New Zealand raises student work hour limit, expands exchange programme rights under Education Growth Plan

Students who currently hold a visa with a 20-hour work limit and wish to work up to 25 hours will need to apply for a variation of conditions or a new student visa. Most student visas already allow full-time work during summer and other scheduled breaks, and those with this condition can choose to apply for the extra five hours after summer if their visa remains valid. School students in years 12 and 13 will still require parental and school permission for in-study work rights, even with the increased weekly limit.

At present, there are 40,987 student visa holders with in-study work rights. Of these, 29,790 visas will expire on or before March 31, 2026, and 11,197 after that date. Immigration officials note that not all visa holders are expected to apply immediately for the additional five hours, as some may wait until their next visa renewal or may be nearing the end of their studies.

The government has also extended in-study work rights to all tertiary students participating in approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including one-semester courses — a change designed to make New Zealand’s universities and colleges more appealing to international learners.

In another key clarification, students who change their education provider or lower their level of study — such as moving from a degree to a diploma — will now generally need to apply for a new student visa, rather than just a variation of conditions. Exceptions will apply only in limited circumstances, such as when a provider closes down unexpectedly.

Additionally, holders of dependent child visitor visas and Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visas will also benefit from the increase, with their part-time work rights raised from 20 to 25 hours a week.

To apply for the increased work rights, students can submit a variation of conditions application through Immigration New Zealand’s online systems, depending on when their visa was issued. The application fee is NZD $325.

Further measures, including the possible introduction of a short-term work visa for vocational graduates and streamlined visa processes, are being explored and remain subject to Cabinet approval. For full details, students can visit the Ministry of Education’s International Education — Going for Growth official website.