We investigate the effects of piezoelectric-generated strain on the magnetization configuration of Ni nanostructures fabricated on pre-poled piezoelectric (011) [Pb(Mg0.33Nb0.66)O3]0.68–[PbTiO3]0.32 (PMN–PT) by high resolution X-ray microscopy. We observe a strong uniaxial anisotropy in the Ni nanostructures, due to the relaxation of the substrate following the deposition of the Ni. The anisotropy can be modified by the application of an electric field to the piezoelectric substrate (thus generating a piezoelectric strain in the system) through the magneto-elastic effect. By applying an electric field to the PMN–PT, the magnetization configuration in nanostructured Ni squares and rings was reversibly manipulated with a high reproducibility.