Janice Lozano
New Zealand has reopened its borders to international students and visitors. The border reopening occurred in five phases, with the final phase completed on 31 July 2022. The reopening has allowed for the resumption of international education, with critical changes for the sector, including post-study work rights for international students and other student visa settings. Visitors and students entering New Zealand must meet specific health border settings, including being fully vaccinated and completing a New Zealand Traveller Declaration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Border Open | Yes |
| Student Visa Applications | Open |
| Student Visa Settings | Changes made |
| Post-Study Work Rights | Changes made |
| Border Exception | Available for up to 5,000 international students |
| Vaccination Requirements | Yes |
| New Zealand Traveller Declaration | Required |
| Visa Waiver Country Applicants | Need New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) |
| Maritime Border | Open |
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What You'll Learn
Border reopening date and visa applications
On 31 July 2022, New Zealand's border fully reopened, including for international students. This was three months ahead of the original schedule.
The border reopening is part of a five-step plan that the New Zealand Government announced on 3 February 2022. The plan aimed to reopen the country's borders progressively over nine months.
From 16 May 2022, visitors from Pacific Island Forum countries (excluding Australia) could apply for visas. This was followed by the reopening of all work visa categories on 4 July 2022 and all student and visitor visa categories on 31 July 2022.
To enter New Zealand, applicants must meet the country's health border settings. They must be fully vaccinated and complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. Travellers from visa waiver countries must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
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Vaccination and health requirements
As of 31 July 2022, New Zealand's border has fully reopened, including for international students. However, there are specific vaccination and health requirements that applicants must meet to enter the country.
All applicants must be fully vaccinated and complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. Additionally, those travelling from a visa waiver country must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
For international students, there are a few critical changes to be aware of. Firstly, the recent border exception for up to 5,000 international students will continue, with the selected students arriving in New Zealand soon. Secondly, there have been changes to post-study work rights for international students. The duration of work rights will now reflect the period of study undertaken in New Zealand, except for Masters and PhD students, who retain the current duration of three years. International students will no longer be able to apply for a second post-study work visa. Instead, they will need to transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa after completing their studies.
It is important to note that the requirements and policies for international students may continue to evolve. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the official websites for the most up-to-date information regarding New Zealand's border restrictions, visa applications, and health requirements.
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Work rights for international students
International students in New Zealand may be able to work while studying, provided they have a valid student visa. The visa will indicate whether the holder is allowed to work and under what conditions. Students can check their work rights on the Immigration New Zealand website.
If you are enrolled in a full-time programme that is at least one academic year long and is part of an approved tertiary student exchange scheme, you may be able to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week during your studies and full-time during all scheduled holidays and/or during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
If you are at least 16 and enrolled in year 12 or 13 at a secondary school, you may be allowed to work part-time during school terms and full-time during the Christmas break. You may require your parents' and the school principal's authorisation in writing before you can vary the conditions of your dependent child student visa.
If you are enrolled in Masters by research or doctoral degree programmes 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.
It is important to note that international students in New Zealand cannot be self-employed. They must work for an employer and have an employment agreement. Working when your visa does not allow you to work is a breach of your visa conditions and may result in having to leave the country.
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Student visa settings and exceptions
New Zealand's border has been reopened since 31 July 2022, with student and visitor visa applications now open. The Maritime Border is also now open. Applicants still need to meet New Zealand's health border settings, including being fully vaccinated and completing a New Zealand Traveller Declaration.
- Students who have started a qualification offshore and who applied for a visa from 11 May 2022 will be considered under the new rules.
- There are no changes to in-study work rights for student visa holders.
- International students can no longer apply for a second post-study work visa. This is to reduce the time someone can work in New Zealand without applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa.
- The duration of work rights will reflect the period of study undertaken in New Zealand, except for Masters and PhD students who retain the current duration of 3 years.
- Students will be considered under the 'old' post-study rules if they:
- Have already started studying an eligible qualification under current settings and have applied for a visa or hold a visa for that specific study.
- Got a visa through the current border exception for 5,000 students.
- A recent border exception for up to 5,000 international students will continue as planned, with the first students expected to arrive in New Zealand soon.
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Travel from Pacific Island Forum countries
The New Zealand border is now open, with student and visitor visa applications being accepted. The maritime border is also open.
The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is an intergovernmental organisation that was founded in 1971. It comprises 18 member countries, including Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
In line with its mission to enhance cooperation among its members, New Zealand has made it a priority to welcome visitors from the Pacific Island Forum countries. From May 2022, visitors from these countries (excluding Australia) were able to apply for visas.
As of November 2025, citizens of Pacific Island Forum countries travelling to New Zealand from Australia (except on transit visas) can do so visa-free for a trial period of 12 months. Travellers must hold a valid Australian visitor, work, student, or family visa and can stay in New Zealand for up to 3 months with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
Before November 2025, travellers from Pacific Island Forum countries needed the appropriate visa to enter New Zealand.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, New Zealand reopened its borders for international students on July 31, 2022.
International students must meet New Zealand's health border settings, including being fully vaccinated and completing a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. Students must also have a valid student visa.
There is a border exception for up to 5,000 international students, and students entering under this exception will not be able to apply for a second post-study work visa.
