What are the funds required for a New Zealand student visa?

Under official Immigration New Zealand regulations, you must demonstrate access to at least NZD 20,000 for each year of study (or NZD 1,666 per month for courses under 1 year) for living costs, in addition to paid first-year tuition.

How many hours can international students work in New Zealand?

Students on a Fee Paying Student Visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official scheduled holidays and Christmas breaks.

How long is the New Zealand Post Study Work Visa?

The Post Study Work Visa lasts 1 to 3 years depending on the level of qualification completed in New Zealand (3 years for Bachelor degree Level 7+, Master, or PhD degrees).

How does New Zealand’s 6-point Skilled Migrant Category work?

Under the SMC system, you must claim 6 points from either NZ occupational registration (3-6 pts), recognized qualifications (Bachelor=3, Master=5, PhD=6), or high income, combined with skilled work in New Zealand and a permanent job offer paying median wage or higher.

Home New Zealand HubNew Zealand Post Study Work Visa

New Zealand Post Study Work Visa Requirements & Roadmap

Country: New Zealand•Consular Ledger Review: September 2026

Verified Government Portal

For official submission and legal case filing: Immigration New Zealand (INZ)

Visit Official Agency

Consular Visa Fee$700 USD

Average Processing Window5 Wks (4 to 8 weeks)

Approval Rate Index82%

Eligibility Requirements

Completion of a full-time eligible qualification in New Zealand (3-year open work visa for Bachelor degree Level 7+ or Master/PhD; 1-2 years for eligible non-degree diplomas).

Documents Checklist Drawer

Official completion letter and academic transcript from New Zealand institution

Valid passport and current student visa

Proof of sufficient funds (NZD 5,000) to support yourself

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Step-by-Step Filing Roadmap

Complete eligible course of study in New Zealand.

Apply online via Immigration Online within 3 months of student visa expiry.

Pay the application fee of NZD 700.

Receive Post Study Work Visa granting open employer work rights for up to 3 years.

Core Rejection Reasons

•Applying after the 3-month post-study application window.
•Qualification not meeting NZQA eligibility thresholds.

Important Informational Notice

GlobalVisaAtlas is an independent informational guide. We do not represent applicants before sovereign immigration tribunals. Requirements and processing times change; verify current criteria directly on the official New Zealand immigration portal before lodging your application.

Guide Navigation

1. Fees and Processing Times2. Eligibility Benchmarks3. Necessary Checklist files4. Roadmap Steps5. Refusal Prevention

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