Understanding the Surge in Demand for Part-Time Roles

Across New Zealand's universities, tertiary students are facing an unprecedented challenge in securing part-time employment. With the national unemployment rate climbing to 5.4 percent in the December 2025 quarter—the highest in over a decade—university students from institutions like the University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington report submitting dozens, even hundreds, of applications with limited success. This surge coincides with a broader economic slowdown where job creation has not kept pace with the growing number of job seekers, particularly among the youth demographic heavily represented by higher education enrollees.

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) oversees much of the sector's performance, but recent data highlights how external labour market pressures are infiltrating campus life. Students balancing lectures, assignments, and exams now contend with a competitive job pool traditionally reserved for flexible, entry-level positions in hospitality, retail, and customer service.

Student Job Search Data Reveals Alarming Ratios

Government-funded Student Job Search (SJS), a primary platform for tertiary students seeking part-time work, reported staggering figures for January 2026: 4,600 job listings attracted a whopping 38,000 applications, equating to eight applicants per vacancy. SJS chief executive Louise Saviker described the situation as "heartbreaking," praising students' resilience amid what she called an extraordinarily tough market.

This imbalance is exacerbated by a shift in job types. In the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, 49 percent of listings were casual roles, with permanent positions scarce. University students, who often need 15-20 hours weekly to cover living costs without derailing studies, find themselves juggling multiple gigs or settling for underemployment.

Such trends underscore the part-time job shortage's severity for New Zealand's university population.

Youth Unemployment Disproportionately Affects Tertiary Learners

Stats NZ's Household Labour Force Survey for December 2025 paints a grim picture for 15-24-year-olds, with youth unemployment at 16.5 percent—more than double the national average. This group includes a significant proportion of university and polytech students pursuing bachelor's degrees or diplomas, many of whom rely on part-time income to fund tuition fees beyond StudyLink allowances or family support.

Underutilisation rates, measuring those wanting more hours, stand at 13.0 percent nationally, but hit harder among students where part-time work is essential. Recent graduates lingering in student roles further crowd the market, as full-time opportunities remain elusive.

At universities like the University of Otago, known for its vibrant student culture, career advisors note increased visits from undergrads seeking resume tweaks for barista or retail positions—roles once plentiful but now oversubscribed.

Cost-of-Living Crisis Amplifies Financial Strain on Campus

Inflation in rent, groceries, and transport has outpaced wage growth, leaving university students vulnerable. In Auckland, average student accommodation exceeds NZ$250 weekly, while part-time minimum wage hovers around NZ$23.50 per hour—necessitating at least 12 hours weekly just for housing. Many from regional areas attending urban unis like Victoria University face compounded pressures without familial safety nets.

The result? Deferred studies, increased debt, or mental health challenges. Saviker emphasises that "students need money to survive," highlighting how job scarcity forces tough choices between academics and basics.

The Casualisation of Student Employment Opportunities

Traditional part-time staples—supermarket shelf-stacking, cafe shifts—have dwindled as businesses opt for zero-hour contracts amid economic uncertainty. SJS data shows seasonal and short-term gigs dominating, requiring students to constantly reapply.

• Casual roles: 49% of listings, offering flexibility but no security.
• Decline in permanent part-time: Employers hesitant post-recession.
• Graduate spillover: Recent uni grads occupying entry-level spots.

This casualisation disproportionately impacts higher education students, whose schedules demand predictable hours around lectures and group work.

Photo by Don T on Unsplash

Real Stories from New Zealand University Campuses

At the University of Auckland, one student shared applying to 150 positions over two years without success in standard roles like fast food or retail, resorting to informal gigs. Victoria University peers echo this, noting "you need to know someone" in Wellington's tight-knit hospitality scene.

Otago students, amid O-Week buzz, report similar woes, with career hubs overwhelmed. These anecdotes reveal a systemic issue tying directly to higher ed, where flexible work sustains campus participation.

International Tertiary Students Navigate Added Barriers

Despite expanded work rights to 25 hours weekly from November 2025, international students at NZ unis face visa restrictions and employer biases. Comprising 25% of enrolments at Auckland and Waikato, they compete in the same saturated market, often lacking local networks.

Immigration NZ's changes aim to boost appeal, but with applications flooding SJS, opportunities remain slim. Universities' international offices urge using NZUni Talent job boards.

University Career Services Offer Critical Support

NZ universities are ramping up aid. Massey's Career Centre promotes NZUni Talent, a shared platform for part-time, internships, and grad roles. Waikato and Auckland provide CV workshops, mock interviews, and employer matchmaking tailored for part-time seekers.

• Register on university job boards weekly.
• Leverage alumni networks for referrals.
• Upskill via free LinkedIn Learning modules.

Check university jobs for campus-based opportunities.

Actionable Strategies to Beat the Shortage

Tertiary students can pivot effectively:

1. Optimise Applications: Tailor CVs to highlight transferable uni skills like time management from group projects.
2. Diversify Searches: Beyond SJS, use Seek, TradeMe Jobs, and uni portals.
3. Network Proactively: Attend career fairs at your uni; join clubs for insider tips.
4. Consider Gig Economy: Platforms like Uber Eats fill gaps, though less stable.
5. Seek On-Campus Roles: Libraries, labs, tutoring pay well and fit schedules.

For long-term, build resumes via higher ed jobs listings.

Government and Sector Responses Shaping Recovery

TEC and MBIE monitor via performance expectations, while minimum wage rises to NZ$23.95 in April 2026 offer relief.Student Job Search Platform Saviker anticipates student recovery post-broader market upturn, mirroring post-GFC patterns.

Universities advocate for lab safety reforms freeing funds for student support, indirectly aiding employability.

Photo by Oleg Yudin on Unsplash

Outlook: Hope Amid Challenges for 2026

With part-time employment ticking up to 586,000 nationwide, glimmers emerge. Proactive students leveraging uni resources like rate my professor for strong references and career advice will thrive. Explore higher ed jobs, university jobs, or post your profile at recruitment. The resilience shown bodes well for brighter prospects ahead.