IELTS and New Zealand visas: key work and student visa changes

IELTS and New Zealand visas: key work & student visa changes

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Published: 8 September 2025

Dreaming of a future in New Zealand? You could be taking in breathtaking vistas, soaking in a diverse culture and living amongst a diverse community. It's undeniably a top destination for international students and employees. Taking your IELTS test can be the key to exploring more options and broaden your ambitions!

Find out IELTS score requirements based on your desired visa type and see what has changed for 2025 in New Zealand’s visa system regarding updated fee structures, eligibility criteria, study and post-study work rights.

Here's a snapshot of what's changing:

Increase in work hours allowed for student visa holders: Change from 20 to 25 hours a week during study semesters starting November 2025
Moving international student visa applications to enhanced Immigration Online: Student visa applications filed from 18 August 2025 will be managed on a new and upgraded system with reduced waiting times
Increase in visa application fees: Most visa categories have increased fees starting October 1, 2024, including the International Visitor Levy (IVL), student visa and post-study work visa
Post-study work rights are being adjusted: Requirements for post-study work visas are changing, particularly for those graduating with Postgraduate Diplomas and Master's degrees
Work rights for partners of students are expanding: Partners of students in certain occupations are now eligible for open work rights
Support for families of Accredited Employer Work Visa holders: Adjustments to work visa support for partners and children of those holding an Accredited Employer Work Visa in specific skill levels

These changes reflect New Zealand's ongoing efforts to manage immigration effectively, support key sectors, and ensure a sustainable future for the country.

Meet New Zealand visa requirements with IELTS

Jadi, kamu sudah lulus dengan gelar sarjana dan sekarang sedang bersiap untuk melanjutkan studi pascasarjana di luar negeri. Selamat atas pencapaian ini! Kamu sedang bersiap untuk menjelajahi batas baru dalam bidangmu, melakukan penemuan yang lebih spesifik dari sebelumnya, dan membangun karier serta reputasi akademismu.

Namun, mari kita jujur—menempuh studi magister, pascasarjana, atau PhD di luar negeri memiliki tantangannya sendiri. Selain tuntutan akademik yang ketat, kamu juga harus menyesuaikan diri dengan budaya baru yang jauh dari sistem dukungan yang biasa kamu andalkan.

Jika kamu adalah calon mahasiswa pascasarjana internasional yang sedang mengumpulkan keberanian untuk melangkah ke tahap berikutnya, artikel ini bisa menjadi panduan yang berguna untuk menghadapi penyesuaian budaya secara spesifik agar kamu bisa berkembang di lingkungan akademik barumu. Jangan biarkan kemungkinan culture shock atau gegar budaya menghalangimu untuk mengejar mimpi—dengan strategi yang tepat, kamu bisa mengatasinya dan memaksimalkan pengalaman selama menjalani program pascasarjana di luar negeri.

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Key work and student visas changes to know

IELTS: your key to success

A strong IELTS score remains a vital asset to your New Zealand journey. It can strengthen your visa application, enhance your status as a prospective international student or globally ready employee, and reflects your commitment to integrating into New Zealand society. Aim for a higher IELTS score to maximise your chances of visa success.

IELTS can also benefit your family's visa applications. Even if your partner doesn't need an IELTS score for an open work visa, strong English skills will significantly improve their job prospects.