New Zealand Student Visa 2026: 25-Hour Work Rights and New Graduate Visa
New Zealand students can now work 25 hours a week, and from 16 November 2026 Level 5 to 7 graduates get a new six-month graduate work visa.
Students on visas granted from 3 November 2025 can work 25 hours a week. From 16 November 2026, Level 5 to 7 graduates can get up to six months of open work rights, and Level 7 Graduate Diploma holders with a bachelor's can qualify for a Post Study Work Visa.
New Zealand is opening more work options
While some countries are tightening their rules, New Zealand has expanded work options for international students and graduates. Two changes matter most for Nepali students.
Working up to 25 hours a week
Eligible students can now work up to 25 hours a week during term. The higher limit applies automatically to student visas granted from 3 November 2025. Students who got their visa before that date must apply to change their visa conditions before working the extra hours.
- Your course must meet the work-rights conditions, such as being full-time and long enough.
- Master’s by research and PhD students continue to have unlimited work rights.
- Always check the conditions printed on your own visa before you start a job.
The new Short-term Graduate Work Visa
Until now, many graduates of Level 5 to 7 diplomas did not qualify for a Post Study Work Visa. From 16 November 2026, a new visa gives them up to six months of open work rights to look for a job and, where suitable, move to an Accredited Employer Work Visa.
- Complete an eligible NZQCF Level 5, 6 or 7 qualification in New Zealand.
- Study full-time for at least 24 weeks in New Zealand, not counting English language, foundation or bridging programmes.
- Show at least NZD 5,000 to support yourself.
- Apply within three months after your student visa expires.
Six months is a short window. Build contacts and apply for jobs before you finish your course.
A new route for bachelor’s holders
From 16 November 2026, students who complete an eligible Level 7 Graduate Diploma in New Zealand and also hold a bachelor’s degree can qualify for a Post Study Work Visa. The bachelor’s degree can be from New Zealand or overseas, including Nepal. This can make a one-year graduate diploma a more attractive option for Nepali graduates.
Questions students ask
Does the 25-hour limit apply to my current visa?
Only if your visa was granted on or after 3 November 2025. If it was granted earlier, apply for a variation of conditions before working more than 20 hours.
Can the six-month visa lead to residence?
Not directly. It gives time to find work, and you may then qualify for an Accredited Employer Work Visa, which can support a residence pathway later.
Which courses count for the new graduate visa?
Eligible NZQCF Level 5 to 7 qualifications completed in New Zealand. Check the course level and Immigration New Zealand’s eligibility list before you enrol.
Where this information comes from
- Immigration New Zealand: Post-Study Work Visa eligibility extended from 16 November 2026
- Immigration New Zealand: changes to student visa work rights
- Immigration New Zealand: Post Study Work Visa
Written on 17 September 2026. For the full application process, read our New Zealand student visa guide.
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