Archive · 8 Nov 2025
New Zealand Expands Student Visa Work Rights and Hours
New Zealand is making it easier for students from other countries to work while they study.
Starting November 3, 2025, college and high school students with special visas can work up to 25 hours each week, which is 5 hours more than before.
This change is part of a plan to make New Zealand a better place for international students.
The rules are also changing for students who study abroad for a short time; they can now work too.
If students decide to change schools or study something different, they will usually need to get a new visa.
The government hopes these changes will help more students choose New Zealand for their education.
People on certain other visas, like those for children of skilled workers, will also get to work more hours.
Eligible tertiary and secondary school students in New Zealand can now work up to 25 hours per week, an increase from the previous 20-hour limit.
The new work limit is effective from November 3, 2025, for all new student visas granted.
In-study work rights have been extended to all tertiary students participating in approved exchange or Study Abroad programs.
Students changing education providers or lowering their level of study will generally need to apply for a new student visa.
Dependent child visitor visa and Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa holders also see their part-time work rights increased to 25 hours per week.
- Who
- New Zealand Government
- What
- Announced changes to student visa policies, including increasing weekly work hours for eligible students and expanding in-study work rights to more exchange program participants.
- When
- Effective November 3, 2025
- Where
- New Zealand
- Why
- To attract more international students, promote sustainable growth in international education, maintain high educational standards, and manage immigration risks.
Government Rationale
Student/Visa Holder Perspective
Increased Work Hours
Government Rationale
The government aims to attract more international students and support sustainable growth in international education by increasing work hours to 25 per week.
Student/Visa Holder Perspective
Eligible students can work more hours, potentially increasing their income and ability to support themselves while studying in New Zealand.
Visa Requirements
Government Rationale
Changes aim to manage immigration risks by requiring new visas for students changing providers or study levels, except in specific circumstances like provider closure.
Student/Visa Holder Perspective
Students may face administrative hurdles and additional costs (NZD $325 application fee for variation of conditions) if they need to change their education provider or level of study.
- New Work Limit
- 25 hours per week for eligible students (increase from 20 hours)
- Effective Date
- November 3, 2025
- Application Fee (Variation of Conditions)
- NZD $325
- Eligible Groups
- Tertiary and secondary students, dependent child visitor visa holders, Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa holders
- Program Name
- International Education Going for Growth Plan
- In-Study Work Rights Expanded To
- All tertiary students in approved exchange or Study Abroad programs
