to the applicable rules and application timeframe.
If the student wishes to apply for the three-year PSWV based on the Master’s, however, Immigration New Zealand states that the Master’s itself needs to have been studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks.
This is a good example of why students should not assume their visa decision solely based on their course title.
How Much Money Will You Need to Apply for a Post Study Work Visa New Zealand?
In respect of the funds, applicants must show that they have at least NZD 5,000 available to support themselves during their time in New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand notes that applicants can provide documents such as recent bank statements in their own name. The NZD 5,000 amount applies whether the PSWV is for one, two or three years.
Funds required:
| Visa | Minimum funds |
|---|---|
| Post Study Work Visa | NZD 5,000 |
| Short-Term Graduate Work Visa | NZD 5,000 |
It is worth noting that this should not be confused with any funds requirement for the original New Zealand Student Visa.
When Should You Apply for a Post Study Work Visa?
Most applicants must apply for the Post Study Work Visa no later than three months after their Student Visa expires.
There are some notable exceptions.
A doctoral graduate can apply within six months after the Student Visa expires. Students who complete an eligible qualification and then immediately continue into a higher-level qualification that does not in itself qualify for PSWV have specific provisions.
PSWV application timing:
| Situation | Application timeframe |
|---|---|
| Most eligible graduates | Within 3 months of Student Visa expiry |
| Doctoral graduates | Within 6 months |
| Eligible qualification followed immediately by certain higher-level study | Special 12-month rule may apply |
| Second qualification after Bachelor’s | Specific 3-month rule may apply |
Students should consider their particular Student Visa expiry and qualification history rather than applying a generic timeframe.
What documents will you need for a New Zealand Post Study Work Visa?
The exact documents can vary depending on the applicant’s situation, but the main areas of evidence generally include identity, qualification and financial documents.
Applicants should prepare:
- A valid passport or certificate of identity.
- A suitable visa photograph.
- Evidence of the New Zealand qualification.
- Academic transcript or confirmation from the education provider.
- Evidence of at least NZD 5,000 funds.
- Police certificates if required.
- Medical or chest X-ray evidence if requested.
- Certified English translations where required.
Immigration New Zealand may request further documents during the processing of the application.
For applicants with extended courses or particular health or character circumstances, further evidence may be required.
How Do You Apply For a Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand?
The PSWV application is submitted to Immigration New Zealand.
The basic process is:
- Complete your qualification: Succeed in your New Zealand qualification, on which your application will be based.
- Check your PSWV eligibility: Consider qualification level, study duration, full-time study and any qualification-list requirements.
- Check your deadline: Work out the appropriate timeframe for your application based on your Student Visa expiry date.
- Prepare your documents: Gather your qualification evidence, passport, financial evidence and any health or character documents required.
- Apply online: Complete the application and upload your documents.
- Pay the visa fee: The current PSWV fee starts from NZD 1,670.
- Respond if Immigration New Zealand requests more information: INZ may ask for further documents, medical evidence or police certificates.
- Wait for the decision: If approved, Immigration New Zealand will issue an eVisa.
- Check your visa conditions: The conditions will specify what work you can do and whether there are any qualification-related restrictions.
Do You Need a Job Offer for a Post Study Work Visa?
No. A job offer is not required to apply for the Post Study Work Visa.
This means eligible graduates can use the PSWV period to search for employment after completing their New Zealand qualification. Immigration New Zealand’s application instructions explicitly note that an offer of employment is not required.
This is particularly relevant to for international students who complete their studies but have not yet found their first New Zealand job.
However, the lack of a job offer requirement for the visa does not guarantee employment opportunity. Graduates will need to seek appropriate employment and meet the requirements of employers and, where applicable, professional registration bodies.
Can Post Study Work Visa Holders Bring Their Spouse and Children?
Yes, a Post Study Work Visa holder can sponsor visa applications for their partner and dependent children, subject to the relevant visa requirements.
Immigration New Zealand advises that the partner can apply for a work visa and dependant children can apply for student visas.
This can be particularly relevant for international students considering a family pathway in conjunction with their New Zealand study visa.
The Short-Term Graduate Work Visa has different rules in this area.
Short-Term Graduate Work Visa holders cannot sponsor their partner for a work visa or their dependant children for a Dependant Child Student Visa based on their relationship to the graduate.
They can, however, sponsor visitor visas for their partner and dependant children, while family members may explore other visa options based on their circumstances.
Can a Post Study Work Visa Lead to New Zealand Residence?
A Post Study Work Visa does not grant residence.
However, Immigration New Zealand confirms that a PSWV can lead to a resident visa if the graduate subsequently meets the requirements of an applicable residence pathway.
This means students need to be aware of the difference between:
Study visa → Post Study Work Visa → possible future residence pathway
The first two stages are not guaranteed to lead to the third.
Future residence eligibility can depend on a range of factors, including:
- Occupation
- Qualifications
- New Zealand registration where applicable
- Skilled employment
- Salary
- Work experience
- Employer
- Current residence category requirements
Immigration policies can change, and students should not be promised permanent residence simply because a course offers post-study work rights.
Why Is Course Selection Important for the New Zealand Post Study Work Pathway?
Course selection is important because the qualification can impact what happens after graduation. A student considering study in New Zealand should ideally take a closer look at both the academic purpose of the course and the immigration outcome.
For example, students should consider:
- What qualification will I receive?
- What NZQCF level is it?
- Is it a degree or non-degree qualification?
- How long do I need to study in New Zealand?
- Does it qualify for a PSWV?
- If it is a non-degree qualification, is it on the eligible list?
- What work conditions would apply?
- Could the new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa apply?
- Does my existing bachelor’s degree affect my eligibility?
- Does the course fit my intended career?
This approach is more useful than simply choosing a course because someone says it has ‘good PR scope’ or ‘three years work rights’.
What Should Students Know About the 2026 Graduate Work Changes?
The changes introduce two important situations.
Situation 1: Level 7 Graduate Diploma + Bachelor’s Degree
From 16 November 2026, a student who completes an eligible Level 7 Graduate Diploma in New Zealand and holds a bachelor’s degree from New Zealand or overseas can qualify for the new PSWV pathway if the required conditions are met.
Situation 2: Eligible Level 5-7 qualification but no PSWV
If a graduate completes an eligible Level 5-7 qualification that does not qualify for a PSWV, the new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa may provide up to six months of open work rights, provided the graduate meets all requirements.
2026 graduate pathway comparison
| Student situation | Possible pathway from 16 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Eligible Bachelor’s degree | Post Study Work Visa |
| Eligible Master’s | Post Study Work Visa |
| Eligible Doctoral qualification | Post Study Work Visa |
| Level 7 Graduate Diploma + Bachelor’s degree | Post Study Work Visa under new pathway |
| Certain non-degree qualifications on PSWV list | Post Study Work Visa with relevant work conditions |
| Eligible Level 5-7 qualification not eligible for PSWV | Short-Term Graduate Work Visa, if all requirements are met |
| Previous PSWV holder | Cannot receive another PSWV or Short-Term Graduate Work Visa |
What Is the Difference Between a New Zealand Student Visa and a Post Study Work Visa?
A New Zealand Student Visa is for an international student to study in New Zealand and comply with the conditions of that visa.
A Post Study Work Visa is a work visa that may be available after the student completes an eligible qualification.
The two visas should not be considered the same.
| New Zealand Student Visa | Post Study Work Visa |
|---|---|
| Used for study | Used after eligible study |
| Based on an approved study programme | Based on an eligible completed qualification |
| Work rights depend on Student Visa conditions | Work rights depend on qualification and visa conditions |
| Used during the study period | Used after graduation |
| Does not automatically provide post-study work rights | Allows eligible graduates to work |
Immigration New Zealand confirms that work rights while studying depend on the conditions of the Student Visa, while eligible graduates can move to post-study work options after completing their studies.
What Are the Common Mistakes Students Make When Planning a Post Study Work Visa?
- Assuming every Level 7 qualification gives the same PSWV: A Level 7 degree and a Level 7 non-degree qualification can have different immigration outcomes.
- Assuming every diploma gives post-study work rights: Only specified qualifications meet the PSWV requirements.
- Confusing PSWV with the new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa: The new visa provides up to six months, not three years.
- Ignoring the 30-week rule for degree-level qualifications: Degree-level 7 or higher qualifications generally need at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand.
- Forgetting the NZD 5,000 funds requirement: Applicants must show sufficient funds for their stay.
- Applying after the deadline: Most graduates have three months after their Student Visa expires, but exceptions apply.
- Assuming PSWV means permanent residence: It does not. A separate residence application and separate eligibility requirements apply.
- Choosing a course only because it sounds attractive: The course should make sense academically and professionally as well as for immigration purposes.
- Ignoring the qualification list: For non-degree qualifications, the official Immigration New Zealand list is particularly important.
How Can West Highlander Immigration Help with New Zealand Study and Post Study Work Planning?
Choosing a course in New Zealand involves more than finding a programme and submitting an application. Students need to understand how their qualification fits into New Zealand’s immigration system after graduation.
West Highlander Immigration provides guidance to students planning to study in New Zealand, including course selection and visa-related planning. The immigration side is headed by Ms. Parwinder Kaur, Licensed Immigration Adviser for New Zealand, IAA licence 201002008, and the West Highlander Blog Publishing Guide specifically requires her to be credited in immigration-related content. With the 2026 changes, students may need to understand the difference between:
- New Zealand Student Visa
- Post Study Work Visa
- Short-Term Graduate Work Visa
- Qualification-specific work conditions
- Further work visa options
- Possible residence pathways
Ms. Parwinder Kaur can help applicants understand the immigration requirements that apply to their individual situation and explain how their chosen study pathway fits with the relevant New Zealand visa rules.
For students planning to study in New Zealand, this can be particularly important when comparing different qualifications and institutions.
The aim should not be simply to find a course that offers admission.
The bigger question is:
What does this qualification mean for the student’s study, work and future immigration plans?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand?
The Post Study Work Visa allows overseas students who are studying an approved New Zealand qualification the opportunity to work in New Zealand for a period of time.
- How long is the New Zealand Post Study Work Visa?
The length of the PSWV can be up to three years. This depends on the level of qualification and the volume of study undertaken in the qualification in New Zealand that is relevant to the qualification.
- How much money is required for the Post Study Work Visa?
The applicant will need to have a minimum of NZD 5,000 in funds to support them while they are in New Zealand.
- What is the new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa?
A new visa is due to be available from 16 November 2026 for people who graduated from an approved Level 5-7 qualification but do not meet the criteria for the PSWV. It offers up to six months work rights in New Zealand.
- Can a Level 7 Graduate Diploma lead to a PSWV?
From 16 November 2026, if you complete a Level 7 Graduate Diploma and a bachelor’s degree, you can be granted a PSWV providing you meet the full duration, and other PSWV requirements.
- Can PSWV holders work anywhere in New Zealand?
Level 7 or higher degrees: Anyone holding a PSWV can work anywhere within New Zealand in any type of job (subject to occupational registration where required). Level 7 or lower non-graduate degrees: Any occupation relevant to your qualification may have conditions attached to them.
- Can a Post Study Work Visa lead to residence?
While the PSWV is granted on a temporary basis, Immigration New Zealand advise that if you are entitled to a resident visa under a different category, that criteria may be applicable to you.
- Do I need a job offer to apply for a PSWV?
No. A PSWV application does not require an offer of employment.
