
International students in New Zealand can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week during semesters and holiday periods, provided they are enrolled in a full-time course that is at least 12 months long. There are no work hour restrictions for students enrolled in a Research Masters or doctoral degree programme. International students can find work in various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and tourism, and can seek assistance from their schools or universities, as well as dedicated job portals. After completing their studies, students can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa, allowing them to stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours | International students enrolled in a full-time course can work up to 20 hours a week during semesters and holidays. There are no restrictions on the hours for students enrolled in a Research Masters or doctoral degree programme. |
| Work conditions | International students must work for an employer and have an employment agreement. They cannot be self-employed or provide commercial sexual services. |
| Visa requirements | International students need a valid student visa to work in New Zealand. If they want to stay and work after completing their studies, they must apply for a new visa, such as a post-study work visa or a skilled migrant visa. |
| Job opportunities | International students can find part-time job opportunities in various industries, including hospitality, retail, and education. They can look for jobs through student job portals, dedicated job websites, and their school or university support services. |
| Rights and benefits | International students are entitled to basic employee rights, including a minimum wage, payment for annual and public holidays, and rest breaks. They will also pay tax on their earnings, with a current tax rate of 10.5% for incomes below NZ$14,000 per year. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students can work up to 20 hours a week on a student visa
- Students must have an IRD number before starting work
- Students can work full-time during scheduled vacations
- Students can work part-time in hospitality, retail, and tourism
- Students can stay and work in New Zealand after graduating with a Post-Study Work Visa

International students can work up to 20 hours a week on a student visa
International students in New Zealand can work up to 20 hours a week during semester and holiday periods on a student visa. This provision is applicable for students enrolled in a full-time course of 12 months or longer. Students enrolled in a Masters' by research course or a doctoral degree are exempt from this restriction and can work any number of hours.
International students can explore part-time jobs to cover living expenses and gain work experience. The cost of living in New Zealand is relatively high, and working part-time can help students earn some extra money. Students can find part-time work in various industries, including hospitality, retail, and tourism.
It is important to note that international students are not allowed to be self-employed and must work for an employer under an employment agreement. Additionally, certain jobs, such as providing commercial sexual services, are prohibited. Students below 18 years of age must have written permission from their school and parents or legal guardians to work.
Students can seek support from their educational institutions in finding part-time work. Universities like Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, and Massey University offer dedicated support services and programmes for international students seeking employment.
Furthermore, international students should be aware of their rights as employees in New Zealand. They are entitled to a minimum wage, paid annual and public holidays, and rest breaks. They will also need to pay taxes on their earnings and obtain a tax number (IRD number) before starting their job.
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Students must have an IRD number before starting work
International students can get jobs in New Zealand, but they must ensure that their student visa allows them to work and permits the number of hours they intend to work. International students are not allowed to be self-employed; they must work for an employer under an employment agreement.
An IRD number is a tax number that ensures you are not taxed more than you should be. You will need to give this number to your employer when you start working, and you will use it for all your New Zealand tax matters. If you work without an IRD number, you will be charged the highest rate of tax, called a 'no-notification' rate.
You can apply for an IRD number when you arrive in New Zealand, or before you arrive by applying as 'living overseas'. You will need to provide identification documents, and if these are not in English, you must get them translated into English by an approved translator.
There are two types of IRD number application forms:
- Resident individual IRD number application (IR595) - for New Zealand citizens, resident-visa holders, and Australian citizens
- Non-resident/offshore individual IRD number application (IR742) - for those with another type of visa or those who are offshore
Once approved, you will receive your IRD number within 12 working days by post. You can also apply for an IRD number for your baby when you register their birth.
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Students can work full-time during scheduled vacations
International students in New Zealand may be able to work while on a student visa. Your visa's conditions, including your work rights, are recorded on your eVisa, the visa label in your passport, or in your visa letter. If you are allowed to work in New Zealand, you will have work rights. Working when your visa does not allow you to can be a breach of your visa conditions.
Students in years 12 and 13 at secondary school can work up to 20 hours a week during the school year and full-time in the Christmas and New Year holiday period. If you are under 18, you'll need written permission from your parents or legal guardian to work. You do not need written permission to work full-time in the Christmas and New Year holiday period if you are over 18.
If you are enrolled in a Masters by Research or doctoral degree programme awarded by a New Zealand tertiary institution, there are no restrictions on the hours you can work while studying. There are unlimited work rights for PhD and Masters research students.
If you are an English language student, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week while you have a valid Student Visa, provided your course meets certain conditions. You must have an acceptable English language test result that is no more than 2 years old, such as an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certificate, with an overall band score of 5.0.
International students are not allowed to be self-employed. You must work for an employer and have an employment agreement. You cannot provide commercial sexual services.
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Students can work part-time in hospitality, retail, and tourism
International students in New Zealand can work part-time in hospitality, retail, and tourism. Students enrolled in a course of 12 months or longer can work up to 20 hours a week during the semester and holidays. This can be a great way to earn some extra money and cover living expenses, which can be high for international students. It is also an excellent opportunity to integrate into the community and meet new people.
There are several job options available in the hospitality industry, including waiters/waitresses, baristas, cooks, kitchenhands, and bartenders. These jobs often offer flexible hours and the chance to work with people from your home country. Students with strong English skills can also find work in call centres, which offer similar flexibility.
Retail is another popular option for part-time work, with many stores offering positions to students. Jobs in retail include sales assistants, store assistants, and supermarket assistants. These roles involve helping customers, taking payments, stocking shelves, and cleaning.
Tourism is also a significant industry in New Zealand, providing opportunities for seasonal work in vineyards and orchards. Fruit picking is a common job for students during the summer break, although it can be hard work.
It is important to note that international students must work for an employer and have an employment agreement. They cannot be self-employed or provide commercial sexual services. Students must also pay tax on their earnings, currently at a rate of 10.5% for those earning less than NZ$14,000 per year.
To find part-time work, international students can utilise job search portals, job vacancy websites, and dedicated job websites. University support services can also provide guidance and information on job opportunities.
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Students can stay and work in New Zealand after graduating with a Post-Study Work Visa
International students can work in New Zealand, but there are some restrictions and requirements that must be followed. For instance, international students are not allowed to be self-employed; they must work for an employer and have an employment agreement. Additionally, if English is not your first language, you may need to provide an acceptable English language test result, such as an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certificate.
It is important to note that the Post-Study Work Visa has specific requirements for the type of job that can be taken. If it is a non-degree qualification of Level 7 or lower, the job must be related to what was studied. Additionally, students must have at least NZD $5,000 to pay for their living expenses and must work for an employer in a job that meets the visa requirements.
The application process for the Post-Study Work Visa must be completed within a certain timeframe after the student visa expires, which can be 3, 6 or 12 months depending on the qualification and previous visa held. Students who applied for their student visa before a certain date (either 11 or 12 May 2022) may have different eligibility criteria, and should check the relevant immigration website for more information.
International students can find work in New Zealand in various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and tourism. Some universities, such as the University of Auckland, also offer programmes to help international students find work, such as the Workplace Insights Programme. It is recommended that international students seeking work in New Zealand familiarise themselves with their basic rights as employees, as well as tax requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in New Zealand for up to 20 hours a week on a student visa. This applies to both on and off-campus work.
There are various part-time job options for international students in New Zealand, including:
- Waiter/waitress
- Barista
- Cafe or restaurant cook
- Kitchenhand
- Sales assistant in a retail store
- Store assistant
- Seasonal worker/fruit picker
- Call centre agent
- Supermarket assistant
- Bartender
International students should be aware of their basic rights as employees, including the right to be paid at least the minimum wage and to be paid for annual and public holidays and rest breaks. They will also need to pay tax on their earnings and obtain a tax number (IRD number). Additionally, international students cannot be self-employed and must work for an employer with an employment agreement.

















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