# Student work rights in New Zealand

> Rules for working while studying in New Zealand, including work limits, internships, tax steps and post-study routes where covered by the guide.

Source of record: https://versityspot.com/study-abroad/new-zealand/work-rights
Confirmation: 15 of 15 sections confirmed against their official source (last 2026-08-08).

## Part-time Jobs

Since 3 November 2025, eligible student-visa holders may have conditions allowing up to 25 hours of work per week while studying. Whether you can work—and when you can work full time during scheduled holidays—depends on the conditions printed on your visa and the course you are taking.

For tertiary students, full-time holiday rights depend on meeting the relevant course and scheduled-break requirements. Research master's and doctoral students may have unlimited work rights. Exchange and study-abroad students can also qualify for in-study work rights under the current rules.

Do not start work merely because another student has the right to do so. Read your own eVisa conditions first and apply for a variation if your conditions need to change. Student work must also comply with ordinary New Zealand employment and tax law.

The NZD 20,000 annual maintenance requirement is intended to show that you can support yourself without depending on future casual work. Build your budget before arrival, and treat earnings as supplementary rather than as the money that makes the visa viable.

*Source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/*

## Post-study Work

The Post Study Work Visa lets eligible graduates stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years, depending on the qualification and study completed. Degree Level 7 or higher graduates who meet the requirements can generally work in any job; eligible non-degree Level 7 or lower graduates have work conditions linked to the qualification. You need at least NZD 5,000 in funds.

Application timing is qualification-specific. Immigration New Zealand states that the deadline can be three, six or twelve months after the relevant student visa expires, depending on what you studied and the sequence of visas and qualifications. Doctoral graduates normally have six months; there is also a specific twelve-month case for certain students who immediately completed a second higher-level qualification. Check the rule that matches your record rather than relying on a single deadline.

From 16 November 2026, a new Short-term Graduate Work Visa gives eligible Level 5–7 graduates who are not Post Study Work Visa eligible six months of open work rights. It requires at least 24 weeks of qualifying full-time New Zealand study and NZD 5,000 in funds, among other requirements. The same date extends Post Study Work Visa eligibility to qualifying Level 7 graduate-diploma graduates who also hold a bachelor's degree.

A Post Study Work Visa can only be granted once. Someone who has already held one cannot later receive another Post Study Work Visa or the new Short-term Graduate Work Visa.

*Source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/*

## Common questions

### What should international students know about work in New Zealand?

Eligible students can have up to 25 hours a week during study, with full-time holiday rights depending on their course and visa conditions.

### What should international students know about post study in New Zealand?

Post Study Work Visa: up to three years and NZD 5,000 funds. From 16 November 2026 a six-month Short-term Graduate Work Visa and wider Level 7 eligibility arrive.