New Zealand to Raise Student Work Limit to 25 Hours a Week Starting November 2025

New Zealand is shaking up its student visa rules in a big way. 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 move is part of the government’s broader International Education Going for Growth Plan, which aims to strengthen New Zealand’s appeal to foreign students while keeping immigration risks in check.

Let’s break down what’s changing, who it affects, and what students need to know.

Work Rights for Students in New Zealand

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

Key Change: More Weekly Work Hours for Students

Starting November 2025, 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 applies to all new student visas issued from November 3, 2025, even if the application was submitted earlier.
• Current visa holders who want the additional 5 hours will need to either apply for a variation of conditions or get a new visa. Standard processing fees will apply.
• 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.

New Work Rights for Exchange and Study Abroad Students

In another welcome update, in-study work rights are being extended to all tertiary-level students enrolled in:

• Approved exchange programs, or
• Study Abroad programs, including one-semester courses.

Until now, these short-term academic programs didn’t always come with the right to work. That changes from November 2025, giving more flexibility to short-term international learners.

Changing Course or Provider? Here’s What You Should Know

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) also plans to clarify the rules for students who:

• Change their education provider, or
• Lower their level of study.

Right now, it’s unclear whether these students need to apply for a completely new student visa or can simply request a variation of conditions. INZ says more details are coming.

Possible Short-Term Work Visas and Streamlined Processes

Looking further ahead, INZ is exploring:

• A short-term work visa for graduates of certain vocational programs.
• Simplifying existing visa processes to make things faster and easier for applicants.

These ideas still need Cabinet approval, but it’s clear New Zealand is serious about supporting students beyond graduation.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just a policy tweak, it’s a strategic move to:

• Attract more international students, especially those looking to gain work experience.
• Support the education sector, which has been rebuilding since the pandemic.
• Maintain New Zealand’s reputation for quality education while managing immigration responsibly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning to study in New Zealand or are already there, these changes could mean more work opportunities, greater flexibility, and clearer visa pathways in the near future.

Keep an eye on official updates from Immigration New Zealand or follow us and check whether your current visa allows you to take advantage of the new rules, or if you’ll need to apply for a change.