New Zealand offers eligible international graduates the opportunity to temporarily remain in the country and gain valuable work experience after completing their studies, subject to the applicable post-study work visa requirements.
The Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) allows eligible graduates to live and work in New Zealand for up to three years, depending on their qualification, level of study and time spent studying in New Zealand.
This visa is designed for international students who have successfully completed an eligible qualification in New Zealand.
Depending on their qualification, graduates may be able to:
The duration of a Post-Study Work Visa depends on the qualification completed and the applicable immigration requirements.
| Qualification | Potential Post-Study Work Visa Duration |
| Bachelor's Degree (Level 7) | Generally equal to the eligible study duration, up to 3 years |
| Graduate Diploma (Level 7) | Up to 1 year under the new eligibility rules effective 16 November 2026 |
| Postgraduate Diploma (Level 8) | Generally equal to the eligible study duration, often around 1 year |
| Master's Degree (Level 9) | Up to 3 years |
| Doctoral Degree / PhD (Level 10) | Up to 3 years |
| Eligible non-degree qualifications (Levels 4–7) | Based on the eligible study duration and qualification requirements |
Important: These are indicative visa durations, not automatic entitlements. Eligibility depends on the qualification, full-time study requirements, visa history and Immigration New Zealand rules.
To qualify, students generally need to:
Students who complete a degree-level qualification at Level 7 or above generally need to have studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks.
Students completing non-degree qualifications must meet additional eligibility requirements. A Post-Study Work Visa can generally be granted only once.
New Zealand has announced changes to expand post-study work opportunities for eligible international graduates from 16 November 2026.
Students completing a Level 7 Graduate Diploma may become eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa if they:
Eligible graduates may receive a Post-Study Work Visa for the duration of their Graduate Diploma study, up to a maximum of one year.
This change provides an additional pathway for students who already hold a bachelor's degree and wish to undertake further specialised study in New Zealand.
From 16 November 2026, New Zealand is also introducing a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa for eligible graduates.
This visa provides up to six months of open work rights, allowing graduates time to look for employment and explore other eligible work visa options.
It is intended for certain students who complete Level 5–7 qualifications but do not qualify for the regular Post-Study Work Visa.
Eligibility conditions apply, including minimum study duration, qualification type and financial requirements.
At Uni2Go, we help students explore universities, compare courses and understand the study and post-study opportunities available in New Zealand.
Choosing the right qualification is an important step towards building your academic and professional future.
Explore New Zealand universities and courses with Uni2Go.
Talk to the experts
Mobile navigation