International students in New Zealand face extended work hours, as the government implements a new policy
Starting November 3, 2025, eligible international students in New Zealand with a valid study visa will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic term, an increase from the current 20-hour limit.
This change is part of New Zealand’s “International Education Going for Growth Plan”, aimed at significantly expanding international student numbers and economic contribution by 2034. The objective of the plan is to double the international education sector's economic contribution by 2034, with a target of $7.2 billion.
The increased work hours will apply to both secondary and tertiary students in approved programs, including those on exchange or study-abroad programs. The limit of 25 hours is during the academic term; full-time work rights remain during official academic breaks.
For students in school years 12 and 13, parental and school approval is still required to work during term time. Students enrolled in a doctoral degree (PhD) or Research Masters programme, as well as some English language students, secondary school students in Years 12 and 13 who have school and parent permission, and students completing practical experience for their study may be able to work part-time or full-time on a student visa in New Zealand.
Part-time work is also allowed for students developing English language skills on a course that meets certain conditions. Universities saw 33,485 total enrolments, schools had 18,350 enrolments in 2024, with international student enrolments increasing by 21 percent compared to 2023. China and India remain the top two source markets for international student enrolments, with 34% and 14% enrolments respectively.
It is important to note that if your current student visa does not allow you to do paid work during your stay, you can apply to change the conditions of your visa. To work on a student visa, you need to check the conditions of your visa, which are recorded on your eVisa, the visa label in your passport, or in the visa letter to you.
For students enrolled in a foundation programme for at least 1 academic year at Level 4 or higher, started on or before 28 February 2014 at an education provider in Canterbury, there are no restrictions on working hours. New Zealand allows part-time work up to 20 hours a week for international students studying full-time for at least 2 academic years.
More international students are now enrolled for master's study programmes in New Zealand, with a 68% increase between 2023 and 2024. The strongest growth in 2024 was seen at government-funded PTEs (+59%), primary (+53%) and intermediate (+32%) schools.
This extension of working hours is expected to provide additional financial support for international students and further contribute to New Zealand's growing international education sector.
- Starting from November 3, 2025, the work hour limit for eligible international students in New Zealand with a valid study visa will increase to 25 hours per week during the academic term, as part of the "International Education Going for Growth Plan."
- The enhanced work hours will apply to students in approved programs, including those on exchange or study-abroad programs, with full-time work rights remaining during official academic breaks.
- For students enrolled in a doctoral degree (PhD) or Research Masters program, some English language students, and students completing practical experience for their study, part-time or full-time work on a student visa may be possible under certain conditions.
- As the extension of working hours is expected to provide additional financial support for international students, it further contributes to the growth of New Zealand's international education sector, which saw an increase in international student enrollments by 21% compared to 2023.
