Big news for international students in New Zealand!
Starting November 3, 2025, students on valid study visas will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic term—an increase from the current 20-hour limit.
This change is a key part of New Zealand’s new “International Education Going for Growth Plan”, designed to strengthen the international education sector while offering more flexibility and support to overseas students.
What’s Changing?
More Weekly Work Hours
From November 3, 2025, all international students granted a visa on or after that date will automatically receive the right to work 25 hours per week during term time.
This 5-hour increase is aimed at helping students better support themselves financially while gaining valuable local work experience.
What About Current Visa Holders?
If you’re holding a student visa issued before November 3, 2025, and currently limited to 20 work hours per week, you won’t automatically qualify for the new limit. To work 25 hours per week, you’ll need to either:
- Apply for a Variation of Conditions, or
- Apply for a new student visa
➡️ Note: Standard immigration fees will apply for both options.
For School Students (Years 12–13)
Students enrolled in Years 12 or 13 must still obtain parental and school permission to work during the school year.
This requirement remains unchanged, even under the updated 25-hour weekly limit.
Expanded Work Rights for Exchange & Short-Term Students
Previously excluded from in-study work rights, exchange students and those in short-term university programs, such as one-semester courses, are now eligible to work under the new policy.
This opens the door for even more students to gain work experience while studying in New Zealand.
Changing Schools or Courses?
If you change your education provider or move to a lower-level course, you must now apply for a new student visa—a simple variation will no longer be accepted. This update helps maintain compliance and transparency within the immigration system.
Visa Fee Updates
It’s important to note the recent changes in visa fees:
- Student Visa Fee: Increased to NZ$750 (from NZ$375)
- Post-Study Work Visa Fee: Increased to NZ$1,670 (from NZ$700)
These fee changes have been in effect since October 2024.
Why These Changes Matter
The new rules align with the government’s vision to:
- Boost international student numbers from 83,700 to 119,000 by 2034
- Increase the sector’s annual contribution to the economy from NZ$3.6 billion to NZ$7.2 billion
Education Minister Erica Stanford stated that with enrolments rising since 2023, New Zealand is ready to “supercharge that growth.”
Final Thoughts
The 2025 reforms offer greater flexibility, financial support, and career readiness for international students, while also enhancing the integrity of New Zealand’s visa system.
Whether you’re a current student or planning to study in New Zealand soon, now’s the time to review your visa status and explore your options.
Need Expert Guidance?
Our team of Licensed Immigration Advisers in New Zealand can help you with:
- Student visa variations
- New applications
- Study-to-work transition strategies
📩 Contact us today to make the most of these new opportunities!