New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa 2026: Rules, Changes & Costs for Indian Students
New Zealand is attracting more Indian students every year — and the biggest reason is what comes after the degree. With the right qualification, graduates can stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years. Here is how the post-study work visa works in 2026, what changes are coming, and what studying in New Zealand actually costs.
The Post-Study Work Visa at a glance
- Length: up to 3 years, depending on your qualification and how long you studied.
- Work rights: open work — you can work for almost any employer, anywhere in New Zealand, if you studied a degree at level 7 or above.
- Funds: at least NZD 5,000 in your own bank account.
- Fee: from NZD 1,670.
- When to apply: no later than 3 months after your student visa expires (6 months for doctoral graduates).
- One-time only: you can only ever hold one post-study work visa.
Who qualifies
Degree at level 7 or above
A bachelor's degree (level 7), postgraduate diploma (level 8), master's (level 9) or PhD (level 10). You must have studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks. You can work in any job.
Non-degree qualifications (levels 4–7)
The qualification must be on the government's list of eligible qualifications, and you must have studied it full-time in New Zealand for the whole course. Your work must be related to what you studied.
Coming change: graduate diplomas
From 16 November 2026, a level 7 graduate diploma studied full-time in New Zealand can also qualify, if you already hold a bachelor's degree (from New Zealand or overseas). The visa length is tied to the length of the graduate diploma, up to one year.
New short-term graduate work visa
The government has also announced a new short-term graduate work visa of up to 6 months for some graduates of level 5–7 qualifications who do not qualify for the full post-study work visa. It is designed to give time to find a job and move to an employer-sponsored visa. Check Immigration New Zealand for the opening date and final conditions before relying on it.
Working while you study
Most degree-level students can work part-time during the semester and full-time in scheduled holidays. From November 2025, New Zealand increased the part-time limit for eligible students from 20 to 25 hours a week. Your exact conditions are printed on your student visa.
What studying in New Zealand costs
| Item | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | NZD 25,000 – 40,000 per year |
| Postgraduate / master's | NZD 28,000 – 45,000 per year |
| Living funds for the student visa | NZD 20,000 per year |
Tuition depends on the university or polytechnic and the subject — engineering, medicine-related and some IT courses cost more. For the student visa you must show the tuition fee (or proof it is paid), the living funds, and money for a return ticket.
Choosing a course with the post-study visa in mind
- If you want open work rights for 3 years, choose a level 7 degree or higher and make sure your study in New Zealand is at least 30 weeks.
- A one-year master's can still qualify, but check the course length and level carefully before you accept the offer.
- Look at the Green List and skill shortages in New Zealand — engineering, construction, healthcare, IT and teaching — if you are thinking about residence later.
- Intakes are mainly February and July; apply 6–9 months ahead.
Plan your New Zealand study with Ethicaledu
We help you choose the right course and institution, apply for admission and scholarships, and prepare your student visa, including the funds file. Read more on our Study in New Zealand page, or book a free consultation. Parents planning to visit can see our New Zealand visitor visa help.
Rules and fees checked with Immigration New Zealand in November 2026. Immigration settings change — always confirm before you apply.
