New Zealand has strengthened its appeal as an international study destination by allowing eligible students to work up to 25 hours a week during their studies.
The limit increased from 20 to 25 hours on 3 November 2025. It applies to eligible students whose visas were granted with the relevant work condition. Many eligible students may also work full-time during specified scheduled holidays.
The additional hours can help students gain New Zealand work experience, build professional networks and contribute towards everyday expenses. However, the right to work is not automatic for every student, and part-time earnings should never be treated as a substitute for the funds required to study and live in New Zealand.
Before accepting employment, every student should read the exact conditions recorded on their eVisa.
Eligible student visa holders may work:
The words “up to” are important. A student can only work if their visa contains the appropriate work conditions.
Immigration New Zealand states that eligible categories may include tertiary students, certain English language students, approved exchange or Study Abroad students, and some Year 12 and 13 secondary school students.
A full-time tertiary student may qualify for work rights if studying:
Students undertaking a training scheme or micro-credential do not qualify for work rights on that basis because these are not treated as qualifications for this purpose.
Some English language students may work up to 25 hours weekly if their programme and provider meet Immigration New Zealand’s requirements.
Eligibility can depend on factors such as:
The course must be assessed carefully. Enrolment in an English programme does not automatically provide work rights.
Eligible Year 12 and 13 students who are at least 16 may receive work rights. Written permission from the school and a parent or legal guardian is generally required.
Students enrolled in a PhD or Research Master’s programme at a New Zealand tertiary institution do not have a general hourly work limit. They must nevertheless continue to meet their full-time study obligations.
This unlimited-hours provision should not be confused with ordinary taught master’s programmes, which are generally subject to the conditions stated on the student’s visa.
Many eligible tertiary students may work full-time during scheduled study breaks if their visa permits it.
For full-time work during scheduled breaks, the programme will generally need to:
Full-time work during the Christmas and New Year holiday period may also be available where the programme includes at least two semesters over eight months.
Students must check their eVisa because holiday work rights vary according to the course and visa conditions.
No.
New student visas granted from 3 November 2025 may include the 25-hour condition where the student is eligible. A person holding an older student visa that states a maximum of 20 hours cannot simply begin working 25 hours.
They must continue following the 20-hour condition unless they:
Working beyond the limit printed on the visa may breach visa conditions and affect future immigration applications.
No. Immigration New Zealand states that international students cannot be self-employed.
The student must work for an employer and have an employment agreement. This is relevant to freelance work, contracting, gig work and online services, which may be treated differently from ordinary employment.
Students should obtain advice before undertaking any work where their status as an employee is unclear.
International students have the same minimum employment rights as other employees in New Zealand.
These include the right to:
From 1 April 2026, New Zealand’s adult minimum wage is NZD $23.95 per hour before tax. Starting-out and training wage rules apply only in defined circumstances.
Students should be cautious if an employer offers cash payments without records, asks them to work unpaid trial shifts, requires them to return part of their wages, or pressures them to exceed their permitted hours.
At the adult minimum wage of NZD $23.95 per hour, 25 hours would equal NZD $598.75 gross per week before tax.
This is only a mathematical example, not a guaranteed income. Actual earnings depend on:
Students should not assume that they will immediately find work or consistently receive 25 hours each week.
Part-time employment may assist with some living expenses, but it should not be the primary financial plan for international study.
A Fee Paying Student Visa applicant must demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition fees and living expenses, or have acceptable sponsorship or other permitted financial support. Future income from a job that has not yet been secured does not replace the evidence required for the visa application.
Tuition fees, accommodation, transport, food, insurance and emergency expenses should be planned before travelling.
The value of part-time work is not limited to weekly income. Students can use it to prepare for their future careers.
Where possible, target entry-level roles, internships or part-time positions that develop skills relevant to your qualification.
Learn local expectations around communication, teamwork, punctuality, health and safety, and customer service.
Managers, colleagues, lecturers, industry events and professional associations can help students better understand the employment market.
The student visa exists primarily for study. Attendance and satisfactory academic progress remain essential. Taking the maximum available work hours is not worthwhile if it compromises the qualification.
Create a New Zealand-style CV and LinkedIn profile. Research target occupations, required skills and potential employers well before graduation.
No. Eligibility depends on the course, level and duration of study, the student’s age where relevant, and the conditions recorded on the visa.
No. You must follow the 20-hour condition until Immigration New Zealand approves a variation of conditions or grants a new visa with the 25-hour limit.
Not merely because it is the weekend. During the academic term, the weekly limit remains the maximum stated on the visa. Full-time work is generally permitted only during the holiday periods specified in the visa conditions.
International students cannot be self-employed. If a proposed arrangement treats you as a contractor rather than an employee, obtain advice before starting.
This depends on the precise conditions of the visa. Some students may continue part-time work, and some may have full-time summer work rights. Completion of a course does not automatically create unrestricted work rights.
No. Student work rights, Post Study Work Visa eligibility and residence pathways are separate matters with different requirements.
Work rights are useful, but they should not be the main reason for choosing a programme.
A sound study plan considers:
Immigration Advisers New Zealand Limited can assess your profile, proposed programme, financial position and visa strategy before you commit to studying in New Zealand.
Planning to study in New Zealand in 2026 or 2027? Submit your details for an initial assessment: Contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand
Important: Work rights and immigration outcomes depend on individual circumstances and the instructions in force at the relevant time. Employment, a Post Study Work Visa or residence cannot be guaranteed.
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