New Zealand to Increase Working Hours for International Students from November 2025

The New Zealand Government has announced an upcoming increase in in-study work rights for international students, effective November 2025. Under the new policy, eligible student visa holders will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week, up from the current limit of 20 hours.

In addition, the new rules will extend work rights to all tertiary-level students enrolled in approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including those participating in one-semester programmes.

Part of the “International Education Going for Growth Plan”
This change is part of the government’s “International Education Going for Growth Plan,” which aims to double the economic contribution of the international education sector by 2034, targeting an estimated value of $7.2 billion.

Current Student Visa Work Conditions
At present, international students on a valid visa may:

Work up to 20 hours per week during term time
Work full-time during scheduled study breaks, such as the mid-year break and the Christmas/New Year period

To confirm your eligibility for work rights, check the conditions listed on your eVisa, visa label, or the visa approval letter. If your visa currently does not allow paid work, you may apply to change your visa conditions.

Who Can Work on a Student Visa?
International students may be eligible to work part-time or full-time if they are:

Enrolled in tertiary education
Pursuing a PhD or Research Master’s degree (no hourly work limit)
Enrolled in some English language courses
Secondary school students in Years 12 or 13, with school and parental consent
Completing practical work experience as part of their study programme

Part-time Work Eligibility for Tertiary Students:
You can currently work up to 20 hours a week if you’re studying full-time:

For at least two academic years, or
Toward a Level 4 or higher qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF)
On an approved English language course
On a one-year academic exchange programme
On a foundation programme (Level 4 or higher, started before 28 February 2014 in Canterbury)

PhD and Master’s by Research students have no work hour limits.

Growth in International Student Enrolments
International student numbers in New Zealand are rising steadily, with 2024 enrolments reaching 83,425 — a 21% increase from 2023, and now 72% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels, which stood at 115,705.

Key enrolment growth in 2024:

Government-funded PTEs: +59%
Primary schools: +53%
Intermediate schools: +32%
Universities: 33,485 enrolments
Schools (all levels): 18,350 enrolments

There has also been a sharp rise in students enrolling in Master’s programmes. According to ENZ Chief Executive Amanda Malu, Master’s enrolments grew 68% year-on-year, from 8,740 in 2023 to 14,695 in 2024 — an 85% increase compared to 2019 (7,945).

Top Source Countries for International Students
The top source markets for international students in New Zealand in 2024 are: