International students in New Zealand will soon be able to work more hours during the academic term as the government rolls out a sweeping plan to revitalise the country’s international education sector.
Under Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) new policy, all student visas granted from 3 November 2025 will allow eligible tertiary and secondary students to work up to 25 hours a week, up from the current 20-hour limit. The increase is part of the government’s ambitious “International Education Going for Growth Plan,” unveiled on 14 July.
Students already holding a visa with a 20-hour work cap will need to apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa — and pay the relevant immigration fees — if they wish to access the extended work rights.
For secondary students in Years 12 and 13, parental and school approval will remain a requirement for in-study employment, even with the increase to 25 hours.
The policy shift comes as New Zealand aims to boost international student numbers from 83,700 in 2024 to 119,000 by 2034, raising the sector’s annual economic contribution from NZ$4 billion to NZ$7.2 billion.
“International student enrolments have been steadily increasing since 2023 and we want to supercharge that growth track,” said Education Minister Erica Stanford, who confirmed that promotional efforts would focus on high-growth markets.
In addition to the work-hour increase, in-study work rights are being extended to all tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including one-semester courses. Students who change providers or downgrade their course level must apply for a new visa, not just a variation.
The government is also considering a short-term work visa of up to six months to give international graduates time to find employment under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme.
The changes come amid rising costs for international students. Since October, the study visa fee doubled from NZ$375 to NZ$750, while the post-study work visa fee surged to NZ$1,670 — more than double the previous NZ$700.
According to Ministry of Education data, New Zealand hosted 74,990 international students in 2024, down from a peak of 125,410 in 2016. However, university enrolments are projected to rise to 45,590 in 2025, signalling a potential rebound.
There are currently 40,987 student visa holders with in-study work rights, with nearly 30,000 of those visas set to expire before March 2026. Not all are expected to apply for the 5-hour increase, particularly those nearing the end of their studies or planning to apply under new visa conditions later.
The new plan aims to support sustainable growth, maintain education quality, and manage immigration risks, while enhancing New Zealand’s global reputation as a study destination.
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