New Zealand Student Visa Permits 25 Hours of Work Per Week; Three Changes to the Post-Study Work Visa Starting November 16

2026-10-04 · Guides

New Zealand student visa fees start from NZD 850, with proof of living expenses required at NZD 20,000 per year. Students can work up to 25 hours per week during their studies. Starting November 16, 2026, a new 'Bachelor's + Postgraduate Diploma' pathway is added for the post-study work visa, and a new short-term graduate work visa of up to 6 months is introduced. Paper applications are no longer accepted. This article is compiled based on information from the official Immigration website.

There have been several recent changes to New Zealand student visas and post-study work visas. Here is the bottom line: you can work up to 25 hours per week during your studies; after graduation, you can get a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) for up to 3 years. Starting November 16, 2026, there are three changes to the PSWV: those with a bachelor's degree who complete a Graduate Diploma full-time in New Zealand can also apply for a PSWV; a new "Short-Term Graduate Work Visa" for up to 6 months is now available; and paper-based PSWV applications are no longer accepted.

Below, we break down the current information from the Immigration New Zealand website into two parts: student visas and post-study work visas. The following information is current as of October 4, 2026. Please check the official website for the latest requirements before applying.

Student Visas: Fees, Funds, and Work Hours

Here are the key figures for the Fee Paying Student Visa:

Item	Current Requirements
Visa fee	from NZD 850
Proof of funds for living expenses (university, language courses)	NZD 20,000 per year; for courses less than one year, calculated at NZD 1,667 per month
Proof of funds for living expenses (primary and secondary school, Years 1–13)	NZD 17,000 per year; for less than one year, calculated at NZD 1,417 per month
Work during studies	Up to 25 hours per week during term time, full-time during holidays
Processing time	80% of applications processed within 8 weeks

A few notes:

You must also prove funds for tuition in addition to living expenses. Immigration New Zealand requires proof of sufficient funds to pay for tuition as well as living expenses in New Zealand. The NZD 20,000 covers only the living expenses portion.
You need an offer from an approved institution. You must submit an offer letter from an approved New Zealand education provider when applying, and meet health and character requirements.
Where the 25 hours comes from. In the International Education Going for Growth Plan announced by the New Zealand government in 2025, the work hours for eligible students during their studies were increased from 20 to 25 hours per week. The Immigration New Zealand student visa page now states 25 hours per week. For specific details on which courses are eligible for work, refer to the conditions on your visa.

When to Apply: At Least 3 Months in Advance

In a September 2026 update, Immigration New Zealand noted that the New Zealand summer is a peak period for student visa applications, and advised: international students should ideally submit their visa applications at least 3 months before classes start, with complete materials and documents prepared as required; if there are any changes in circumstances, they should notify Immigration New Zealand promptly.

For example, if classes start in February 2027, working backward from the "at least 3 months in advance" guideline, it is best to apply before November 2026.

Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV): Current Rules

The PSWV allows graduates to stay and work in New Zealand. The basic rules are as follows:

Item	Current Requirements
Maximum duration	Up to 3 years, depending on the qualification level and length of study
Number of applications	Can only be granted once in a lifetime
Visa fee	from NZD 1,670
Proof of funds	NZD 5,000 for living expenses
Application timeframe	Generally within 3 months after the student visa expires; 6 months for PhD graduates; 12 months in specific circumstances
Processing time	80% processed within 5.5 weeks

Regarding qualifications, degree-level qualifications at Level 7 and above (such as bachelor's degrees, graduate diplomas, master's degrees, and doctorates) are eligible; non-degree courses at Level 7 and below have additional conditions and must be on the approved list. The specific duration for each qualification is not listed item by item on the Immigration New Zealand page; please refer to the official website and the visa officer's assessment for exact details.

Three Changes Starting November 16

1. "Bachelor's Degree + Graduate Diploma" Can Apply for a PSWV

Starting November 16, 2026, individuals who meet both of the following conditions can also apply for a PSWV:

Have completed a Level 7 Graduate Diploma full-time in New Zealand under the NZQCF;
Already hold a bachelor's degree, obtained either in New Zealand or overseas.

For students who have graduated with a bachelor's degree in their home country and plan to study a one-year graduate diploma in New Zealand, this provides a clear pathway to stay and work after graduation.

2. New "Short-Term Graduate Work Visa"

This visa is for graduates who do not qualify for a PSWV but have completed a shorter course. Applications open on November 16, 2026. Key conditions:

Have completed an eligible course at NZQCF Levels 5–7 full-time in New Zealand, with a study duration of at least 24 weeks;
Hold a valid student visa within 3 months before applying, meaning you must apply within 3 months after your student visa expires; those whose student visa expired before August 16, 2026, are not eligible;
Have NZD 5,000 for living expenses;
Have not previously held this visa or a PSWV;
Meet health, character, and genuine intention requirements.

Once granted, you can work in New Zealand for up to 6 months in any legal job. It cannot be renewed and can only be granted once in a lifetime. Holders can sponsor visitor visa applications for their spouse and children, but family members cannot be included in the main application. The application fee is not yet listed on the Immigration New Zealand website.

3. Paper-Based PSWV Applications Discontinued

After November 15, 2026, Immigration New Zealand will no longer accept paper-based PSWV applications. All applications must be submitted online through the Immigration Online system.

Impact on Applicants

Studying for a bachelor's or master's degree: The PSWV remains the main pathway, lasting up to 3 years and available once in a lifetime. Factor the application timeframe into your planning; you generally have only 3 months after your student visa expires.
Studying for a one-year graduate diploma: If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can apply for a PSWV after graduation starting November 16. When choosing a course, confirm it is full-time and delivered on campus in New Zealand.
Studying a shorter Level 5–7 course: If you do not qualify for a PSWV, consider the 6-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa.
Work expectations: The maximum work limit during studies is 25 hours per week. You must prepare proof of funds separately according to student visa requirements; do not rely on work income to meet this.

Need Help?

If you are considering applying to universities in New Zealand, or want to plan your visa timeline and post-graduation work arrangements together, you can book a one-on-one consultation, or check out our university admissions planning and visa services.