New Part-Time Work Hours Rules: 25 Hours Per Week!
Good news for international students in New Zealand: starting 3 November 2025, the government officially increases the part-time work limit from 20 hours to 25 hours per week during the academic semester.
These rules apply to all new student visas and aim to support students in managing their finances and gaining valuable work experience. This increased flexibility will greatly help you cover living costs while building local professional networks relevant to your field of study.
Who is Eligible to Work Part-Time?
The right to work 25 hours per week is not automatically granted; it depends on your study program. According to Immigration New Zealand, eligible students include:
Tertiary Students: Enrolled full-time for at least two academic years, undertaking an NZQCF Level 4 qualification or higher, or participating in an official student exchange (Study Abroad) program.
Secondary School Students (Year 12 & 13): Aged 16 or over with written permission from their school and parent/guardian.
English Language Students: Taking a course of at least 14 consecutive weeks or studying at a Category 1 provider/university.
PhD / Research Master's Students: May work without hourly restrictions, as long as they maintain full-time study status.
Always ensure to check the specific work rights stated directly on your eVisa or visa letter.
For Existing Visa Holders: What You Need to Do?
If you currently hold a student visa issued before 3 November 2025 and have a 20-hour per week work limit, the increase to 25 hours will not automatically apply to you. To be able to work up to 25 hours per week, you will need to apply for:
Variation of Conditions Application: This is a process to change the conditions of your current visa. The application fee for a Variation of Conditions is NZD $325.
New Student Visa Application: If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for a new student visa that will include the 25-hour work condition.
If your current visa already allows full-time work during holidays, you may not need to immediately apply for a change for this extra 5 hours, especially if the summer holidays are approaching. You can choose to apply for a Variation of Conditions after the holidays, if your visa is still valid.
Working Full-Time During Holidays: Still Allowed!
One of the significant advantages of a student visa in New Zealand is the ability to work full-time during scheduled holiday periods. This rule remains in effect and is unchanged by the increase in part-time work hours. These periods typically include summer holidays, Christmas and New Year holidays, and other official semester breaks. Working full-time, which in New Zealand is defined as a minimum of 30 hours per week during holidays, is a great way to earn more money and gain more intensive work experience.
To be eligible to work full-time during holidays, your study program usually must last at least one academic year, be worth a minimum of 120 credits, and cover at least two semesters with a minimum duration of eight months. Always ensure these conditions are stated in your visa details.
Minimum Wage in New Zealand (Effective 1 April 2026)
It's important for you to know the minimum wage in New Zealand to ensure you receive your rightful earnings from your part-time job. Effective 1 April 2026, the Adult Minimum Wage in New Zealand will increase to NZD $23.95 per hour. Meanwhile, the minimum wage for 'starting-out' and training workers (Starting-Out and Training Minimum Wage) will rise to NZD $19.16 per hour.
These minimum wage rules apply to most employees aged 16 and over. The New Zealand government usually reviews and adjusts the minimum wage annually on 1 April, so always ensure to check the latest information on the official Employment New Zealand website.
Managing Finances and Living Costs in New Zealand (Estimated 2026)
In addition to tuition fees, also consider your living costs in New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand requires proof of minimum funds of NZD $20,000 per year for tertiary students (NZD $17,000 for Year 1-13 students), or NZD $1,667 per month for courses under one year.
However, actual living costs generally range between NZD $1,800 to NZD $3,000+ per month, especially in major cities like Auckland and Wellington. Your main expenses will include accommodation (e.g., campus dorms around NZD $250–$400 per week), food, transport, and entertainment and utility needs.
While the 25-hour per week part-time work permit will significantly ease expenses, this income cannot replace the absolute requirement of proof of funds when applying for a visa. Always ensure to check the official Immigration New Zealand website for updates regarding this minimum funds requirement.
Important to Remember: Obey Your Visa Rules!
While you have the opportunity for more flexible work, your studies remain your top priority. Violating visa conditions, such as exceeding work hour limits, can risk your student visa being cancelled. Here are important rules that must be followed:
You are prohibited from being self-employed (you must be an employee with a formal agreement).
Work hour limits are strictly calculated per seven days and cannot be accumulated to the following week.
You are required to maintain a satisfactory attendance level and academic progress.
With proper planning, your experience in New Zealand will be an unforgettable journey. Given that regulations (estimated 2026) can change at any time, always ensure to check the latest information through the official Immigration New Zealand website.
If you need personal guidance regarding your study plans and visa, the Fortrust Education Services consultant team is ready to assist you in realizing your study dreams there!