Studying in New Zealand in 2026: work rights, graduate visas and the Green List

While other countries have tightened their rules, New Zealand has been quietly opening doors. Students can now work up to 25 hours a week, a brand-new graduate work visa opens on 16 November 2026, and more graduate diploma holders will qualify for a post-study work visa.

But the details matter. The level of your qualification, how long you study and what you study decide what visa you can get when you finish. This guide explains the rules as they stand in September 2026.

Why New Zealand is worth a look in 2026

For many Bangladeshi and South Asian families, New Zealand used to be a "second choice" after Australia or Canada. In 2026 it deserves a closer look, for three reasons:

• Stable settings. New Zealand has no national cap on student numbers and no attestation letter system like Canada's.
• Better work rights. Students on eligible courses can work up to 25 hours a week, and graduates have more post-study options than a year ago.
• A clear link between study and skills. The Green List shows which jobs New Zealand needs. If you study for one of those jobs, you may have a path to residence later.

It is also a smaller market. There are fewer jobs than in Sydney or Toronto, and wages differ by region. Choose a course that leads to real work in New Zealand, not just a visa.

Understanding NZQCF levels (and why they matter)

Every New Zealand qualification has a level on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF), from level 1 to level 10. Your level decides your work rights while you study and your visa after you finish. See NZQA's framework page for full details.

Example. Sadia has a BBA from Dhaka with a 3.2 CGPA and IELTS 6.5. A one-year level 8 postgraduate diploma gives her a Post-Study Work Visa of about one year, because level 8 visas match the time you studied. A level 9 master's of at least 30 weeks gives her three years of open work. The extra study time may be worth it if she wants real New Zealand work experience.

The student visa: money, fees and application

Most international students use the Fee Paying Student Visa. It costs from NZD 850, can last up to 4 years, and needs an offer of place from an approved education provider (INZ Fee Paying Student Visa).

How much money you must show

• Tuition: you must show you have paid, or can pay, the fees for one course or one year of study, whichever is shorter.
• Living costs for tertiary study: NZD 20,000 for each year, or NZD 1,667 a month if your study is shorter than a year.
• School students (Years 1–13): NZD 17,000 a year.

If you will study for more than a year, INZ says it can strengthen your application to show a believable plan for paying later years, such as evidence of family income.

Apply early

INZ asks students to apply at least 3 months before travel. Student visa processing is busiest from October to March. If you apply from outside New Zealand, INZ can approve your visa in principle on a conditional offer, then grant it once you send the unconditional offer.

Your family

You cannot include your partner or children in your student visa application. They can apply for their own visas based on their relationship to you. Whether your partner can work depends on their own visa and your situation, so check INZ's family visa pages carefully before you plan.

Working while you study

According to INZ's work rights page, you may be able to work up to 25 hours a week (previously 20) if you are studying full-time:

• for at least 2 academic years; or
• for a New Zealand qualification at level 4 or higher; or
• on certain English language courses, or approved exchange programmes.

You can work full-time during scheduled breaks if your course lasts at least one academic year, is worth at least 120 credits and has at least 2 semesters over at least 8 months.

PhD and research master's students have no limit on work hours, but must keep studying full-time.

Two important points:

• Your exact work rights are printed on your eVisa. Always follow those conditions.
• You cannot work if you are studying a micro-credential or in a training scheme, because these are not qualifications.

After you graduate: three visa options

1. Post-Study Work Visa (up to 3 years)

The Post-Study Work Visa costs from NZD 1,670 and lets you stay and work for up to 3 years (INZ). The main rules:

• A degree at level 7 or higher, studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand, gives you open work rights: any job, any employer, anywhere.
• A master's or doctorate with 30+ weeks of study gives 3 years. Level 8 and below gives a visa equal to the time you studied.
• A non-degree level 4–7 qualification only qualifies if it is on INZ's eligible list, and your job must match your study. The list focuses on areas like construction, engineering, teaching and agriculture.
• You must have at least NZD 5,000 to support yourself, and you can only get this visa once.
• Apply within 3 months after your student visa expires (6 months for doctoral graduates).
• Your partner can apply for a work visa, and children can study as domestic students.

2. New: Short-Term Graduate Work Visa (from 16 November 2026)

INZ announced this visa on 29 May 2026 (INZ announcement). It opens for applications on Monday 16 November 2026.

• It gives 6 months of open work rights to look for a job and, where suitable, move to an Accredited Employer Work Visa.
• You need a qualification at NZQCF level 5 to 7, studied full-time for at least 24 weeks in New Zealand, that does not already make you eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa.
• English language, foundation and bridging qualifications do not count.
• You need at least NZD 5,000 and must apply within 3 months of your student visa expiring.
• You can hold it only once, cannot extend it, and cannot support a partner's work visa or a child's domestic student visa.

INZ says more details will be published closer to the launch date.

3. Wider Post-Study Work for graduate diplomas (from 16 November 2026)

From the same date, a level 7 graduate diploma studied full-time in New Zealand for its full length can lead to a Post-Study Work Visa if you also hold a bachelor's degree, from New Zealand or overseas. The visa lasts as long as you studied the graduate diploma, up to 1 year. Credit transfers or recognition of prior learning do not count.

The Green List and residence

The Green List is New Zealand's list of jobs it needs people for (INZ Green List roles). It has two tiers:

• Tier 1: Straight to Residence. If your role is listed and you have the required qualification, registration or experience, you may be able to apply for residence straight away.
• Tier 2: Work to Residence. You may be able to apply for residence after working in the role for 2 years.

The list includes roles in areas such as engineering, construction, health, teaching and technology. Some need New Zealand professional registration, such as nursing or teaching. Before you choose a course, check:

1. Which job you want after graduation.
2. Whether that job is on the Green List, and in which tier.
3. What qualification and registration the list says you need.
4. Whether your New Zealand course actually gives you that qualification.

Universities, polytechnics and the Te Pūkenga changes

New Zealand has eight universities, all public, and a network of polytechnics and institutes of technology that focus on applied and vocational study.

What happened to Te Pūkenga?

In 2020, the government merged the polytechnics into one national body called Te Pūkenga. The current government decided to reverse this. Te Pūkenga is now called the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST). According to NZIST:

• several of its regional divisions became independent institutions on 1 January 2026;
• four others (NorthTec, Tai Poutini Polytechnic, the Western Institute of Technology and Whitireia & WelTec) stay within NZIST during 2026 and leave on 1 January 2027;
• NZIST is expected to be fully disestablished by early 2027.

NZIST says students can complete their programmes as normal, and all qualifications remain valid and recognised. If you are applying to a polytechnic, check which institution will award your qualification, and ask whether your programme's level and length meet post-study visa rules.

The Pathway Student Visa

If you plan to do up to three programmes one after another, for example a foundation course, then a diploma, then a degree, the Pathway Student Visa may suit you. It can last up to 5 years, costs from NZD 750, and allows a break of up to 16 weeks between programmes. Only approved pathway providers can offer it (INZ Pathway Student Visa). You must meet the entry rules for each next programme.

It also helps younger students. A Year 12 or 13 student at a New Zealand school can use it to move on to a named university or polytechnic. Parents considering school in New Zealand should also read our K-12 New Zealand guide.

Your step-by-step plan

1. 1
   12 months beforePick your job goal first

   Check the Green List and New Zealand job boards. Choose a career, then a qualification level.

2. 2
   10 months beforeChoose level and length

   For 3 years of post-study work, choose a level 9 master's or level 7 degree with 30+ weeks in New Zealand.

3. 3
   8 months beforeApply to providers

   Compare universities and polytechnics. Ask each one in writing about NZQCF level, length and post-study eligibility.

4. 4
   6 months beforePrepare funds

   Show first-year tuition plus NZD 20,000 per year for living costs, with clear source documents.

5. 5
   3–4 months beforeApply for your visa

   Apply at least 3 months before travel, especially for intakes between October and March.

Common myths

Are you ready for New Zealand?

What to do next

Use our New Zealand document checklist and the New Zealand destination page to compare universities and polytechnics. For younger students, see our K-12 New Zealand guide. Check your English level with our IELTS level check.