Post-study work is often the ROI question for New Zealand. Details below; full destination context is in the country guide.
Can I Work While Studying in New Zealand?
Yes. As of the current rules, student visa holders can work up to 25 hours a week during term time, and full time during scheduled holidays. Postgraduate research students, meaning Master's by research and PhD candidates, have no weekly work hour restriction at all.
This part time income can meaningfully offset daily living costs, though it cannot be counted toward the NZD 20,000 visa funding requirement.
What Is the Post Study Work Visa?
After an eligible qualification, the Post Study Work Visa is an open work visa — any employer, any role, anywhere in New Zealand, no job offer required first.
Duration
| Qualification | Typical visa length |
|---|---|
| Level 7+ degree (Bachelor, PG Dip, Master’s, PhD) studied ≥30 weeks in NZ | Up to 3 years |
| Approved non-degree (levels 4–7 on the eligible list) | Usually matches study length (cap applies) |
You can hold only one Post Study Work Visa in your lifetime — time it after your longest qualifying programme.
2026 pathway updates (verify on INZ before you apply)
- 16 November 2026: Graduates with a Level 7 Graduate Diploma who already hold a bachelor’s degree anywhere may qualify for a PSWV up to one year
- Short-term Graduate Work Visa (from Nov 2026): 6 months open work if you do not qualify for the full PSWV — bridge to an Accredited Employer Work Visa
- Skilled Migrant Category (from Aug 2026): skilled work experience toward residency may drop from 3 years to 2 for many graduates — a 3-year PSWV now covers the full residency runway more comfortably
Application tips
- Apply before your Student visa expires (onshore) or within the window stated on INZ
- Hold completion documents from your provider
- Meet English requirements at PSWV stage — do not assume your enrolment IELTS still qualifies
- Plan Green List occupations if residency is the goal — see NZ hub
Compare with Australia Subclass 485 when choosing Oceania.
Get personalized study abroad advice
Chat with our AI advisor about this destination guide - tailored to your profile.
Start conversation
