You’ve consulted with family and friends and done extensive research to decide that New Zealand is the best place for your higher education. However, you want to ensure you can afford the living expenses there. Naturally, everyone wants to know about work rights before moving to the next stage. Here, we cover all the important information you need to know about working while studying in New Zealand, making your transition smoother and well-informed.
International students in New Zealand have specific work rights based on their visa conditions and the type of course they are enrolled in. In October 2023, significant updates have been made regarding in-study work rights for international students. These changes relate to the new criteria for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, which affects eligibility for work rights while studying. The updates include the removal of references to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa from the in-study work instructions. Instead, the focus will now be on the program level and type of qualification.
Importantly, the requirement for a course to be relevant to specific ANZSCO occupations at skill levels 3-5 has also been removed. Consequently, all students enrolled in a full-time program leading to a New Zealand qualification at Level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) will now be eligible for in-study work rights. However, training schemes and micro-credentials are not recognized as qualifications and remain ineligible for work rights.
| Category of Student | Eligibility to Work | Work Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Tertiary Students | Enrolled in a full-time course of at least 2 years or Level 4+ qualification on NZQCF | Part-time: up to 20 hours/week; Full-time during scheduled breaks |
| PhD and Master’s Students | Enrolled in research-based programs | No restrictions on work hours |
| English Language Students | Full-time study in a course of at least 24 weeks or 14 weeks with specific providers | Part-time: up to 20 hours/week |
| Secondary School Students | Aged 16 and older in Years 12 or 13 | Part-time during the school year; Full-time during holiday breaks (with permission) |
Visa and Working Conditions
The specific work rights associated with a student visa are outlined in your eVisa, the visa label in your passport, or in the official visa letter provided by immigration authorities. If your visa permits you to work, it is essential to follow these conditions. Working without proper authorization is seen as a violation of visa conditions, which could impact your ability to remain in New Zealand or affect future visa applications.
International students should note that self-employment is not permitted under their visas. Work must be conducted under an employment agreement with an employer. Additionally, certain activities, such as providing commercial sexual services, are strictly prohibited.
Once students finish their courses, if their student visa remains valid, they can work full-time if their visa conditions state they may work full-time over the summer vacation or during scheduled breaks. If the visa stipulates part-time work (up to 20 hours per week), students must continue to adhere to these limits after completing their studies.
After finishing their studies, graduates may be eligible to apply for a Post Study Work Visa. This visa allows students to work in New Zealand for a specified period based on the qualifications they obtained.
