Work while studying: New Zealand student visa working hours & rights

Published: 9 July 2026

If you're studying in New Zealand, working part-time is a great way to help cover your living expenses. If you're working in a field related to your studies, it can also help yougain work experience in your field of study and build a professional network. Part-time work is also an excellent opportunity to make friends and connect with the local community. Most international students are allowed to work while studying, provided they are enrolled in an eligible full-time course and meet specific age requirements.

Can international students work in New Zealand?

Yes, international students can work in New Zealand. Student visas now allow students to work for up to 25hours per week during their course and full-time during mid-year study breaks and the Christmas and New Year holidays as part of the latest student visa changes.

In general, you can work while studying if you are on one of the following visas:

• Fee Paying Student Visa

• Pathway Student Visa

• Exchange Student Visa

• English Language Student Visa

• Vocational Trainee Student Visa

• NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa

• Foreign Government Supported Student Visa

• Trafficking Child Victim Student Visa

Am I eligible to work on my student visa?

It is important to note that certain visas may have unique conditions or restrictions, which will be specified in your eVisa or visa letter. In general, you may be able to work part-time while you're studying if you meet one of the following conditions:

• Studying full-time for at least 2 academic years

• Studying full-time for a New Zealand qualification at Level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF)

• Studying full-time to develop English language skills, on a course that meets certain conditions

• Studying full-time for at least 1 semester as part of an approved exchange scheme or a Study Abroad program

To work full-time during scheduled breaks, all of the following must apply:

• You study full-time for at least 1 academic year

• Your course is worth at least 120 credits

• Your course has a minimum of 2 semesters lasting at least 8 months

To work full-time during the Christmas and New Year holiday, all of the following must apply:

• You study full-time

• Your course has a minimum of 2 semesters lasting at least 8 months

During the semester

Under the current student visa regulations, international students can work part-time for up to 25 hours a week during the semester.

During semester breaks

During scheduled school breaks and the Christmas and New Year holiday, you may be allowed to work full-time. In New Zealand, full-time employment is defined as at least 30 hours of work per week.

What types of work can international students do in New Zealand?

International students cannot be self-employed; you must work for an employer and have a formal, written employment agreement. Common job types for students include:

• Retail sales assistants

• Hospitality staff (waitressing, baristas)

• On-campus administrative roles

• Private tutoring

• Paid internships

Work related to your studies

If practical experience is a requirement of your course, Immigration New Zealand will issue a student visa with conditions that allow you to work to complete it. However, immigration authorities must be satisfied that the work is a genuine and approved course requirement. Therefore, it is advisable to research the in-demand fields and courses in New Zealand before choosing to study there.

To maintain your legal status, you must adhere strictly to the conditions set out by Immigration New Zealand. The following activities are prohibited:

• Exceeding the working hours specified in your visa

• Being self-employed

• Working as an independent contractor (e.g., freelance work)

• Providing commercial sexual services, including working as a prostitute, operating a prostitution business, or investing in one

• Continuing to work under your student visa once it has expired

Your workplace rights as a student in New Zealand

Everyone who works in New Zealand, including international students, has basic rights and entitlements at work.

Your employer is required by law to:

• Provide you with a written employment agreement

• Pay you at least the minimum wage

• Provide you with paid annual holidays

• Provide you with paid rest breaks and unpaid meal breaks

• Give you public holidays off, or if you're working on these days, compensate you for working

• Not deduct money from your wage unless the agreement is in writing

• Provide a safe workplace

• Not discriminate against you

• Act in good faith

If you feel like your employer does not meet these obligations, you can call the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's contact centre on 0800 20 90 20 for assistance.

Taxes and money: what working students need to know

Understanding your IRD number and PAYE

You'll need an IRD number to work in New Zealand, even as an international student. This is a unique eight or nine-digit number used by Inland Revenue to identify you for tax purposes. You should apply for an IRD number as soon as you receive your visa and provide it to your employer before you start working.

All student visa holders, whether working part-time or full-time, must pay tax on their earnings. Your tax code tells your employer how much PAYE ('pay as you earn') to deduct. This deduction includes income tax and the ACC earner's levy, which funds New Zealand's universal accident compensation scheme.

Minimum wage requirements for international students

If you're working on a student visa, you should get paid at least the minimum wage for every hour you work. The adult minimum wage is currently NZD$23.15 per hour (before tax). However, in some cases, your starting rate could be NZD$18.52 per hour (before tax) if you are under an approved training scheme.

With its stunning natural landscapes and world-class institutions, Aotearoa has become an increasingly popular study destination for students seeking a high-quality global education.

Whether you're dreaming of studying in Christchurch or studying in Wellington, IDP offers free counselling to help you turn your academic ambitions into reality. From finding the right course that fits your goals to IELTS support, provide end-to-end guidance to ensure your study abroad journey is a success.

Ready to take the next step? Book a free consultation today!