NZ Student Work Hours To Increase From November

The Government has announced a new strategic plan to double the economic contribution of New Zealand’s international education sector, aiming to grow it from $3.6 billion in 2023 to $7.2 billion by 2034.

As part of the initiative, from November, eligible international students will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week—an increase from the current 20-hour limit. The extended work rights will also apply to all tertiary students enrolled in approved exchange or study abroad programmes.

This change will apply to student visas granted from 3 November 2025. Students with existing visas permitting only 20 hours of work per week will need to apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to access the increased work hours.

Minister of Education and Immigration Erica Stanford said international education was not only a major export sector but also a vital contributor to research, trade, and innovation. “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,” she said.

Stanford said the Government was focused on “supercharging” enrolments and positioning New Zealand as “the destination of choice” for international students.

In addition, the Government will explore introducing a short-duration work visa of up to six months for international graduates who do not qualify for post-study work rights. Changes to simplify the application process for multi-year student visas are also being considered.

The plan, titled the International Education Going for Growth Plan, outlines several specific targets:

• 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 ranking New Zealand among their top three study destinations from 18% in 2024 to 20% in 2027 and 22% by 2034

In the short term, Education New Zealand will prioritise promotional efforts in high-potential international markets, emphasising New Zealand’s reputation as a safe and welcoming place to live and study.

Stanford said the Government’s approach is both “considered and strategic.” She added, “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.”