Work visa rights

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Working while studying in New Zealand is a great way to manage expenses and make valuable connections. Just ensure your visa allows it. You might also apply for a Post Study Work Visa to gain more experience and enjoy New Zealand after graduation!

Asian student sitting in a classroom listening to a lecture.

Working in New Zealand while you’re studying

Most students on a student visa can work part time while they study. Some students may be able to work full time during their scheduled semester breaks or holidays, like the summer holiday period. 

Masters by Research and PhD students do not have a limit on the hours they can work. Many of these students work in their research related fields. 

Whether you are allowed to work during your studies depends on the programme of study you are doing. To check which programmes of study will allow you to work, check out Immigration New Zealand's information about working on a student visa.

An Indian student opening a door at university in New Zealand.

You can also check your eVisa. It will say if you're allowed to work while studying in New Zealand. You might also have a letter from Immigration New Zealand telling you that you can work. 

If you are allowed to work while you study, you can only work as an employee. This means that you have to work for someone else who is your employer. You cannot be an independent contractor, self-employed or run your own business. 

You might have the opportunity to work in New Zealand both during and after your studies. Want to know more about your work rights? Check out Immigration New Zealand’s information about working on a student visa in the link below.

Students sitting at the Wellington waterfront with their laptops

Staying in New Zealand after your studies

Based on your field of study, you might be eligible to apply for a Post Study Work Visa. 

Immigration New Zealand considers what you studied to determine if they can grant the visa and its duration. For instance, if you’ve submitted your completed PhD thesis, you could receive a visa for up to 3 years. 

Want to know more about staying in New Zealand to work on a Post Study Work Visa?

FAQ - Post Study Work Visa

I wanted to do my PhD with the best. I chose the University of Otago for its top global ranking and academic excellence.

Rakesh from India PhD student at University of Otago

Visa costs and processing times

Visa costs and processing times vary depending on a few factors such as the length of your visa, type of visa, your location, when you submit your application, and whether you submit your visa application online or in paper form. You can easily check your visa options and their requirements, using this handy tool.

Why study in New Zealand?

Living in New Zealand

World famous for its friendly people, spectacular landscape and relaxed lifestyle, New Zealand is an unbeatable place to live and study. 

High quality education

Students in New Zealand are supported to solve problems, work with others, create and innovate. New Zealand gives you a high-quality education that will enable you to achieve your goals. 

Student wellbeing

New Zealand was the first country to introduce a code of practice to ensure international students are well informed, safe and properly cared for. 

Top 2% universities in the world

All 8 of New Zealand's universities are ranked in the top 2% in the world globally (QS World University Rankings).

Preparing students for the future

New Zealand is ranked the #1 English-speaking country in the world in preparing students for the future (Economist Intelligence Unit).

Creativity

New Zealand ranks in the top 10 out of 139 nations for creativity (Global Creativity Index 2015).

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