New Zealand Expands Work Rights and Visa Flexibility for International Students
In a bold move to position itself as a top destination for global education, New Zealand has announced sweeping changes to its immigration laws. These changes aim to support genuine international students, enhance the quality of education, and make the country more appealing to students worldwide—especially from key markets like India, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Under the “International Education Going for Growth” strategy, the New Zealand government has laid out an ambitious plan to double the value of its international education sector—from $3.6 billion in 2024 to $7.2 billion by 2034. The country also aims to increase international student enrolment from 83,400 in 2024 to 105,000 by 2027, and 119,000 by 2034.
Extended Work Rights: More Flexibility for Students
One of the most student-friendly announcements is the extension of in-study work rights. Starting November 3, 2025, eligible secondary and post-secondary international students will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during academic sessions—an increase from the current 20-hour limit.
This change applies to all new student visas issued after that date, regardless of when the application was submitted. Students with existing visas can either apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa if they wish to benefit from the extended hours. It’s important to note that immigration fees may apply when applying for this change.
Many student visas already allow full-time work during summer or other scheduled breaks. If your current visa includes such a clause, you may not need to apply for an extension immediately. However, if your visa remains valid beyond the holiday period, you’ll have the option to adjust your conditions accordingly.
These expanded work rights are also being made available to students in authorized study abroad and exchange programs, further underlining New Zealand’s commitment to supporting diverse academic pathways.
New Initiatives for Post-Study and Long-Term Pathways
To smooth the transition from student to professional life, New Zealand is also reviewing its Pathway Student Visa Pilot. This initiative supports students enrolled in multi-year programs and could soon include multi-year visas—a significant improvement in terms of convenience and long-term planning.
In addition, the government is expected to roll out a new 6-month transitional work visa. This will serve as a bridge for international graduates pursuing sub-degree qualifications as they move toward an Accredited Employer Work Visa. This measure provides a more seamless route for students looking to gain work experience after completing their education.
Updated Qualification Exemptions Benefit Indian Students
To ensure academic standards, international students are typically required to undergo an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) to validate their credentials in New Zealand. However, Immigration New Zealand recently updated the List of Qualifications Exempt from IQA (effective June 23, 2025).
The newly updated list includes countries like India, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, and Switzerland. This update simplifies the visa process for students from these countries and removes an additional administrative barrier.
India Sees a Surge in Interest
India remains one of New Zealand’s strongest student markets. Between January and August 2024, Indian student enrolments in New Zealand grew by 34%, rising from 7,930 to 10,640. This significant increase reflects growing confidence in New Zealand’s education system and its pro-student immigration stance.
Industry Reaction: A Progressive Shift
Education industry leaders have welcomed the reforms. Sanjay Laul, founder of the MSM Group, commented:
“We applaud New Zealand for charting a daring and strategic path in international education. Allowing 25 hours of part-time work during school semesters strikes a progressive balance between academic growth and valuable work experience. At a time when many traditional destinations are limiting job rights, New Zealand is clearly positioning itself as a student-first nation.”
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