International Students in New Zealand Can Now Work 25 Hours Weekly – What the New Rules Mean

In a historic policy change, New Zealand raised in-study work limits for international students from 20 to 25 hours per week, taking effect November 3, 2025. The initiative aims to attract international talent, support sustainable growth and enhance New Zealand’s profile as an education provider.

The new rule applies to all eligible tertiary and secondary school students with new visas from November 3 and any applications made earlier by the students will not apply. Students already holding visas with a 20 hours cap will have to apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa and pay the associated fees. Secondary students in Year 12 or 13 will still need parental and school permission to work the extra hours.

Who else benefits from these changes?

Aside from working more hours, tertiary students with a valid student visa on Study Abroad or approved exchange programmes, even for one semester, will now have in-study work rights. Previously eligibility was relatively restrictive.

What must you do if you change your education provider or study level?

The rules clarify that if students are changing their education provider or reducing their course level, they must apply for a new visa rather than just a variation. This will help ensure that the visa conditions reflecting the students’ current academic status are correct.

The government hopes to boost International student numbers to 119,000 by 2034, up from 83,700 in 2024, while also increasing the sector’s economic contribution to NZ$7.2 billion annually. 

The potential changes are expected to positively impact student life as well as student’s financial stability and New Zealand’s competitiveness as an international study destination, given 40,987 student visa holders are in-study work rights holders.

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