For many students choosing New Zealand, the question after "can I get in?" is "can I work after I graduate?" The answer improved in November 2026. Immigration New Zealand widened the Post-Study Work Visa to cover some Level 7 graduate diplomas and introduced a new six-month visa for graduates who miss out on the main one.
The short version
- Master's graduates (Level 9) may get three years; postgraduate diploma graduates (Level 8) one year.
- From 16 November 2026, eligible Level 7 graduate diploma holders with a bachelor's degree can get up to one year.
- The new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa gives six months for Level 5 to 7 graduates who studied at least 24 weeks.
- You can only ever hold one Post-Study Work Visa.
Post-Study Work Visa: who gets how long
| Qualification | NZQCF level | Possible PSWV length |
|---|---|---|
| Doctorate | 10 | Three years |
| Master's degree | 9 | Three years |
| Postgraduate diploma | 8 | One year |
| Bachelor's degree | 7 | Eligible after at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand; INZ sets the length by qualification, up to three years |
| Graduate diploma, with a bachelor's degree (from 16 November 2026) | 7 | Up to one year, matching time studied in New Zealand |
| Graduate diploma without a bachelor's degree | 7 | Only if listed in Appendix 13, tied to the specified occupation; otherwise see the short-term visa |
INZ generally requires at least 30 weeks of full-time study in the qualification your visa is based on, and anyone who has held a Post-Study Work Visa before cannot get another, even after a higher qualification. The visa costs from NZD 1,670, you need at least NZD 5,000 to support yourself, and you usually apply no later than three months after your student visa expires (six months for doctoral graduates).
The new graduate diploma rule
From 16 November 2026, graduates of an NZQCF Level 7 graduate diploma can qualify if they studied full time in New Zealand for the whole qualification, were enrolled for the whole of it (no cross-credit or recognition of prior learning), and hold a bachelor's degree from New Zealand or overseas. There is no time limit on when the bachelor's was awarded. You will need the degree certificate and an official transcript.
This matters for many South Asian students who already hold a bachelor's degree and want a one-year, career-focused graduate diploma rather than a two-year master's.
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Get a Free QuoteThe Short-Term Graduate Work Visa
Also from 16 November 2026, this visa offers six months of open work rights to graduates who do not qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa. The main conditions are:
- A qualification at NZQCF Level 5 to 7, studied full time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks.
- Not an English language, foundation or bridging qualification.
- You have never held a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa or a Post-Study Work Visa.
- You apply within three months of your student visa expiring.
- You have at least NZD 5,000 to support yourself.
You must work for an employer under an employment agreement or contract for services, not run your own business, and the visa cannot be extended or repeated.
Choosing a course with work rights in mind
It is sensible to know what each qualification leads to, but choose the course for your career first. A master's that fits your background gives the strongest student visa case and the longest work rights. A graduate diploma can be a smart, cheaper route if you already hold a bachelor's degree and the diploma adds a specific, employable skill. A short Level 5 or 6 course chosen only for the six-month visa is the kind of choice officers now question.
How to mention post-study work in your student visa statement
Your student visa application is assessed on genuine intention to study. A statement that leads with work rights invites doubt. A statement that treats work experience as a short, practical step in a wider plan is fine.
- Keep the degree as the main goal and say what you will learn.
- Mention work experience only as a short, specific step, such as up to a year in a named type of role.
- Explain what that experience adds that you cannot get at home.
- End with the long-term plan and any evidence for it, such as an employer letter.
Handled this way, the statement stays honest, specific and centred on the qualification. Our New Zealand SOP guide shows the full structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa?
It depends on the qualification. A master's degree (Level 9) may qualify for three years, a postgraduate diploma (Level 8) for one year, and an eligible Level 7 graduate diploma for up to one year matching the time studied. You generally need at least 30 weeks of full-time study in the qualification.
What is the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa?
A new visa from 16 November 2026 that gives six months of open work rights to graduates of an NZQCF Level 5 to 7 qualification who studied full time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks and do not qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa. English language, foundation and bridging qualifications do not count.
Can I get a second Post-Study Work Visa?
No. Anyone who has held a Post-Study Work Visa before is not eligible for another, even after a higher qualification. The Short-Term Graduate Work Visa is also one per person.
When must I apply for the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa?
Within three months of your student visa expiring. You also need at least NZD 5,000 to support yourself, and medical certificates may be required depending on your circumstances.
Should I mention post-study work in my student visa SOP?
Only briefly and honestly. Your student visa statement must show that study is your main purpose. A career plan that includes some work experience is fine; a plan that is mainly about working or staying is not.
Official sources we checked
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