Post-Study Work Visa
Official name: Post-Study Work Visa
International graduates of eligible New Zealand qualifications can stay and work for up to 3 years. Degree-level 7 or higher graduates can work for any employer; graduates of listed non-degree qualifications must work in a related job. Apply within 3 months of the student visa expiring (6 months for doctorates). Costs from NZD $1670 and needs at least NZD $5,000 for living costs. From 16 November 2026, applications must be online and eligibility extends to some level 7 graduate diploma holders with a bachelor's degree.
Life in New Zealand
Finance
3
Currency
New Zealand Dollar
NZD
New Zealand Dollar
Cost of living
89
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
10.5–39%
Income tax (national)
GST 15%
39% applies to income over NZD 180,000; ACC earners' levy is charged in addition.
Living
1
Happiness
#11 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
International students who have completed an eligible qualification in New Zealand.
Eligibility
Qualification
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou need a full-time New Zealand qualification at level 7 or higher, or an eligible lower-level qualification with related work.
30 weeks
Study length
- Degree-level options: level 8 postgraduate diploma, level 9 master's, level 10 doctorate, or bachelor's
- Non-degree level 7 or lower must be on INZ's eligible list
- Non-degree study must be full-time for its full duration
Official wording
A degree-level 7 or higher qualification (level 8 postgraduate diploma, level 9 master's, level 10 doctorate, or bachelor's) studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks; or a non-degree level 7 or lower qualification on INZ's eligible list, studied full-time for its full duration, with work related to the study.
Timing
Sign in to check this route against your profileApply within a set time after your student visa expires, which depends on your qualification.
Time limit to apply after student visa expires
- Standard
- 3 months
- Doctoral degree
- 6 months
- Short follow-on higher qualificationspecific case only
- 12 months
Official wording
Apply no later than 3 months after the student visa expires; 6 months for a doctoral degree; 12 months in the specific case of a short follow-on higher qualification.
Money
Sign in to check this route against your profileShow you have money to pay your living expenses.
NZD $5,000
Money to show
Official wording
At least NZD $5,000 to pay living expenses.
A sneak peek at what's inside
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