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MATES International Education and Visa Services
New ZealandPost-Study Work

New Zealand adds a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa and widens Post-Study Work Visa eligibility from 16 November 2026

Status: Announced — upcoming

From 16 November 2026, eligible graduates of NZQCF Level 5 to 7 qualifications can apply for a new six-month open Short-Term Graduate Work Visa, and Level 7 graduate diplomas held alongside a bachelor's degree become eligible for the Post-Study Work Visa.

What changed

  • A new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa opens for applications on 16 November 2026, giving six months of open work rights.
  • Post-Study Work Visa eligibility is extended to graduates who complete an NZQCF Level 7 graduate diploma, studied full-time in New Zealand for its full duration, and hold a bachelor's degree from New Zealand or overseas.
  • Cross-crediting and recognition of prior learning do not count towards the graduate diploma's full-duration requirement.

Key dates

Officially announced
Takes effect

Who may be affected

  • Short-Term Graduate Work Visa: applicants must hold an NZQCF Level 5 to 7 qualification studied full-time for at least 24 weeks in New Zealand, that is not an English-language, foundation or bridging qualification and does not already make them eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa.
  • They must apply within three months of their student visa expiring and have at least NZD 5,000 available.
  • People who have previously held a Post-Study Work Visa are not eligible for a second one or for a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa.

Key takeaways

  • Work on the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa must be for an employer; business ownership is not allowed.
  • INZ's September 2026 notice also sets out that an eligible Postgraduate Diploma (Level 8) may lead to a one-year Post-Study Work Visa and an eligible Master's degree (Level 9) to a three-year one, with at least 30 weeks of full-time study in the qualification.

What students should do

  1. If you are finishing a Level 5 to 7 qualification, note that you must apply within three months of your student visa expiring.
  2. Check with MATES whether your qualification leads to a Post-Study Work Visa or the Short-Term Graduate Work Visa before choosing a course.

Official sources

Read the Official Update(opens Immigration New Zealand in a new tab — you are leaving the MATES website)

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Before you act on this

Visa and immigration requirements can change. Review the linked official government source and confirm the latest requirements with MATES before making an application decision.

This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. MATES cannot influence a government decision.

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