Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand

August 27, 2025

New Zealand has become one of the preferred destinations for international students searching for world-class education and global career opportunities. With universities of a high calibre, a safe and friendly environment, and great post-study options, students look to study in New Zealand as a gateway to the wider world. One of the greatest advantages of studying and graduating in New Zealand is the possibility of applying for a Post-Study Work Visa in New Zealand upon finishing your course. This visa allows you to stay, work and gain international experience in your field of study.

This guide for 2025 provides details of the work visa in New Zealand, and everything you need to know – including eligibility, the application process and requirements, and how Indian students can navigate the process.

What is Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand?

An international student with a Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand can stay and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years after completing their studies. The length of stay depends on the qualification being completed. For example:

Students with a degree level 7 or higher qualification (Bachelor’s, Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s, or PhD) could work for any employer, in any job.
Students who have non-degree level 7 or lower qualifications may also apply as long as they are employed in an occupation that relates to their course of study.

This visa gives you experience in a professional workplace, as well as a pathway for applying for a residence visa, making it a profiling step for people looking at settling permanently.

Who Can Apply for a Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand?

To qualify for this visa if applying post-studies: You must:

Have completed an approved qualification in New Zealand.
Apply within 3, 6, or 12 months of your student visa expiring, depending on your qualification level.
You must provide evidence of being able to support yourself with at least NZD $5,000 towards living expenses.
Meet health and character requirements.
Demonstrate genuine intentions to live and work in New Zealand.

For students taking a step-up in their education path, whether that is for a Master’s degree or PhD, a New Zealand post study work visa after masters allows up to 3 years of work, to allow students more than enough time to lock in their opportunities.

Work Visa in New Zealand Requirements

When you apply for the work visa in New Zealand, you will need to provide:

Valid passport or identity document.
Transcripts or completion certificate from your university.
Evidence of funds (minimum NZD $5,000).
Police clearance certificate, if required.
Medical report or chest X-ray, if required.
Passport-sized photographs.

It’s also quite possible that the work visa in New Zealand requirements will change depending on your level of study and personal circumstances, so make sure that you check the official Immigration New Zealand website carefully before making your application.

How to Apply for Work Visa in New Zealand

If you are asking how to apply for a work visa to New Zealand, it is relatively simple:

Complete your course at a New Zealand institution which is properly credentialed.
Prepare relevant documentation for your visa application, including proof of studies, funds, and health documentation.
Submit an online application through the Immigration New Zealand authority.
Pay your application fee (starting at NZD $1,670).
Wait for processing times (80% of cases are processed in 3 weeks).

Students also inquire how to change visitor visas to work visas in New Zealand, it is important to remember that you cannot simply make an application to convert your visitor visa to a post study visa. To be considered for this visa, you must have successfully completed an applicable qualification during a study in New Zealand visa.

How to Get Work Visa in New Zealand from India

The process of how to get work visa in New Zealand from India for Indian students starts with getting admission into an approved program. After completing the degree or diploma, the post-study visa application is made through the online post-study visa application. There are many study in New Zealand consultants that help Indian students with the applications, documents, and job search. Using trusted consultants can make the process smoother, especially for students applying from India.

Is It Easy to Get Work Visa in New Zealand?

Often students will ask, is it easy to get work visa in New Zealand? The answer depends on your qualification, and if you hold a qualification at degree level 7 and above you have more opportunities as you qualify for work in any sector. For non-degree qualifications your job must be directly linked to the qualification which could limit your options. The key is to select a qualification that is on the skill shortage list for New Zealand to have options for employment and residence.

Age Limit for Work Visa in New Zealand

At this point in time, there are no specific age limits for work visas in New Zealand, allowing the option to be flexible for graduates and mature students alike. Your qualifications, health, character, and whether you can support yourself while in New Zealand is what’s most important.

Why Choose New Zealand for Higher Studies and Work?

For students considering studying in New Zealand, the opportunities available to Indian students in New Zealand are:

Established institutions that are globally recognised.
Tuition fees are cheaper than other areas.
The ability to work part-time while studying.
The opportunity to apply for a work visa after graduation in New Zealand.
You may be able to get residency through skilled migration options.

With quality education and opportunities for you to build a career, New Zealand is the best study destination as an international student.

Conclusion

The Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand is a great way for international graduates to gain experience and develop their careers. Whether you’re taking a Master’s degree, a PhD or a professional diploma, a Post Study Work visa can lead to a chance to establish long-standing opportunities. For Indian students, it is initially important to understand how to apply for a work visa in New Zealand and have the right understanding of the work visa in New Zealand requirements.

If you are planning to study abroad, connect with experienced study in New Zealand consultants; they can set you up for success.

FAQs

Ques. 1. How long can I stay on a Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand?

Ans. You can stay for up to three years depending on the level and duration of your qualification. Higher level qualifications such as Master’s and PhD program usually have maximum duration.

Ques. 2. What are the requirements for a Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand?

Ans. The requirements for the main work visa in New Zealand include: completing an eligible qualification in New Zealand, applying within the specified timeframe after your student visa expires, having at least NZD $5,000 to help with living costs, being in good health, and having a police clearance (if required).

Ques. 3. Is it easy to get a work visa in New Zealand after studying?

Ans. Yes, if you have a qualification at least degree level 7 or higher, it is fairly flexible as you can work for any employer or role. If your qualification is not at degree level, then your role must be related to your studies.

Ques. 4. Can I bring my family on a Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand?

Ans. Yes, your partner may apply for a work visa and your dependent children can apply for student visas to study as domestic students in New Zealand.

Ques. 5. How to get a work visa in New Zealand from India after studying?

Ans. When it comes to applying for a post study work visa in New Zealand, Indian students will need to complete an approved qualification in New Zealand first. Once the qualification is completed, you can apply online for a post study work visa in New Zealand. Students also seek advice from legitimate study in New Zealand consultants to make this process easier.