New Zealand Increases Work Hours for International Students
Starting in November, international students holding valid study visas in New Zealand will be allowed to work an additional 5 hours per week. This means the maximum number of hours they can work during the academic term will increase from 20 to 25 hours weekly.
The new regulation, introduced by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), applies to all students who receive a visa on or after November 3. Those with older visas that currently limit their work hours to 20 hours per week must apply to change their visa conditions or seek a new visa to take advantage of the updated rules. They will also need to pay the relevant immigration fees for this adjustment.
For students in years 12 and 13, parental and school permission is still required for any work undertaken during the academic year. This requirement remains unchanged even with the new 25-hour limit.
This policy change is part of New Zealand’s broader “International Education Going for Growth Plan,” which was announced by the government earlier this week. The initiative aims to boost the economic contribution of higher education in the country to NZ$7.2 billion (US$4.3 billion) by 2034. To achieve this, the number of international students enrolled in New Zealand institutions is expected to rise from 83,700 last year to 119,000 by 2034.
Education Minister Erica Stanford highlighted the importance of this growth in a statement, emphasizing that with increasing international student enrollments since 2023, the government wants to “supercharge that growth track.” She added that Education New Zealand will focus its marketing efforts on markets with the highest potential for expansion in the short term.
Current Visa Holders and Future Changes
As of now, there are 40,987 student visa holders in New Zealand who have work rights. Out of these, 29,790 visas are set to expire on or before March 31, 2026, while 11,197 visas will expire after that date. Students whose visas are nearing expiration will need to consider their options carefully.
In addition to extending the working hours, New Zealand is also expanding the right to work for all university students participating in exchange or short-term programs. This includes students enrolled in one-semester courses. However, those who switch schools or move to a lower-level course will need to apply for a new study visa.
Increased Visa Fees and Enrollment Trends
Since October last year, the fee for a New Zealand study visa has doubled, rising from NZ$375 to NZ$750. Similarly, the cost for international students seeking to work after graduation has increased significantly, from NZ$700 to NZ$1,670.
Despite the recent increases, the number of international students in New Zealand has fluctuated over the years. In 2023, the country hosted 74,990 international students of all levels, a decrease from the peak of 125,410 in 2016. However, universities have seen a slight recovery in numbers since the pandemic, with approximately 45,590 students expected in 2024.
These changes reflect New Zealand’s ongoing efforts to attract and support international students while ensuring compliance with immigration policies. As the country continues to expand its educational offerings, the focus remains on maintaining a balance between student welfare, economic growth, and regulatory standards.
