To be eligible for a Post Study Work visa, international students pursuing a Master’s degree in New Zealand must finish at least 30 weeks of full-time coursework. Now, New Zealand has introduced new rules to ensure that students who complete a Master’s degree after a Postgraduate Diploma maintain their eligibility for a Post Study Work Visa.

New Zealand has revised the Post Study Work visa eligibility rules to allow international students who completed a 30-week Postgraduate Diploma and pursued a Master’s degree without a 30-week Masters program. The revised criteria ensure that students who complete a Master’s degree following a Postgraduate Diploma do not lose their eligibility for a Post Study Work Visa.

Immigration New Zealand Post Study Work visa new rule states that students who studied a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) for 30 weeks and immediately progressed to a Master’s degree, but were not enrolled in the Master for 30 weeks, are now eligible to apply for a post-Study Work visa (PSWV) based on their PGDip enrolment.

This will provide students greater flexibility in their studies and ensure that they can continue to work when they complete their qualifications.

Post Study Work Visa allows students with a student visa to stay and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years, depending on their qualifications.

Students who complete an eligible qualification and then a higher-level qualification that is ineligible for a PSWV have 12 months from the student visa end date to apply for a PSWV.

To apply for a PSWV, applicants must hold a New Zealand qualification, have studied full-time in New Zealand for the required duration, and apply within the specified timeframe.

With Post Study Work Visa students can work for any employer in any job if they have a degree level 7 or above qualification, and have studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand.

You can also work in a job that is related to what you studied if your qualification is non-degree level 7 or below. Your study must have been full-time in New Zealand and for the full duration required to qualify. Your qualification must also be on the list of Qualifications Eligible for a Post Study Work Visa.

Changes to the list of qualifications Eligible for a Post Study Work Visa

The following changes are being made to align the list of qualifications eligible for a PSWV with the Green List:

  • PSWV applicants who qualify to teach at secondary school no longer require a Bachelor’s degree specialising in Science, Mathematics, Technology or Pacific Languages
  • Applicants who have completed graduate diplomas and meet the Teaching Council’s registration requirements can get a PSWV to work as a Primary or Intermediate school teacher
  • The New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6) with a strand in Mechanical Engineering has been added so Mechanical Engineering Technicians are eligible for a PSWV.