New Zealand Increases In-Study Work Hours for International Students
Are you planning to study and work in New Zealand? Here’s some exciting news that could make your academic journey smoother and more rewarding. As part of its International Education: Going for Growth Plan, the New Zealand government has introduced several key policy changes aimed at making the country a more welcoming and practical choice for international students.
At a time when traditional education destinations like the United States and Canada are tightening their student visa and work policies, New Zealand is going the opposite route—offering greater flexibility and support to global learners.
More Work Hours While You Study
The headline change that has grabbed attention across the education sector is the increase in permitted work hours for international students from 20 to 25 hours per week during academic sessions. This change comes into effect on November 3, 2025.
Whether you’re a current applicant or still considering your study options, here’s how this will impact you:
- All new student visas issued after November 3, 2025 will automatically include the updated 25-hour work allowance.
- If you already hold a visa with a 20-hour work limit, you can still benefit from the change by applying for a new visa or requesting a variation of conditions—though standard immigration processing fees will apply.
This extra five hours a week could make a real difference. It offers international students more financial breathing room to manage tuition fees, living expenses, or even gain extra work experience in their chosen field.
More Inclusion: Short-Term and Exchange Students Benefit Too
Another positive update is the inclusion of exchange and study abroad students, even those enrolled in one-semester programs. Previously, these students often did not qualify for in-study work rights. Now, they too can take advantage of the increased work limit—providing more value for even short-term academic stints in New Zealand.
This move is expected to enhance the country’s reputation as a student-friendly destination, not just for degree seekers but also for those pursuing short courses and academic exchanges.
Key Immigration Policy Clarifications
While the government has expanded certain benefits, it has also introduced some clear boundaries regarding visa changes. Students who choose to change their education provider or downgrade their level of study (e.g., from a postgraduate to an undergraduate course) will no longer be able to simply modify the conditions of their existing visa.
Instead, they will need to apply for an entirely new student visa, ensuring that all education-related changes are officially recorded and properly evaluated by immigration authorities. This aims to bring more transparency and regulation to the student migration process.
Why the Shift?
As visa policies in countries like the U.S. and Canada become more restrictive, international students are actively seeking alternatives. New Zealand is positioning itself as a strong contender, focusing on a more inclusive, growth-oriented international education strategy.
In 2022, Canada’s international education industry generated CAD 30.3 billion, while the U.S. market reached USD 44 billion in 2024. However, both have seen mounting scrutiny over student migration policies. By contrast, New Zealand is charting a path toward greater accessibility and economic participation for international students.
Ankit Mehra, CEO of GyanDhan, highlighted this trend, stating, “We saw a 47.5% increase in student finance from India to New Zealand between FY 2023 and FY 2024, which clearly shows that students are looking for more welcoming destinations.”
Numbers Speak: Growing Student Population in NZ
As of now, nearly 41,000 international students with in-study work rights are living in New Zealand. This number is expected to rise sharply with the introduction of the new policy changes. The additional work hours could be a deciding factor for many students weighing their options between similar destinations.
New Zealand’s proactive steps are a welcome relief for international students, offering more flexibility, work experience, and financial sustainability during their studies. Whether you’re planning a short academic program or a multi-year degree, these changes make New Zealand an even more attractive choice.
📅 Mark your calendar: November 3, 2025—the date when these changes go into effect.
🔗 For the latest updates and application information, visit the official New Zealand Immigration or Education New Zealand websites.
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