New Zealand increases working hours for students: Here is what's changing from November 2025
In a landmark move to reshape its global education appeal, the New Zealand government has launched the 'International Education: Going for Growth Plan,' a wide-ranging strategy aimed at doubling the education sector's economic value by 2034.
The plan introduces significant reforms in international student work rights, visa policies, and student support systems positioning New Zealand as an attractive, future-ready alternative amid tightening visa rules in countries like the US and Canada.
Work rights expanded
A major highlight is the decision to increase in-study work hours for international students from 20 to 25 hours per week, effective November 3, 2025. This update will apply to all new student visas granted from that date, regardless of application submission time.
Existing visa holders can also access the additional hours by applying for a variation of conditions or a new visa, subject to standard immigration fees.
International students will continue to enjoy full-time work rights during scheduled academic breaks, provided these are stated on their visas.
Additionally, in-study work rights are being extended to include students enrolled in approved one-semester Exchange or Study Abroad programmes, as well as secondary school students in Years 12 and 13.
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The latter is subject to written permission from parents and school authorities.
New visa requirements and pathways
The government has also announced stricter compliance measures: students who change education providers or downgrade their course level will now be required to apply for a new visa, replacing the earlier option of requesting a variation. This move aims to streamline oversight and improve transparency.
In a forward-looking shift, a six-month post-study work visa for vocational (sub-degree) graduates has been proposed to help bridge the transition to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) pathway.
Additionally, efforts are underway to simplify access to multi-year student visas, making longer-term study more viable.
Ambitious growth targets
New Zealand's ambitious
International Education: Going for Growth Plan
sets clear long-term targets to strengthen its position as a leading global study destination. The country aims to nearly double the economic contribution of international education and significantly boost student enrolments by 2034.
Key growth metrics outlined in the plan include:
Total international student enrolments:
Targeted to grow from 83,400 in 2024 to 119,000 by 2034
Economic contribution:
Expected to increase from NZ$3.6 billion in 2024 to NZ$7.2 billion
Global ranking as a study destination:
Aiming to improve from 18% to 22% in the
Top 3 preference rate
among global students
In 2024, each international student spent an average of NZ$45,000 per year, significantly benefiting New Zealand's wider economy, especially sectors like hospitality, housing, retail, and tourism. These economic ripple effects form a key part of the government's rationale for expanding education access and support systems for international learners.
Stronger student support and digital services
The Going for Growth Plan also includes key investments in student welfare, including:
24/7 digital support platforms
Enhanced mental health services
Quality accommodation initiatives
A transition to a fully digital visa processing system, ensuring faster decisions and improved communication.
What comes next
Looking ahead, the implementation of New Zealand's student-focused reforms will begin in phases.
The 25-hour in-study work limit will officially take effect from November 3, 2025, allowing new student visa holders to work additional hours during academic terms. Meanwhile, the new visa rules requiring fresh applications for students who change their education provider or downgrade their course level are already in force.
In parallel, the government is actively developing multi-year student visas and a short-duration post-study work visa for sub-degree graduates, aimed at creating smoother transitions into the workforce.
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