Work Rights for International Students in New Zealand: What You Need to Know

If you are planning to study or are already studying in New Zealand, understanding your work rights while holding a student visa is crucial for balancing your studies and work. Working while studying helps you earn extra income, gain experience, and familiarize yourself with New Zealand’s environment and culture.

To be eligible for work rights under a student visa, you must be 16 years old or older. Work rights can vary depending on your specific circumstances:

1. Program Requires Practical Experience:

You may be allowed to work to gain practical experience if it is a requirement of your program. However, if your main purpose is to work, you may need to apply for a separate work visa.

2. Secondary School Students:

Secondary school students in Years 12 or 13 can work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during the Christmas-New Year break if:

• You are a full-time student.
• You have written permission from your school.
• You have parental consent.

If you are 18 years old or older, you do not need parental consent or school permission to work full-time during the Christmas-New Year break.

3. Tertiary institution and Private Training Establishment Students:

If you are studying a Master’s by Research or Doctoral program at a New Zealand university, you can work unlimited hours.

If not, you can work according to the following criteria:

Working Up to 20 Hours Per Week if:

• You are enrolled in a full-time program lasting at least two academic years.
• You are studying towards a qualification at level 4 or higher on the NZQF.
• You are part of a full-time student exchange scheme.
• You are enrolled in a full-time programme of study of at least 24 teaching weeks  to develop English skills, with acceptable English test results (no more than 2 years old and taken at a test center).
• You are enrolled in a full-time English language course of at least 14 consecutive weeks at a university or a Category One education provider under NZQA.

Full-Time Work During Christmas-New Year Break and Scheduled Vacations if:

• You are studying full-time.
• Your program lasts at least two semesters over a minimum of eight months.

Full-Time Work During Scheduled Vacations if:

• You are enrolled in a full-time program lasting at least one academic year.
• For programs offered by tertiary providers other than universities, if scheduled vacations are more than one-third of the program’s duration, full-time work rights might not be granted.

We hope this guide helps you gain a clear understanding of your work rights while studying in New Zealand. Wishing you an enjoyable and rewarding study experience in this beautiful country!

👉 Contact us now if you have any related questions!