New Zealand student visa work rights

At a glance

The permission, as published

Up to 25 hours a week during term time while studying full-time — increased from 20 hours on 3 November 2025 under the International Education Going for Growth Plan. Visas granted on or after 3 November 2025 carry the 25-hour condition automatically; holders of older visas with a 20-hour condition must apply for a variation of conditions (published fee NZD $325) as the extra 5 hours are not added automatically. Full-time work is allowed during scheduled holidays (mid-year break and Christmas/New Year) if the course meets INZ criteria (at least 1 academic year, minimum 120 credits, 2+ semesters over 8+ months). As published: "There is no limit on the hours you can work if you are enrolled in a doctoral degree (PhD) or Research Masters programme." Always check the exact conditions recorded on your eVisa or visa letter.

Treat the hours as a hard limit

• The limit is on hours worked, not on income. Two jobs are counted together.
• Term time and vacation are usually different, and "vacation" means the institution's official dates rather than when your teaching stops.
• Self-employment and freelancing are restricted or prohibited on several student routes, and are easy to breach unknowingly.
• Your employer may not know the rules. The obligation is yours.

A breach is a visa matter. It can end the current visa, affect a later work route, and follow you into applications to other countries, which is a very large consequence for a few extra hours.

Budgeting around part-time work

Part-time earnings are a supplement, not a funding plan. Most routes set the financial requirement on the assumption you will not be earning, and the first months are the hardest: you arrive before you find work, and the costs arrive first.

1. Budget as though you earn nothing for the first three months.
2. Check the local minimum wage and what the permitted hours actually produce after tax.
3. Count travel and the time cost against study, which is what you are there for.