New Zealand Increase International Students’ Allowed Weekly Work Time to 25 Hours

New Zealand is set to increase the number of hours that international students can work per week. From November 3, 2025, eligible international students will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during term time, a boost from the current 20-hour cap.

This is part of the government’s broader International Education Going for Growth Plan, which aims to increase New Zealand’s appeal to international students while managing immigration risks.

New Zealand Work Rules For International Students

International students in New Zealand can currently work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks. However, from November 2025, eligible students will be allowed to work up to 25 hours weekly under updated student visa rules.

Tertiary students and secondary school students in Years 12 and 13 will be allowed to work 25 hours a week during the academic term. This only applies to all new student visas issued from November 3, 2025, even if the application was submitted earlier for now, current visa holders who want the additional 5 hours will need to either apply for a variation of conditions or get a new visa.

Additionally, students with existing full-time work rights during breaks (like summer) may choose to wait until after the break to apply, if their current visa is still valid.