New Zealand to expand post-study work visa eligibility

New Zealand will expand post-study work visa eligibility for certain Level 7 graduate diploma holders starting November 16, 2026. Under the new regulations, international students who hold an eligible Level 7 graduate diploma and a bachelor’s degree will qualify for a work visa.

To meet the requirements, students must complete the graduate diploma through full-time study in New Zealand for the entire duration of the programme without using cross-crediting or recognition of prior learning. The overseas bachelor’s degree used to qualify can be from any time period and does not require an International Qualification Assessment (IQA), though applicants must provide official transcripts and degree certificates.

Graduates possessing both qualifications may receive open work conditions, whereas those without a bachelor’s degree will be subject to occupation-based eligibility requirements.