Student Visa Work Rights
From 3 November 2025, eligible international students in New Zealand can work up to 25 hours per week during their studies, compared with the previous limit of 20 hours. Eligible students can also work full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on their visa conditions.
The increased work limit applies to eligible tertiary and secondary school students, as well as some students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes.
Students who already hold a visa with a 20-hour work condition do not automatically receive the additional five hours. They can apply for a variation of conditions or have the new limit included when applying for a new student visa.
What is the Pathway Student Visa?
The Pathway Student Visa allows international students to study up to three consecutive courses on a single visa, provided the courses form part of an approved study pathway. The visa can be granted for up to five years.
The rules were made more flexible from 20 July 2026, particularly for students whose study plans may evolve over time.
One important change is that eligible students can change their academic discipline without applying for a new student visa, provided they remain with the same education provider and qualification type specified in their visa conditions.
The range of study pathways has also been expanded to include pathways involving NZQCF Levels 1 to 4, including English-language courses, foundation programmes and vocational certificates.
For eligible first-time Pathway Student Visa holders progressing to NZQCF Levels 1 to 8, the maximum period of English-language study before moving to the next qualification has increased from 20 weeks to 30 weeks.
These changes may be particularly useful for school students and other applicants whose academic plans may evolve after they begin their studies in New Zealand.
Post-Study Work Visa: What is changing?
New Zealand is also expanding some of its post-study work options (allowing eligible international graduates to stay and work in New Zealand after completing their studies).
From 16 November 2026, eligibility for the existing Post-Study Work Visa will be extended to graduates who:
- complete an NZQCF Level 7 Graduate Diploma
- study full-time in New Zealand for the full duration of the qualification
- remain enrolled in the qualification for its full duration
- hold a bachelor’s degree, completed in New Zealand or overseas.
There is no time limit on when the bachelor’s degree must have been awarded. However, cross-crediting or recognition of prior learning cannot be used to meet the required study period for the Graduate Diploma.
An eligible graduate can receive a Post-Study Work Visa for the length of time they studied the Graduate Diploma in New Zealand, up to a maximum of one year. An individual can only be granted one Post-Study Work Visa.
A new six-month work visa
New Zealand will also introduce a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa from 16 November 2026.
The visa is intended for eligible graduates who complete a qualifying Level 5 to Level 7 qualification in New Zealand but do not qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa.
It will provide up to six months of open work rights, giving graduates time to look for employment and explore longer-term work options in New Zealand. The new visa makes the choice of qualification more important for students who are considering working in New Zealand after graduation.
How much money do students need for a New Zealand Student Visa?
A Fee Paying Student Visa can be granted for up to four years, although the actual duration normally corresponds to the period of study that has been paid for and other visa conditions.
Students applying for a Fee Paying Student Visa must show that they have enough money to pay their tuition fees and support themselves during their stay, unless their costs are covered through an acceptable sponsorship or another approved arrangement.
For tertiary-level study, the current living-cost requirement is: NZD 20,000 per year, or NZD 1,667 per month if the course lasts less than one year.
Students must also demonstrate that they can pay for their onward travel or have sufficient additional funds to do so.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s student visa rules have become more flexible in several areas. Eligible students can now work up to 25 hours a week during their studies, while the updated Pathway Student Visa gives some students greater flexibility in progressing through their planned education.
From November 2026, graduates will also have additional post-study work options, including a new six-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa and an expanded Post-Study Work Visa pathway for certain Level 7 Graduate Diploma graduates who already hold a bachelor’s degree.
For students considering New Zealand, the key is to look beyond the visa itself. The qualification chosen, study duration, visa conditions and post-study plans all matter. Parents travelling with school-age students should also note that Guardian Visitor Visa applications are now submitted through Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced online system.
Students should always check the latest requirements with Immigration New Zealand before applying.
