Student Work Rights while you study
Jump to post-study work rights
If you are entitled to work on your student visa, this will be indicated on your eVisa or in a letter from Immigration New Zealand (INZ). It's important to understand your work rights to avoid breaching your student visa conditions. Note that you cannot be self-employed under any circumstances.
International Tertiary Students
You can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week if your programme of study:
- Is for at least two academic years, or
- Results in a New Zealand qualification at Level 4 or above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF), or
- Is at least one academic year long and is part of an approved tertiary student exchange scheme.
You may work full-time during all vacations if:
- You are studying full-time for at least one year, and
- Your course is for at least 120 credits, and
- Your course spans at least eight months or two semesters.
- You can work full-time over the Christmas and New Year holiday period if your course is at least eight months long and includes a minimum of two semesters.
For students enrolled in Masters by research or doctoral degree programmes at a New Zealand tertiary institution, there are no restrictions on the hours you can work. There are unlimited work rights for PhD and Masters research students.
English Language Students
You may be allowed to work while studying English in New Zealand if you meet certain criteria:
Courses of at least 24 weeks:
- Your study is full-time, and
- Your programme of study is at least 24 teaching weeks, and
- You can show that the main purpose of your study is to improve your English, and
- You have an acceptable English language test result that is no more than two years old (IELTS 5.0 or higher).
Courses of at least 14 weeks:
- Your study is full-time, and
- Your study is for at least 14 consecutive weeks, and
- You are studying English language, and
- Your study is with a university or an education provider assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority as a Category 1 provider.
- Shorter English language courses may qualify if they can be counted towards the 14 consecutive weeks with the same education provider.
Secondary School Students
If you are at least 16 years old and enrolled in year 12 or 13 at a secondary school, you may be allowed to work part-time during school terms and full-time during the Christmas break. You may require your parents' and the school Principal's written authorisation to vary the conditions of your dependent child student visa to allow part-time work.
Working in New Zealand After Studying
Graduates from New Zealand's education system are highly sought after by employers worldwide for their exceptional academic qualifications, practical skills, and innovative thinking. They are well-prepared to excel in the international workforce as soon as they receive their completion certificate.
New Zealand's education system emphasises practical, hands-on learning, which equips graduates with valuable skills that are highly sought after by employers in various industries. These skills, such as adaptability, innovation, collaboration, critical thinking, and initiative, make New Zealand graduates stand out in the job market.
If you wish to stay in New Zealand and work after completing your studies, there are several options available. International students who have achieved a New Zealand qualification may gain experience in work related to their studies. Depending on your field of study, you may be able to work in New Zealand for up to four years, and potentially even gain permanent residency.
We can manage this visa process for you to ensure the best chance of success.
New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa
This visa allows you up to three years to find a job in a field related to your studies. During this time, you may qualify for a New Zealand resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category or the Green List category. If you work in an occupation with skill shortages, your chances of being allowed to stay, either with work visas or permanent residency, are improved.
The duration of your post-study work visa depends on the course you completed in New Zealand. Depending on the programme you chose, you may have some restrictions on the work you can do after your studies.
| Course level | Minimum study duration | Post-study work visa duration |
| Level 9 (Masters) & 10 (PhD) | 30 weeks | 3 years
No restrictions on work |
| Level 8 (post-graduate diploma) | 30 weeks | As per duration of studies
Only eligible if studying a an Approved qualification or towards an occupation on the Green List. No restrictions on work |
| Level 7 (degree) | 30 weeks | As per duration of studies
Only eligible if studying a an Approved qualification or towards an occupation on the Green List. No restrictions on work |
| Non-degree level 7 | 30 weeks | As per duration of studies
Only eligible if studying a an Approved qualification or towards an occupation on the Green List. Can only work in occupation relevant to studies |
| Level 4 to 6 | As per duration of the course | As per duration of studies
Only eligible if studying a an Approved qualification or towards an occupation on the Green List. Can only work in occupation relevant to studies |
How We Can Help
Our team can guide you through the process of obtaining a post-study work visa and help you navigate the pathway to permanent residency, ensuring that you have the best chance of success.
Contact us today to get started on your journey to working and living in New Zealand!
