NZ Raises Student Work Hours to 25 Weekly in 2025

On 14 July 2025, the New Zealand Government dropped a fresh update under its International Education Going for Growth Plan, bringing some notable changes. Starting 3 November 2025, eligible international students will be allowed to work up to 25 hours a week during term time, instead of a 20-hour cap.The Growth Plan also promises smarter policies, a more competitive education sector and, let’s be real, a stronger bid to grab a larger slice of the international student market.

Let’s break it down-

New Zealand Expands Work Rights for International Students: What You Need to Know

1. A Financial Relief for Students

   • Many international students struggle with living costs in New Zealand. An additional 5 hours per week means more income (depending on wages). This would lessen the financial burden, making NZ a contender for a study destination compared to Australia (which also allows 24 hours).

2. Helping Employers Fill Gaps

   • With lack of labour in hospitality, retail and aged care, businesses will welcome more student workers. The government estimates nearly 41,000 current student visa holders could be affected though not everyone may take up on that offer.

3. Encouraging Study Abroad & Exchange Students

   • Previously, only degree-level students had work rights. Now, even semester-1 exchange students will be able to work, a smart move to get short-term enrolments.

Risks & Potential Downsides

1. Focus on Work or Study?

   • Critics argue that an increase in work hours may distract students from their main purpose which is their academics. If students prioritize part-time jobs over studies, dropout rates could rise, potentially harming NZ’s education reputation.

2. Visa Chaos?

   • Students who switch institutions or drop to a lower qualification level must now apply for a whole new visa (not just a variation). This adds bureaucracy and cost, potentially discouraging transfers.

3. Exploitation Concerns

   • More work rights mean more risk of employers underpaying or overworking students. Will Immigration NZ ramp up enforcement? Or will this become another avenue for worker abuse? Who's gonna keep this in-check?

What’s Next?

The government hints more changes to come, including:

• A new short-term work visa for vocational graduates.

• Streamlined visa processes (but will this mean weaker checks?).

If done right, these could make NZ more competitive. If rushed, they could lead to more immigration headaches.

This policy is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it makes NZ more appealing to cash-strapped students and desperate employers. On the other, it risks turning student visas into backdoor work visas, weakening education quality.

Key questions remain:

• Will students actually benefit financially or just get overworked?

• Will New Zealand maintain education standards or become a cheap labour hub?

• Will the promised future reforms balance growth with integrity?

For now, the government is betting on growth but only time will tell if this gamble pays off.