Choosing a course in New Zealand can shape your work opportunities after graduation. Your qualification level, study length and the occupation linked to your programme may affect whether you qualify for a Post Study Work Visa, how long you can stay and whether your job must relate to your studies.

A Post Study Work Visa can allow eligible international graduates to work in New Zealand for up to three years. Graduates generally need to have completed:

• A Level 7 bachelor’s degree studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks
• A Level 8–10 qualification studied full-time for at least 30 weeks
• An approved non-degree Level 4–7 qualification completed full-time for the required duration

A Post Study Work Visa can normally be granted only once. Most applicants must apply within three months after their student visa expires, while doctoral graduates generally have six months.

Applicants must also meet Immigration New Zealand’s health, character and financial requirements.

Eligible bachelor’s degree graduates receive open work conditions. They may work for almost any employer, in any legal occupation and anywhere in New Zealand.

However, graduates must obtain professional registration before working in regulated occupations such as nursing, teaching and certain healthcare roles.

The visa duration is normally based on the time spent studying the qualification in New Zealand.

Eligible Level 8 graduates also receive open work rights. Their visa is generally issued for a period equal to the study duration confirmed by their education provider.

For example, a student who completes a one-year postgraduate diploma may receive a Post Study Work Visa for approximately one year, subject to Immigration New Zealand’s assessment.

Graduates who complete at least 30 weeks of a master’s or doctoral qualification in New Zealand may receive a three-year Post Study Work Visa.

This gives graduates more time to gain local work experience, build professional networks and explore longer-term employment or residence options.

A non-degree qualification must appear on Immigration New Zealand’s list of qualifications eligible for a Post Study Work Visa.

Graduates must also work in an occupation related to their qualification. Examples include:

• Construction management or construction qualifications leading to roles such as Construction Project Manager or Project Builder
• Quantity surveying qualifications leading to Quantity Surveyor positions
• Approved teaching qualifications leading to school teaching or early childhood education roles
• Civil, electrical or electronic engineering qualifications leading to Engineering Technician or related positions
• Farm management, agriculture or dairy technology qualifications leading to eligible dairy farming roles
• Automotive electrical engineering qualifications leading to Automotive Electrician positions
• Heavy automotive engineering qualifications leading to Diesel Motor Mechanic roles

The exact qualification title, number of credits, programme focus and professional registration requirements matter. Students should check their specific programme rather than relying only on the general subject area.

Health-related degrees may lead to careers in nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, medical laboratory science, public health or health management.

Many clinical occupations require professional registration in New Zealand. Completing a qualification does not automatically provide permission to practise in a regulated healthcare role.

Engineering programmes may lead to civil, mechanical, electrical, electronic, technician or project management positions.

Construction management and quantity surveying qualifications may also provide clear occupation-related pathways, particularly where the qualification appears on the eligible Post Study Work Visa list.

Information technology graduates may pursue careers in:

• Software development
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud computing
• Data analysis
• Business analysis
• Network administration
• Technical support

Degree-level graduates generally receive open work rights. However, employers may still require technical experience, industry certifications or knowledge of specific software platforms.

Business graduates may look for roles in accounting, finance, marketing, operations, human resources, administration or supply chain management.

Having open work rights does not mean every business-related position will qualify as skilled employment for a future residence application. The job duties, salary and immigration classification may also be considered.

Teacher education can provide a clear occupational pathway when the programme is recognised by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Graduates must meet the required registration and practising certificate conditions before working as registered teachers.

Selected agriculture, dairy farming, automotive electrical and heavy automotive qualifications may qualify for post-study work rights.

Graduates relying on an eligible non-degree qualification must work in the occupation specified for that qualification.

From 16 November 2026, graduates with a Level 7 Graduate Diploma completed full-time in New Zealand may qualify for a Post Study Work Visa if they also hold a bachelor’s degree from New Zealand or overseas.

The visa may be granted for the time spent studying the Graduate Diploma, up to a maximum of one year, with open work conditions.

A new six-month Short-term Graduate Work Visa will also become available to certain Level 5–7 graduates who:

• Studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks
• Do not qualify for a Post Study Work Visa
• Meet the applicable immigration requirements

This visa will provide open work rights while graduates look for employment or consider another visa, such as an Accredited Employer Work Visa.

A Post Study Work Visa does not guarantee New Zealand residence. However, it can help graduates gain local experience and progress towards an employer-supported visa or skilled residence pathway.

Green List Tier 1 occupations may provide a Straight to Residence pathway. Eligible Tier 2 occupations may provide a Work to Residence pathway after 24 months of qualifying employment.

Applicants must still meet the relevant qualification, professional registration, salary, employment and accredited-employer requirements.

The best course is therefore not simply the programme offering the longest work visa. It should match your educational background, career goals, academic ability, budget and realistic employment opportunities.

SOL Edu & Migration can help you compare study options, understand current visa settings and develop a study plan aligned with your career and migration goals.

Immigration policies, eligible qualifications and occupation lists can change. Always check the latest Immigration New Zealand requirements or obtain advice based on your individual circumstances.

Q1. Can I get a Post Study Work Visa after any New Zealand course?

A: No. Eligibility depends on the qualification level, programme duration and whether a non-degree qualification appears on Immigration New Zealand’s approved list.

Q2. Can I work in any occupation after completing a bachelor’s degree?

A: Generally, yes. Eligible degree-level graduates receive open work conditions. However, professional registration may be required for regulated occupations.

Q3. Must my job be related to my course?

A: Your job must be related to your qualification when your visa is based on an eligible non-degree Level 7 or lower programme. Degree-level graduates generally receive open work rights.

Q4. How long is a New Zealand Post Study Work Visa?

A: It can be granted for up to three years. Master’s and doctoral graduates may receive three years, while visas for Level 8 or lower qualifications are generally linked to the duration of study.

Q5. Can I receive a second Post Study Work Visa?

A: Normally, no. Immigration New Zealand generally allows a person to receive only one Post Study Work Visa.

Q6. Does a Post Study Work Visa guarantee residence?

A: No. You must separately meet the requirements of an eligible residence category, including any occupation, salary, registration and work-experience conditions.

Q7. What is the Short-term Graduate Work Visa?

A: From 16 November 2026, this visa will provide six months of open work rights to certain Level 5–7 graduates who do not qualify for a Post Study Work Visa.

Q8. When should I plan my post-study work pathway?

A: You should consider your work pathway before enrolling. Check the qualification level, programme duration, professional registration requirements and likely occupations before paying tuition fees.