Latest news with #StudyAbroad
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
New Zealand increases working hours for students: Here is what's changing from November 2025
New Zealand increases student work hour limit 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Turn Nervous Into Natural – Book a Free Demo Today Planet Spark Book Now Undo 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. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
NDTV
2 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
New Zealand Raises Working Hour Limits For Foreign students, Check Details
The New Zealand government has announced a series of changes under its newly launched International Education: Going for Growth Plan. Among the most significant updates is the decision to increase in-study work hours for international students from 20 to 25 hours per week during academic terms, effective November 3, 2025. This change will apply to all new student visas issued from that date, regardless of when the application was submitted. Students already holding visas with a 20-hour work limit can apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa-subject to standard immigration fees-to access the additional five hours. In addition to the extended work hours, eligibility for in-study employment is now being expanded to students enrolled in approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, even if they are pursuing only a one-semester course. The government has also clarified that students who switch education providers or downgrade their level of study will now be required to apply for a new student visa, rather than request a variation of conditions. These changes are part of a broader effort to position New Zealand as a more accessible and appealing destination for international students, especially as traditional education hubs such as the United States and Canada tighten visa regulations. "In 2024, the US international education sector generated nearly USD 44 billion, while Canada brought in CAD 30.3 billion in 2022. As both markets become more restrictive, students are actively seeking alternatives," said Ankit Mehra, CEO of GyanDhan, citing a 47.5% increase in student funding from India to New Zealand between FY 2023 and FY 2024. "We're seeing strong and growing interest in New Zealand as a preferred study destination." New Zealand currently hosts nearly 41,000 student visa holders with in-study work rights. Authorities expect a mixed response to the additional work-hour provision, with some students likely to wait until their next visa cycle to take advantage of the change, especially those nearing graduation.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
New Zealand: Indian students can work 25 hours/week under new visa rules
Indians studying in New Zealand or planning to head there soon have reason to be optimistic. On July 14, 2025, the New Zealand government unveiled its new International Education Going for Growth Plan, which will tweak immigration rules to attract more international students, while keeping academic quality and immigration compliance intact. As part of this plan, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will implement several visa-related changes from November 3, 2025. Students can work up to 25 hours a week Currently, international students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time. That cap will now increase to 25 hours for eligible tertiary and secondary school students. The new 25-hour limit will apply automatically to all new student visas granted from November 3, even if the application was submitted before the rule came into effect. But those holding existing student visas will need to either apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to take advantage of the extra five hours. School students in Years 12 and 13 will still need written permission from both a parent and their school to work these hours. Notably, many student visas already allow full-time work during official breaks and holidays. If this applies, students can wait until after the summer break to apply for the extra in-study work hours—so long as their current visa remains valid. There are currently 40,987 student visa holders in New Zealand with in-study work rights: < 29,790 visas expire on or before March 31, 2026 < 11,197 visas expire after that Not everyone is expected to apply for the additional five hours. Some students may be close to completing their studies, while others may prefer to wait until their next visa renewal to add the change and avoid extra fees. Broader work rights for exchange and Study Abroad students From November, all tertiary-level students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes will also be eligible for in-study work rights. This includes even short-term enrolments such as one-semester courses. Until now, these rights were more limited and depended on specific course types or lengths. Change in institution or course level? Apply again INZ also clarified that students will now need to apply for a new visa, not just a variation of conditions, if they decide to change their education provider or lower the level of their study. This move brings greater regulatory certainty and ensures that visa conditions reflect a student's most current enrolment. Surge in Indian enrolments New Zealand has been gaining traction among Indian students over the past year. According to New Zealand Education, international student enrolments from India rose 34% in the January–August 2024 period, reaching 10,640. That's up from 7,930 in the entire 2023 calendar year. 'New Zealand is steadily gaining significance as a preferred alternate study destination over the 'Big Four' countries,' Piyush Kumar, regional director for South Asia, Canada and Latin America at IDP Education told Business Standard. He added, 'Our IDP data also reflects this, with the number of female student enrolments doubling over the same timeframe. This growth can be attributed to its student-first policies and supportive, holistic education system.' Kumar pointed out that the government's decision to exempt Indian degree holders from qualification assessment and simplify the skilled migration route had added to the country's appeal. Strong university rankings bolster appeal All eight of New Zealand's universities are featured in the QS World University Rankings 2026: University of Auckland (#65) University of Otago (#197) Massey University (#230) Victoria University of Wellington (#240) University of Canterbury (#261) University of Waikato (#281) Lincoln University (#407) Auckland University of Technology (AUT) (#410) 'With its welcoming and supportive policies, as well as clear pathways for studying and working, New Zealand is quickly becoming an attractive option. Moreover, all eight New Zealand universities rank amongst the top 500 in the QS World University Rankings 2026,' said Kumar.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Making NZ Top Destination For International Students
The Government's going for growth in international education, releasing its plan to double the sector's economic contribution to $7.2 billion by 2034. 'International education is one of our largest exports, injecting $3.6 billion into our economy in 2024. It also provides opportunities for research, strengthening trade and people-to-people connections, which are important to drive investment, productivity and innovation in New Zealand. 'On average in 2024, an international student spent $45,000 across the year. That means more visits to our cafes and restaurants, more people visiting our iconic attractions and ultimately more jobs being created. 'With international student enrolments steadily increasing since 2023, we want to supercharge that growth track and make New Zealand the destination of choice for international students,' says Education Minister Erica Stanford. To support this, from November the Government will: Increase in-study work rights from 20 to 25 hours per week for eligible student visa holders. Extend eligibility for in-study work rights to all tertiary students in approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including programmes one-semester long. In addition, the following will be investigated: Introduce a short-duration work visa of up to six months to provide some international graduates who do not qualify for post-study work rights, allowing time to seek employment in their field of study under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) pathway. Updates to make it easier for students to apply for multi-year visas. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading The International Education Going for Growth Plan sets out short, medium and long-term actions for agencies to boost New Zealand's presence in overseas markets, attract talented students, build sector capacity and capability, and support the university sector through system improvements. Its objectives are: raise awareness of New Zealand as a study destination from 38% in 2024, to 42% in 2027 and 44% by 2034. grow student enrolments from 83,700 in 2024 to 105,000 in 2027 and 119,000 by 2034. increase the proportion of prospective students rating NZ among their top 3 choices of study destination from 18% in 2024 to 20% in 2027 and 22% in 2034. 'In the short term, Education New Zealand will focus its promotional efforts on markets with the highest potential for growth. Across all markets, promotional activities will aim to elevate awareness of New Zealand as a premier study destination that is a safe and welcoming place to live and learn. 'To achieve our ambitious target, we're taking a considered and strategic approach. It's important to strike the right balance between increasing student numbers, maintaining the quality of education, and managing broader impacts on New Zealanders. Our plan will deliver that,' says Ms Stanford.
