Background to Student Work Rights in New Zealand
For many years, international students on student visas in New Zealand faced a strict limit of 20 hours of paid work per week during academic terms. This rule applied across most tertiary programmes at universities and polytechnics, with full-time work permitted only during scheduled holiday periods such as the Christmas and New Year break. The restriction aimed to ensure students prioritised their studies while still allowing some financial support and practical experience.
Universities including the University of Auckland have long provided guidance on these rights through dedicated international student pages, emphasising the need to check individual visa conditions. The previous framework supported a growing international education sector but drew feedback from students and agents about the challenges of covering living costs in cities like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
The Policy Shift to 25 Hours Per Week
From 3 November 2025, Immigration New Zealand updated the rules so that eligible student visa holders can now work up to 25 hours per week during the academic term. The change applies to new visas granted on or after that date and forms part of the government’s International Education Going for Growth Plan. Existing visa holders with the older 20-hour condition can apply for a variation of conditions to access the higher limit.
Full-time work remains available during mid-year breaks and the main summer holiday period. The update extends work rights to additional groups, including students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes lasting at least one semester.
Who Qualifies Under the New Rules
Eligibility covers full-time tertiary students enrolled in programmes at New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework Level 4 or higher, typically including bachelor’s degrees, graduate diplomas and many postgraduate courses at universities and institutes of technology. Certain English-language courses at NZQA Category 1 providers also qualify after meeting duration requirements.
Secondary school students in Years 12 and 13 with appropriate permissions retain access, while Masters and PhD candidates often enjoy more flexible arrangements depending on their specific visa wording. Students must be at least 16 years old, and self-employment is not permitted.
Financial and Practical Benefits for Students
The additional five hours per week can make a meaningful difference to student budgets. At current minimum wage rates, the extra time represents roughly NZ$115–130 additional earnings weekly before tax, helping offset accommodation, transport and living expenses in major centres.
Beyond income, the extra hours support career development through part-time roles in retail, hospitality, tutoring or research assistance. Many students report that such experience strengthens applications for post-study work visas and eventual skilled migration pathways.
Implications for New Zealand Universities and Polytechnics
Tertiary institutions welcome the change as it enhances New Zealand’s competitiveness against destinations that have recently tightened student work rules. University of Auckland international pages now highlight the 25-hour allowance, signalling to prospective students that the country offers greater flexibility.
Administrators note potential upsides for retention and wellbeing, as students can better manage costs without excessive borrowing. At the same time, universities continue to stress academic priorities and offer support services to help students maintain study-life balance.
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Alignment with the International Education Going for Growth Plan
The work-rights adjustment sits within a broader strategy to double the economic contribution of international education by 2034. Government agencies including Education New Zealand and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment have outlined targets to grow enrolments while maintaining quality and managing immigration volumes.
By improving the student experience through practical work opportunities, the plan aims to attract more learners from key source countries and strengthen New Zealand’s reputation as a welcoming study destination.
Employer Responsibilities and Regulatory Oversight
Immigration New Zealand has reminded employers to respect the new limits and avoid exploitation. Students must hold valid employment agreements, and institutions advise checking visa conditions carefully before starting any role.
Universities and polytechnics often run workshops on employment rights, tax obligations and workplace safety to prepare international students for the local labour market.
Balancing Work with Academic Demands
While the extra hours offer benefits, university support services continue to caution against letting work interfere with coursework, especially during assessment periods. Many programmes at institutions such as Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Otago include built-in practical components that complement paid employment.
Student associations and international offices provide resources on time management and mental health to help learners thrive under the updated regime.
Perspectives from the Sector
Education agents and student advisers report increased interest in New Zealand programmes since the announcement, with queries often linking the 25-hour allowance to specific cities and institutions. Some note that the change helps differentiate New Zealand from competitors tightening similar rules.
Local workforce discussions have surfaced around potential competition for entry-level positions, prompting calls for continued monitoring of labour-market impacts alongside the benefits to the education export sector.
Looking Ahead: Post-Study Pathways and Long-Term Outlook
The work-rights update complements recent expansions to post-study work visas, including a new Short-term Graduate Work Visa scheduled for later in 2026. Together these measures create clearer routes from study into skilled employment or further opportunities.
As New Zealand continues implementing the Going for Growth Plan, universities and government agencies will track enrolment trends, student outcomes and employer feedback to refine policies further.
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Practical Advice for Current and Prospective Students
International students should review their visa conditions via Immigration New Zealand’s online portal and consult their institution’s international office before accepting additional hours. Those on pre-November 2025 visas may need to apply for a variation of conditions through the official channels.
Planning finances, securing an IRD number and understanding tax responsibilities remain essential steps for anyone combining study with part-time work.
