Study and work

International students work rights in New Zealand

You can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week if your full-time programme of study meet certain requirements. The most common are:

  • Studying for at least two years between level 4-6 course or one year course of level 7 or higher
  • The study leads to a NZ qualification that gains points for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category.
  • Studying an English language course that meets conditions approved by Immigration New Zealand.

study and workYou may work full-time during all vacations during study of at least one academic year.

You can work full-time over the Christmas and New Year holiday period if studying for at least eight months course that has minimum of two semesters.

If you are enrolled in Masters by research or doctoral degree programmes awarded by a New Zealand tertiary institution, there are no restrictions on the hours you can work while studying. There are unlimited work rights for PhD and Masters research students.

 

Working in New Zealand after studying

There are options available if you wish to stay in New Zealand and work after you have finished your studies and work. International students who have achieved a New Zealand qualification may be allowed to gain experience in work related to their studies. Depending on what you study, you may be able to work in New Zealand for up to four years, and possibly even gain residence.

We can manage this visa process for you to ensure best chance of success. The study to work pathway has two steps:

  • Post-study work visa (open): This visa gives you up to 12 months to get a job in a field related to your studies. While you are looking for a job in your field you are allowed to work in any job to support yourself.
  • Post-study work visa (employer assisted) This visa lets you stay in New Zealand to gain work experience for a further two years (or three years if work experience is required as part of a professional registration). This visa relates to a specific job with a specific employer.

During your post-study work visa (employer assisted) you may qualify for a New Zealand resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category. If your work is in an occupation that has skill shortages, this improves your chances of being allowed to stay, either with work visas or residence.