Post-Study Work in New Zealand: Staying On After Your Degree
Post-Study Work in New Zealand: Staying On After Your Degree
From student to Kiwi worker
New Zealand makes it practical to turn a degree into a job. The post-study work visa is designed for exactly that: graduate, stay, work, and build toward residence.
The Post-study work visa
Under the current rules, graduates of eligible qualifications can get a post-study work visa of:
- 1 year after a level 4–6 qualification (diploma/certificate level)
- 1 year after a level 7 bachelor's degree (or longer for some degree types)
- up to 3 years for postgraduate (masters and above) study
The duration depends on the qualification level and where you studied — details are set by Immigration New Zealand and reviewed regularly.
Requirements
- Complete an eligible qualification at a New Zealand institution, on site (offshore study generally doesn't count).
- Apply within the specified window after finishing your course and while you're in New Zealand on a valid student visa.
- Meet the applicable health and character requirements.
Getting a job
New Zealand employers are used to hiring international graduates. Your university careers service, internship placements, and the country's small, networked job market all work in your favour. Roles in health, engineering, IT, construction, and agriculture recruit graduates heavily.
Pathways to residence
The post-study work visa is a stepping stone to permanent residence through:
- Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) — points-based residence for skilled employment.
- Skills in Demand / Accredited Employer work routes — for roles in shortage sectors.
- Residence from Work — after a period of skilled employment with a sponsoring employer.
Occupations on New Zealand's skills-shortage lists (nursing, teaching, engineering, IT) have the most straightforward routes.
Practical tips
- Choose a qualification on the current qualification and post-study work lists — your visa duration depends on it.
- Volunteer and intern during your studies; Kiwi references matter.
- Keep every document: offer letter, transcripts, and proof of on-site study.
