Australia vs. New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa: Which Gives Better Options After Graduation?

Finishing your course is a big milestone.

But for many international students, graduation is only part of the plan. 

What happens after your studies often matters just as much. Can you stay and work after graduating? For how long? Can your partner come with you? 

Which country gives stronger pathways toward residency?

These are some of the biggest reasons students compare Australia and New Zealand before choosing where to study.

The good news is that both countries offer post-study work rights. The difference is how those pathways work, how long they last, and what they may lead to next.

Australia and New Zealand both offer ways to stay and work after you study. But the visa options and rules are different.

Good to know

Post-study work options work differently in Australia and New Zealand. When comparing them, look beyond how long you can stay. Check which qualifications are eligible, the work you can do after graduation, whether your course or job must meet extra rules, and what options you may have when your post-study visa ends

Comparing these two destinations? Check our guide to Study, Work, and PR Options in New Zealand vs. Australia

Both countries offer post-study work options. But how long you can stay depends on what and where you study. 

Here is how the post-study work periods compare for some common courses.

After a bachelor's degree

After a master's degree

After a postgraduate diploma

Your eligibility depends on your qualification and how long you study in New Zealand.

You may qualify if you complete:

• A Level 7 bachelor's degree and study full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks.

• A Level 8 postgraduate qualification, such as an Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma, and study full-time for at least 30 weeks.

• A Level 9 master's degree and study full-time for at least 30 weeks.

• A Level 10 doctoral degree and study full-time for at least 30 weeks.

• An eligible Level 4 to 7 non-degree qualification. You must study full-time in New Zealand for the full course.

Your work conditions also depend on your qualification.

If you have a Level 7 degree or higher

You can work in any legal job, anywhere in New Zealand. Some jobs may require professional registration.

If you have a Level 4 to 7 non-degree qualification

Your qualification must be on the Post Study Work Visa eligible list. Your job must also be related to what you studied.

Other Post Study Work Visa requirements may apply.

Australia has different Temporary Graduate visa streams. The stream that applies to you depends on your qualification and circumstances.

Post-Higher Education Work stream

This stream is for graduates with a degree-level qualification or higher. You need a recent degree from a CRICOS-registered course.

You can usually stay for 2 to 3 years. The length depends on your qualification.

Post-Vocational Education Work stream

This stream is for graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification.

Your qualification must relate to your nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list.

You can stay for up to 18 months.

Second Post-Higher Education Work stream

Some regional graduates may qualify for a second visa.

This can give you another 1 to 2 years in Australia. Your eligibility depends on where you studied and where you live while holding your first eligible Temporary Graduate visa.

Other Temporary Graduate visa requirements may apply.

Nearing or over Australia's 485 age limit?

This is where New Zealand’s Post Study Work Visa can be an advantage. It doesn’t have a stated maximum age limit. 

Instead, eligibility depends on factors such as what you study and how long you study in New Zealand.

If you complete an eligible qualification, you may be able to stay and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years after graduation.

Explore your New Zealand study options

Yes, in both countries. But not every non-degree qualification is eligible. The rules are also different.

In Australia

• The Post-Vocational Education Work stream covers eligible associate degrees, diplomas and trade qualifications.

• Your qualification must relate to your nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list.

• If eligible, you can stay for up to 18 months.

In New Zealand

• Some Level 4 to 7 non-degree qualifications qualify for a Post Study Work Visa.

• Your qualification must be on the eligible list. Your job must also be related to what you studied.

• Other study requirements apply.

Good to know

If you are choosing your next course, check its post-study work eligibility before you apply. A diploma or other non-degree course does not automatically lead to a graduate work visa.

Australia has a second post-study visa for some regional graduates. New Zealand only allows one Post Study Work Visa.

Australia

• Some regional graduates may qualify for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.

• This can give you another 1 to 2 years in Australia.

• Your eligibility depends on where you studied and where you live while holding your first eligible Temporary Graduate visa.

New Zealand

• You can only receive one Post Study Work Visa.

• If you have already held one, you cannot get another.

• This means Australia may offer more post-study time if you qualify for its regional pathway.

From 16 November 2026, some New Zealand graduates who don’t qualify for a Post Study Work Visa will have another option.

New 6-month Short-term Graduate Work Visa

The new Short-term Graduate Work Visa starts on 16 November 2026.

It’s for graduates of certain Level 5 to 7 qualifications that don’t qualify for a Post Study Work Visa.

Your qualification must be studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks. Other requirements also apply.

If eligible, you can get 6 months of open work rights. This gives you time to find work and explore longer-term work options.

You may also be able to move to an Accredited Employer Work Visa if you meet its requirements.

Good to know

This is not a second Post Study Work Visa. If you have already held a Post Study Work Visa, you cannot get the Short-term Graduate Work Visa.

Both countries have options for family members. Different requirements apply.

Australia

• Temporary Graduate visa holders can bring family members to Australia.

• Other visa requirements apply.

New Zealand

• Post Study Work Visa holders can support their partner for a work visa.

• Dependent children can also study in New Zealand as domestic students.

• Other visa requirements apply.

A post-study work visa does not guarantee permanent residency. But the time you spend working after graduation can help you plan your next step.

Australia

After your Temporary Graduate visa, you will need another visa if you want to stay in Australia.

Your next option will depend on your job, skills and visa eligibility. This may include:

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): A permanent points-tested visa for eligible skilled workers.

• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): A permanent skilled visa that requires state or territory nomination.

• Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491): A provisional regional visa. Eligible holders may later apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).

• Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482): An employer-sponsored work visa. Some workers may later qualify for permanent employer sponsorship.

• Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186): A permanent visa for eligible workers sponsored by an employer.

Your occupation, points, work experience and employer can affect which options are open to you.

New Zealand

After your Post Study Work Visa, New Zealand can be a more attractive option because of its direct pathway to residence through the Green List. 

Here are your common PR pathways in New Zealand: 

• Straight to Residence Visa: For eligible Tier 1 Green List jobs. You may be able to apply for residence right away.

• Work to Residence Visa: For eligible Tier 2 Green List jobs. You need 24 months of eligible work in New Zealand first.

• Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: A residence pathway for people who meet the skilled employment and points requirements.

• Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa: For people who meet the work and other requirements in eligible care roles.

• Transport Work to Residence Visa: For people who meet the work and other requirements in eligible transport roles.

You may also move from a Post Study Work Visa to an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) if you meet the requirements. This is a work visa, not PR itself. Depending on your job and circumstances, it can give you time to meet the requirements for some residence pathways.

Good to know

Don’t choose a course based on PR alone. Look at the career it can lead to, job demand and the visa options you may have after graduation.

If PR is part of your long-term plan, your next course choice matters.

IDP can help you look beyond the course itself. We can help you compare study options based on your career goals, post-study work options and future migration plans.

There is no one answer for every international student.

If you are already in Australia, think about what you want after graduation. Ask yourself:

• Can I qualify for the 485 visa?

• How long could I stay and work after graduation?

• Which courses could support my career goals?

• What visa or migration pathways could I explore next?

You do not have to work it all out on your own.

Plan your next course with an IDP education counsellor

We can help you:

• Find and compare courses in Australia and New Zealand.

• Match your course with your career and longer-term migration goals.

• Find scholarships you may qualify for.

• Compare fees, intakes and entry requirements.

Prepare and submit your course applications.

Get migration advice from a registered migration agent

Our migration partners can help you:

• Understand your visa options and eligibility.

• Prepare and lodge eligible visa applications.

• Explore skilled, employer-sponsored and other migration pathways.

• Plan your next steps towards permanent residency.

Ready to plan your next move?

Is New Zealand's post-study work visa longer than Australia's?

It can be. New Zealand offers up to 3 years, while Australia's Post-Higher Education Work stream is usually 2 to 3 years. Your visa length depends on your qualification and eligibility.

How long can I stay in New Zealand after studying?

You can stay for up to 3 years, depending on your qualification. A master's or doctoral qualification can give you 3 years if you meet the study requirements.

How long can I stay in Australia on a 485 visa?

It depends on your stream. The Post-Higher Education Work stream is usually 2 to 3 years, while the Post-Vocational Education Work stream is up to 18 months. Some regional graduates may get another 1 to 2 years.

Can I move to New Zealand after studying in Australia?

Yes, you can explore further study in New Zealand. To qualify for a New Zealand Post Study Work Visa, you must complete an eligible qualification in New Zealand and meet the visa requirements.

Can I study in New Zealand if I cannot get a 485 visa in Australia?

Yes, you can explore New Zealand as your next study destination. Your eligibility will depend on New Zealand's student visa and study requirements.

Can I work anywhere in New Zealand after graduation?

If you complete an eligible Level 7 degree or higher, you can work in any legal job, anywhere in New Zealand. Some jobs require professional registration.

Can I get a New Zealand Post Study Work Visa after a Graduate Diploma?

From 16 November 2026, some Level 7 Graduate Diploma graduates can qualify if they also hold a bachelor's degree and meet the other requirements.

Can I get a second Post Study Work Visa in New Zealand?

No. You can only receive one New Zealand Post Study Work Visa.

Can I bring my family on a post-study work visa?

Both countries offer family options. Australia allows 485 visa holders to bring family members, while eligible NZ PSWV holders can support partners and dependent children for certain visas.

Does a post-study work visa lead to permanent residency?

Not automatically. It can give you time to work and explore your next visa options, but PR depends on the migration pathway and requirements you meet.