
Home > New Zealand Visas > New Zealand Work Visas > Study to Work (Graduate Visa)
Study to Work (Graduate Visas)
Overview: Finish your studies in New Zealand and keep the adventure going. The Study to Work (Graduate) Visas let you stay, gain work experience, and kick-start your career. It’s your bridge from classroom to career in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.
This visa is for international students who have graduated from a New Zealand institution and want to work in New Zealand.
There are two streams:
- Graduate Job Search Visa – for those who are looking for graduate work
- Graduate Work Experience Visa – for those with a relevant job offer Graduate Job. Search Visa

Requirements/Specifications
Graduate Job Search Visa
Requirements
- Have successfully completed a qualification in New Zealand that meets the study to work qualification requirements
- Apply no later than three months (six months if you have completed a doctoral qualification after the end date of the student visa for that qualification
- Provide evidence of a minimum of NZ $4,200 available for maintenance for 12 months
The successful applicant will be granted a visa for up to 12 months. Once a job offer is obtained, he/she can apply for another category pf visa to stay longer
Graduate Work Experience Visa
A student /graduate with a job offer in their area of study may apply for this visa
Requirements:
The applicant will need to provide evidence:
- of the relevance of his/her job offer to the qualification, and
- that he/she has successfully completed a qualification or qualifications in New Zealand that meets the Study to Work qualification requirements
This visa is valid for:
- two years, or
- three years, if the successful applicant is working towards obtaining a membership or registration from a New Zealand professional association which requires more than two years of relevant practical work experience
If you are applying for (b) (a three-year visa to complete professional membership/registration) the applicant must provide further evidence of:
- how the New Zealand qualification meets the requirements for registration or membership of the professional association
- how that membership/registration is necessary for a professional occupation
- how the employment offer is considered relevant practical experience by the professional association
The application for a work visa must be made no later than three months (six months for a doctoral qualification) after the end date of the student visa for that course or qualification, unless the applicant holds a Graduate Job Search Work Visa
Take Away Points
🎓 Gain valuable work experience after your studies.
🌏 Explore career opportunities across New Zealand.
🕒 Enjoy flexible visa durations to suit your plans.
💼 Build industry connections for your future career.
🏞️ Experience life in a safe, vibrant, and scenic country.
