New Zealand’s Post-Study Work Visa eligibility criteria have been modified to provide students with greater flexibility in their studies and employment opportunities post-qualification.

New Zealand has updated its post study work visa eligibility rules to offer more flexibility to international students who completed a 30-week Postgraduate Diploma and pursued a Master’s degree without a 30-week Masters program, ensuring their employment eligibility post-qualification. The new rules will help individuals who were previously excluded from the PSW visa will now be eligible for it.

Study abroad industry experts share their views on the new Post-Study Work visa rules implemented by New Zealand.

Manisha Zaveri, Joint Managing Director, Career Mosaic

New Zealand’s updated Post-Study Work (PSW) visa policy ensures that students completing a Master’s degree following a Postgraduate Diploma remain eligible for PSW visas.

For example, a student pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Management and then a Master’s in Business Administration will now qualify for the PSW visa, where previously, they may have been excluded. This change provides a seamless pathway for students to enhance their qualifications without jeopardizing their work rights.

This policy will significantly enhance New Zealand’s attractiveness as a study destination by offering greater clarity and inclusivity to international students. At a time when countries like Canada are tightening immigration policies, leading to a 70% drop in enrolments since 2021, alternatives like France, Germany, and Ireland and now New Zealand will gain traction. Such measures will help the country retain global talent, fueling its economy and workforce diversity.”

Aritra Ghosal, Founder and Director of OneStep Global

The newly altered eligibility criteria for New Zealand’s Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa will offer students more flexibility in their course of study and greater opportunities to work after completing their qualifications.

For example, a student who has pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in New Zealand for 30 weeks and wishes to continue with a Master’s degree will now be eligible for the PSW Visa. If the new course does not meet PSW requirements, students will have a 12-month window from the end date of their student visa to apply for the PSW visa.

This change will offer international students more opportunities to gain work experience post-study, helping them better plan their careers. India currently represents 11% of total international enrolments in New Zealand, and with increasing interest, the country should aim for a sustainable growth rate of 15-20% annually from this region. This would contribute to the country’s educational export sector, enhancing economic growth.

Sachin Jain, Country Manager at ETS India & South Asia

The recent changes to New Zealand’s Post Study Work (PSW) visa policy is a significant step forward in supporting international students aspiring to study in NZ.

The new rule allows students who complete a Postgraduate Diploma of at least 30 weeks, followed by a Master’s degree, to be eligible for a PSW visa, providing more flexible pathways to both education and work experience.

With its high-quality education system, welcoming environment, and strong global reputation, New Zealand continues to be a wonderful study-abroad destination. With some other destinations tightening visa regulations, we think the changes to NZs Post Study Visa policy will provide much-needed impetus to international education in the country.

Additionally, updates such as aligning qualifications with New Zealand’s Green List and offering PSW visa eligibility to graduates in fields such as teaching and engineering will attract a diverse range of international talent.