Work visa rights
Jump ahead:
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!
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.
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.
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).
Most creative thinkers
New Zealand's students are ranked the 5th most creative thinkers in the world. (OECD Programme for International Student Assesment (PISA) (2022) ).
Highest performing graduates
New Zealand ranks 7th for highest performing graduates – ahead of the US, Canada and England. (OECD Skill Surveys).
Real experiences from real students
My First Part-Time Job in New Zealand
When international student Yamika Gandhi first came to New Zealand to study, she wasn’t sure how she'd find a part-time job, manage her finances, and handle the job and university together.
Life at Otago University: Rakesh’s story
International students have many, many different reasons for choosing the University of Otago. Rakesh from India answers our questions to share why he chose to study at the University of Otago and how he finds life as a student in Dunedin.
The perks of working in corporate catering
Yamika’s first part-time job in New Zealand was in corporate catering where she enjoyed great perks, such as attending concerts and sporting events and eating exquisite food. This job revealed a side of life she’d never encountered before—a world of luxury and leisure that felt entirely separate from the day-to-day experiences she was familiar with as a student.
5 Reasons Why You Should Study Psychology in New Zealand
If you are considering studying psychology, New Zealand is a great option, with a wide range of courses at education providers around the country.
