Immigration New Zealand has announced a set of changes for international students, reported on 29 October. Four student visa changes took effect on 27 October 2026, and new graduate work options follow on 16 November 2026.
Working while you study
New applicants for a master's degree by research are now limited to 25 hours of work a week during study, with full-time work allowed in permitted holidays. This applies to applications submitted on or after 27 October; current visa holders keep the conditions printed on their visas. The general limit for students already rose from 20 to 25 hours a week in November 2025.
Some student visas now also stay valid for two months after the course ends instead of one month.
Working after you graduate
From 16 November, a new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa gives qualifying graduates up to six months of open work rights. It is meant for graduates of Level 5 to 7 study lasting at least 24 weeks full-time. The Post-Study Work Visa is also opening to some Level 7 graduate diploma holders, and qualifying master's and doctoral graduates with at least 30 weeks of full-time study can generally receive a three-year visa.
Money and timing
Students still need to show living costs of NZD 20,000 a year for tertiary study, or NZD 1,667 a month for courses shorter than a year. Immigration New Zealand advises applying at least three months before departure. About 63,000 people held a valid student visa in September 2026, around 6,000 more than a year earlier. None of the new rules guarantee a work visa or permanent residence.
Key points
- Master's-by-research applicants from 27 October: 25 work hours a week in term time.
- Some student visas now run two months past the end of the course.
- From 16 November: Short-Term Graduate Work Visa with up to six months of open work rights.
- Living-cost proof stays NZD 20,000 a year; apply at least three months before travel.
Conditions on visas already issued do not change; if you are applying now, ask us which rules apply to your case before you submit anything.
Source
- New Zealand tightens student visa work rules from October 2026 while extending post-study stay for international graduatesTravel And Tour World · Oct 29, 2026Reports an Immigration New Zealand announcement of 27 October 2026.
Written by the Study and Work Abroad team in our own words from the sources above. Rules change often: before you apply, ask us to check the current rules for your case.
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