Unlike some destinations tightening rules, New Zealand has been expanding opportunities for international students under its International Education “Going for Growth” plan.
More work hours while studying
From 3 November 2025, the in-study work limit for eligible international students increased from 20 to 25 hours per week.
New post-study work options
- A new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa opens for applications on Monday 16 November 2026 and gives eligible graduates up to six months of open work rights — aimed at those who hold a qualification at NZQCF level 5–7 (studied full-time for at least 24 weeks) but are not otherwise eligible for the main post-study visa.
- The main Post-Study Work Visa (up to three years of open work) is expanded from the same date, 16 November 2026, so that NZQCF Level 7 Graduate Diploma holders who also hold a bachelor’s degree can qualify. Immigration New Zealand confirms an individual can be granted only one Post-Study Work Visa or one Short-Term Graduate Work Visa.
The bigger picture
New Zealand aims to lift international enrolments and nearly double the sector’s economic value by 2034, making it a comparatively welcoming option as other destinations tighten.
What it means for you
Check that your qualification level and study length meet the specific criteria for each work-rights change, and confirm details on the official Immigration New Zealand pages before relying on them.
Fee and processing time
Immigration New Zealand now lists the Fee Paying Student Visa at from NZ$850 — a NZ$485 application fee, a NZ$265 immigration levy, and the NZ$100 International Visitor Levy where it applies. That is up from NZ$750. INZ’s published processing benchmark for this visa is 80% of applications decided within 8.5 weeks.