New Zealand Expands Post-Study Work Options for International Graduates
New Zealand is making it easier for graduates to stay and work after they finish their studies starting from 16 November 2026. This change gives some graduates an option to stay in New Zealand and work. At the time New Zealand will also introduce a new six‑month Short‑Term Graduate Work Visa for graduates who are not eligible for the Post‑Study Work Visa.
Under the rules graduates who finish a NZQCF Level 7 Graduate Diploma can apply for the Post‑Study Work Visa. This is only if the graduate studied the qualification full‑time in New Zealand for the duration.
Credits from studies or from other institutions and Recognition of Prior Learning will not count toward this qualification. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from either a New Zealand institution or an overseas institution. There is no time limit on when the graduate’s degree was awarded. For bachelor’s degrees an IQA is not required, but the applicant must provide a degree certificate and an official academic transcript.
Graduates who are not eligible for the Post‑Study Work Visa can apply for the Short‑Term Graduate Work Visa. This visa gives the graduate up to six months of work rights. To be eligible the graduate must have completed a NZQCF Level 5–7 qualification, studied full‑time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks and have at least NZ$5,000 in available funds. The graduate must submit the application within three months of the expiry of their New Zealand student visa.
The Short‑Term Graduate Work Visa can only be used once. Holders of this visa cannot operate a business. The visa holder cannot support a partner for a work visa or a dependent child for a student visa through their visa. However the visa holder can support visitor visa applications for their partner and children.
Applications for both the expanded Post‑Study Work Visa and the new Short‑Term Graduate Work Visa will be available on 16 November 2026. Applications will be submitted through New Zealand’s enhanced Immigration Online system, known as ADEPT.