This guide combines verified facts with LM’s education and pathway-planning perspective. Suitability varies by person and rules can change. An individual profile review is needed before decisions are made. Where personalised immigration advice is required, LM can connect you with an appropriately licensed or exempt professional.
From 3 November 2025, eligible student visas may allow up to 25 hours of work a week. Full-time work may be allowed during specified scheduled breaks or holiday periods, depending on the programme and visa conditions.
LM sees student work as useful experience and supplementary income, not a dependable tuition plan. Whether working is practical will differ with the visa conditions, timetable, labour market, transport, English confidence and academic workload of the individual student.
What to know first
- Check the work conditions on the individual eVisa or visa letter.
- Eligible students can work up to 25 hours a week during study.
- Full-time break work depends on programme length, credits and scheduled breaks.
- Post-study work rights depend on the completed qualification.
- Work rights do not guarantee employment or residence.
The 25-hour rule
On 3 November 2025, the maximum part-time work allowance for eligible student visas increased from 20 to 25 hours a week. New visas can include the updated condition where the student and programme meet the relevant criteria.
Students whose older visas still state 20 hours cannot simply begin working 25 hours. They need to follow Immigration New Zealand’s process for a variation of conditions or obtain a new visa with the updated work condition.
Full-time work during breaks
Eligible tertiary students may work full-time during scheduled breaks if they study for at least one academic year, the programme is worth at least 120 credits and it includes at least two semesters across eight months. Other holiday rules can apply to specific programmes and Christmas or New Year periods.
The safest check is the visa itself together with the official rules for the programme. A provider timetable does not override a visa condition.
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LM provides general education and pathway support. Personalised immigration advice is handled by an appropriately licensed or exempt professional. Outcomes depend on individual evidence and the rules applying at the relevant time.What students should know about employment
International students have employment rights under New Zealand law. They should receive a written employment agreement, at least the applicable minimum entitlements and accurate pay records. Students should not accept unlawful cash arrangements or work beyond their visa conditions.
Part-time employment can add local experience and income, but it must remain compatible with academic progress. Visa holders are expected to attend and make progress in the study approved for their visa.
Working after graduation
The Post-Study Work Visa can allow eligible graduates to work for up to three years, depending on the qualification and study completed. From 16 November 2026, specified Level 7 Graduate Diploma holders with a prior bachelor’s degree become newly eligible under defined conditions.
The separate Short-Term Graduate Work Visa will give eligible graduates of Level 5 to 7 qualifications six months of open work rights where they do not qualify for the standard Post-Study Work Visa. Neither option guarantees a suitable job or a later residence visa.
Partners and dependent children
A student’s partner or children do not automatically receive work or domestic-study rights. Their options depend on the principal student’s qualification, visa and current family policy. Post-Study Work Visa holders may be able to support specified family applications when requirements are met.
Short-Term Graduate Work Visa holders cannot support a partner for a work visa or a child for a Dependent Child Student Visa. Family planning should therefore be part of the course and budget discussion from the beginning.
Frequently asked questions
Can international students work 25 hours a week in New Zealand?
Eligible students can, if their visa conditions permit it. Always check the eVisa or visa letter.
Can students work full-time in holidays?
Some can during specified scheduled breaks or holiday periods, depending on the programme and visa conditions.
Can I work full-time after finishing my course?
Only if you hold a visa that permits it, such as an eligible Post-Study Work Visa or Short-Term Graduate Work Visa once available.
Official references
LM Writer reviewed these sources on 25 September 2026. Immigration and education settings can change, so check the live source before acting.