Student Visa Work Hours Increased in New Zealand (Nov 2025)

If you’re an international student in New Zealand (or planning to study here soon), there’s exciting news about your work rights that could make a real difference in your experience and financial flexibility.

Immigration New Zealand has announced changes to student visa work conditions starting 3 November 2025 as part of the Government’s International Education Going for Growth Plan. These updates aim to support student opportunity, strengthen New Zealand’s global competitiveness, and help more students balance work and study while maintaining high education standards.

What’s Changing?

More Hours to Work While Studying:

From 3 November 2025, eligible student visa holders will be able to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic term - up from the previous 20-hour limit. This change applies to new student visas granted on or after that date, even if the application was lodged earlier.

For students whose current visa still has a 20-hour limit, you’ll need to apply for a variation of conditions or a new student visa to access the extra 5 hours.

Many visas already allow full-time work during official study breaks, and that continues under the new settings.

Expanded Eligibility: Work Rights for More Students

Another important update is that tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programs (including single-semester study) will now be eligible for in-study work rights. This closes a long-standing gap, making New Zealand a more attractive choice for students on shorter study pathways.

This means that if you’re in New Zealand studying abroad for a semester, you no longer miss out on the opportunity to work part-time while you learn — a big bonus both for experience and budgeting.

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

Here are some practical tips based on the new policy:

• Current visa holders with a 20-hour weekly limit who want the new 25-hour entitlement must either apply for a variation of conditions (if eligible) or lodge a new student visa application.
• The process to apply depends on whether your visa was issued under the old system or via Enhanced Immigration Online.
• Secondary school students (Years 12 and 13) still need parental and school permission to work up to the 25-hour weekly limit.
• Not all students are expected to apply for the extra 5 hours immediately — especially those nearing the end of their studies — but the new flexibility is there if you need it.

Why This Matters

These changes reflect New Zealand’s efforts to make its international education system more flexible and supportive for overseas students. By increasing allowable work hours and broadening eligibility, the government hopes to:

• Enhance the student experience by helping students earn more while studying
• Attract a wider range of international learners
• Support local labour markets by enabling students to contribute more effectively through part-time employment.

Final Thoughts

If you’re studying in New Zealand or thinking about it, these work-rights changes could provide extra breathing room for your finances, more real-world job experience, and better support throughout your studies.

Be sure to check your visa details, explore whether you’ll need to apply for a variation of conditions, and talk with your education provider or immigration adviser if you’re unsure about your options.