Big News: NZ Lifts Student Visa Work Hours
- Staff Writer
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
Thinking of studying in New Zealand? It’s about to get even better. New Zealand’s government will soon allow international students to work up to 25 hours a week during the academic term, up from the current cap of 20.
The move is set to reshape the region’s international student landscape, particularly for Indian and South Asian students, who remain among the largest contributor groups.
Education Minister Erica Stanford said the new policy was part of a bold recovery and growth plan that will double the sector’s economic contribution to $7.2 billion by 2034.
The new policy - International Education Going for Growth Plan - not only helps students manage soaring living costs, but also positions New Zealand as a fierce competitor in the global education market.
“International education is one of our largest exports, injecting $3.6 billion into our economy in 2024,” Stanford said in a statement.
“It also provides opportunities for research, strengthening trade and people-to-people connections, which are important to drive investment, productivity and innovation in New Zealand.”
“On average in 2024, an international student spent $45,000 across the year. That means more visits to our cafes and restaurants, more people visiting our iconic attractions and ultimately more jobs being created,” said Stanford.
“With international student enrolments steadily increasing since 2023, we want to supercharge that growth track and make New Zealand the destination of choice for international students,” the Education Minister added.
The government is aiming to raise international student numbers from about 83,700 in 2024 to 119,000 by 2034, which could bring the sector’s direct economic contribution to NZ$7.2 billion annually—up from NZ$4 billion.
25 Hours A Week for Students
From 3 November 2025, all new visas granted to eligible tertiary applicants and to secondary students in Years 12 and 13 will allow work for up to 25 hours per week during term time, replacing the long-established 20-hour limit.
This applies to all visas issued from November 3, even if the application was submitted earlier.
Students already in New Zealand whose visas feature the 20-hour condition can apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to access the extra five hours—with standard immigration fees applying.
In a direct nod to the importance of part-time work for international students facing rising living costs, Education Minister Erica Stanford stressed that the policy would “help supercharge New Zealand’s global education sector while remaining focused on quality and student wellbeing.”
Who’s Eligible and How It Works
Tertiary Students (universities, polytechnics, colleges) are automatically included with visas issued after the start date.
Years 12 & 13 Secondary Students can also access the new limit, subject to school and parental permission.
Exchange and Study Abroad participants (including one-semester stays) will also qualify for term-time work rights — previously unavailable to many short-term students.
Visa transitions: If currently studying, students may wait until scheduled breaks (when full-time work rights are already standard) before applying for variation, or upgrade earlier if immediate access to added hours is needed.
One In Five Students In NZ Is Indian
Indian and South Asian students are major contributors to New Zealand’s education sector:
Year / Nationality | Total International Students | Indian Students | Nepalese | Other South Asia (e.g., Sri Lanka, Bangladesh) |
2023 | 83,700 | 16,000 | 4,000 | 1,000+ |
2024 (est.) | 90,000 | >17,000 | ↑ steady growth projected | ↑ steady growth projected |
South Asia now accounts for over a quarter of all international enrolments in New Zealand, with robust upward trends since 2023.
Indian students are consistently the largest group among South Asian nationals, making up nearly 20% of NZ’s total international students in recent years. Nepal is another major source, showing growth since 2020.
Comments