New Rule for Students in New Zealand
Good news for students who go to New Zealand to study! From November 3, 2025, the government has changed the rule about how many hours international students can work. Now they can work up to 25 hours every week while their classes are going on.
Before this, students could work only 20 hours a week. But life has become costly, and many students need a little more money to live and study there. So, this new rule will really help them.
This change is part of the country’s International Education Going for Growth Plan. The plan wants more students from other countries to come, study well, and help New Zealand’s schools and colleges grow.
Why Did the Government Make This Change?
Living Costs Are Going Up
Things like rent, bus fare, and food are getting costlier in New Zealand. For students who come from abroad, it is hard to manage everything with only 20 hours of part-time work. So, by giving 5 more hours each week, the government wants to make their lives a little easier.
To Attract More Students
Many students today choose to study in countries like Canada, Australia, or the UK because they can work more hours there. New Zealand did not want to fall behind. That’s why this new rule helps the country stay popular among international students.
To Give More Work Experience
When students work while studying, they learn how offices, shops, and companies run. They meet new people, learn teamwork, and improve their English. These 25 hours per week will give them more experience and make them ready for jobs in the future.
Who Can Work for 25 Hours Now?
College and School Students
All college (tertiary) and senior school (secondary) students with valid student visas can now work 25 hours per week. School students in Year 12 and 13 must still get permission from their parents and schools before they start working.
Exchange and Study Abroad Students
Even students who come for only one semester under exchange or Study Abroad programmes can now work during their studies. Earlier, they were not allowed to.
Dependent Visa and Skilled Migrant Visa Holders
Children on dependent visitor visas and people with Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visas can also work 25 hours per week now. Earlier, they could work only 20 hours. This makes things easier for families living together in New Zealand.
How to Apply for the New Work Hours
For Students with Old Visas
If a student already has a visa that says “20 hours per week,” she can apply to change it. There are two ways to do this:
- Apply online through the Immigration Online website, or
- Fill and send the INZ 1020 Variation of Conditions form.
The fee for this application is NZ $325.
Which System to Use
- If the visa was given before August 18, 2025, use the old application system.
- If it was given after August 18, 2025, use the new Immigration Online platform.
When You Need a New Visa
If a student changes her college or course to a lower level, she might need a new student visa instead of just changing the conditions. But if the change happens because of something like the college closing down, the immigration office may make an exception.
How Will This Rule Help Students?
More Money for Daily Needs
An extra five hours of work each week means more money for rent, transport, and food. Students can save some money too or send a little home if needed.
Real Work Experience
Students can work in cafes, shops, offices, or small businesses. They learn how to deal with customers and manage time. This experience is very useful after college when they apply for jobs.
Better Connection with Local People
Working part time helps students meet people from different places and cultures. They understand the local way of life and feel more confident in a new country.
How This Rule Helps New Zealand
Supports Local Businesses
Many restaurants, shops, and service centres in New Zealand depend on student workers. Allowing students to work 25 hours a week gives these businesses more help and keeps the economy running smoothly.
Makes New Zealand More Attractive
Now students from India, China, and other countries will see New Zealand as a good place to study and work. With more students coming in, colleges will grow and earn more too.
Builds a Stronger Education System
The government wants education to be not just about books but also about real-life learning. When students work and study together, they become stronger professionals and better citizens.
Some Numbers to Know
Right now, there are about 40,987 students in New Zealand with student visas that allow them to work. Out of these, nearly 30,000 visas will end by March 2026. So, many students can enjoy this new rule soon before their visas finish.
The government believes that this change will make New Zealand a more student-friendly country and help both the students and the nation.
What Future Students Should Know
More Freedom and Flexibility
Students planning to go to New Zealand now know they can work 25 hours each week legally. It means they can manage their own expenses without worrying too much about money from home.
Chance to Learn and Earn
Working while studying teaches many things — time management, respect for work, and self-confidence. Students also understand how different jobs work in a foreign country.
Still Time to Focus on Studies
The limit of 25 hours is just right. It lets students earn some money but also keeps enough time for classes and study. The rule is made to keep a good balance between work and education.
What Else the Government Plans
The International Education Growth Plan has more ideas for the future:
- A short-term work visa for students who finish vocational courses.
- Faster visa processing, so students don’t have to wait too long for approval.
These steps show that New Zealand wants to make studying there simple, safe, and useful for everyone.
Conclusion: A Good Move for Everyone
The decision to let international students work 25 hours a week is a smart and kind step by the New Zealand government. It helps students live better, earn honestly, and gain real experience while they study.
It also makes New Zealand more welcoming for new students from different countries. The rule will support colleges, local businesses, and the whole education sector.
Now, students who dream of studying abroad can see New Zealand as a place where they can study, work, and grow together.
