New Zealand student and post-study work options in 2026

Study visas and post-study work rights are separate immigration stages.

Student work while studying

Under the current settings, eligible student visa holders can work up to 25 hours a week during permitted study periods, subject to the exact conditions printed on the visa and the programme-specific eligibility rules.

The 25-hour setting replaced the former 20-hour limit from 3 November 2025. A person whose older visa still states 20 hours may need a variation of conditions rather than assuming the higher limit applies automatically.

Post-Study Work Visa

The Post-Study Work Visa can allow up to 3 years in New Zealand, depending on the qualification and study completed. Current rules differ for degree-level 7 or higher qualifications and qualifying non-degree programmes.

For eligible degree-level 7 or higher graduates, current open-work conditions can allow any lawful work, including sole trading or owning/operating a business, subject to the separate open-work condition that an owner-operator must not employ other people.

Future change: 16 November 2026

As of 21 September 2026, INZ has announced but has not yet brought into force the 16 November 2026 changes that will:

  • extend Post-Study Work Visa eligibility to certain Level 7 Graduate Diploma holders who also hold a bachelor's degree; and
  • introduce a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa for eligible Level 5–7 graduates.

These future rules must not be treated as already available today.

Official guidance: student work, student conditions, Post-Study Work Visa, and 16 November 2026 changes.

Related: SMC, Green List, partner work, student visas.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in New Zealand