New Zealand Unveils Plan to Double Education Exports and Boost Work Rights

Key Takeaways

• From November 3, 2025, New Zealand students can work 25 hours weekly during academic terms, up from 20 hours.
• All approved exchange and Study Abroad students now qualify for in-study work rights, including one-semester courses.
• New Zealand aims to increase international student enrolments to 119,000 by 2034 and double economic impact to NZ$7.2 billion.

On July 14, 2025, the New Zealand 🇳🇿 government announced a major update to its international education policy, aiming to double the country’s education exports by 2034 and expand work rights for international students. This update, called the International Education Going for Growth Plan, brings several important changes for students, schools, and employers. Here’s a clear summary of what’s changing, who is affected, when these changes take effect, what actions are needed, and what these updates mean for pending and future applications.

Summary of Key Changes

• Work rights for international students will increase from 20 to 25 hours per week during academic terms.
• All tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including those on one-semester courses, will now be eligible for in-study work rights.
• The government has set ambitious targets to grow international student enrolments from 83,700 in 2024 to 119,000 by 2034, and to double the sector’s annual economic contribution from NZ$3.6 billion to NZ$7.2 billion.
• A new short-term work visa for international graduates is under consideration.
• Visa processes are being streamlined, with plans for multi-year student visas and simpler procedures.

Let’s break down these changes in detail, explain who is affected, and outline the steps students and institutions should take.

What Has Changed?

1. Expanded Work Rights for International Students

Starting November 3, 2025, international students in New Zealand 🇳🇿 will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during academic terms. This is an increase from the previous 20-hour limit. The change applies to:

• All new student visas granted from November 3, 2025, even if the application was submitted before this date.
• All tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including those on one-semester courses.
• Secondary school students in Year 12 and 13, but only if they have written permission from both parents and their school principal.

2. Full-Time Work During Scheduled Breaks

Students can continue to work full-time during scheduled breaks (such as summer holidays), as long as this is stated on their visa.

3. Short-Term Graduate Work Visa (Under Consideration)

The government is considering a new short-duration work visa (up to six months) for international graduates who do not qualify for post-study work rights. This would give graduates more time to find a job and apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) pathway.

4. Streamlined Visa Processes

Plans are underway to make it easier for students to apply for multi-year visas and to simplify the overall visa process.

Who Is Affected?

New Student Visa Applicants

• If you apply for a student visa and it is granted on or after November 3, 2025, you will automatically receive the new 25-hour work right.
• This applies to all eligible international students, including those in exchange or Study Abroad programmes.

Current Student Visa Holders

• If you already hold a student visa with a 20-hour work limit, you must apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to access the extra 5 hours per week.
• Standard immigration fees apply for this process.
• Many students may choose to wait until their next visa renewal to avoid paying extra fees.

Secondary School Students (Year 12 and 13)

• You can work up to 25 hours per week during term time, but only if you have written permission from both your parents and your school principal.

Institutions and Employers

• Schools, universities, and employers will see a larger pool of students available for part-time work.
• The changes are expected to make New Zealand 🇳🇿 more attractive to international students, especially as other countries like Australia 🇦🇺 and the United States 🇺🇸 tighten their own student policies.

Effective Dates

• November 3, 2025: The new 25-hour work right takes effect for all new student visas granted from this date.
• Ongoing: The government is working on further changes, including the possible introduction of a short-term graduate work visa and streamlined visa processes.

Required Actions for Students

For New Applicants:

• If you apply for a student visa and it is granted on or after November 3, 2025, you do not need to take any extra steps. The new work right will be included automatically.

For Current Student Visa Holders:

1. Check Your Visa Conditions: Look at your current visa to see if you have the 20-hour work limit.
2. Apply for a Variation of Conditions: If you want to work up to 25 hours per week before your visa expires, you must apply for a variation of conditions with Immigration New Zealand (INZ). You can find the official application form and instructions on the INZ website.
3. Prepare Required Documents: You will need to provide proof of your enrolment, your academic standing, and, if you are a secondary school student, written permission from both your parents and your school principal.
4. Pay the Standard Fee: There is a standard immigration fee for this process.
5. Wait for Approval: Once your application is approved, your visa conditions will be updated to allow you to work up to 25 hours per week.

For Exchange and Study Abroad Students:

• If you are on an approved exchange or Study Abroad programme, you will now be eligible for in-study work rights, even if your course is only one semester long.

Implications for Pending Applications

• If you have already submitted a student visa application and your visa is granted on or after November 3, 2025, you will receive the new 25-hour work right.
• If your visa is granted before November 3, 2025, you will still have the 20-hour limit, unless you apply for a variation of conditions after the new rule takes effect.
• Students whose visas expire on or before March 31, 2026 (about 29,790 students as of July 2025), may choose to wait until their next visa renewal to access the new work rights, to avoid paying extra fees.
• Students with visas expiring after March 31, 2026 (about 11,197 students), can apply for a variation of conditions if they want to increase their work hours before their visa expires.

Quantitative Data and Targets

• Current Student Visa Holders with In-Study Work Rights: 40,987 as of July 2025.
• Enrolment Targets:
  • 2024: 83,700 students
  • 2027: 105,000 students
  • 2034: 119,000 students
• Economic Impact:
  • 2024: NZ$3.6 billion
  • 2034 target: NZ$7.2 billion

These numbers show the government’s strong commitment to growing the international education sector and making New Zealand 🇳🇿 a top choice for students worldwide.

Why Are These Changes Happening?

Minister of Education Erica Stanford explained that the goal is to “supercharge” growth in the international education sector. New Zealand 🇳🇿 wants to take advantage of stricter international student policies in Australia 🇦🇺 and the United States 🇺🇸. By making it easier for students to work and study, the government hopes to attract more students and boost the country’s economy.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is responsible for putting these new rules into action, while Education New Zealand will focus on promoting the country to students in high-potential markets.

Practical Implications for Stakeholders

For Students:

• More Work Hours: You can earn more money and gain more work experience while studying.
• Easier Access: If you are on an exchange or Study Abroad programme, you now have the same work rights as other tertiary students.
• Clearer Pathways: The possible new short-term graduate work visa could help you stay in New Zealand 🇳🇿 after graduation while you look for a job.

For Institutions:

• Increased Attractiveness: More flexible work rights make New Zealand 🇳🇿 a more appealing destination for international students.
• Financial Sustainability: Higher enrolment targets and increased economic contributions will help universities and schools remain financially healthy.

For Employers:

• Larger Labor Pool: More students will be available for part-time work, helping to fill gaps in key sectors.
• Potential for Skilled Workers: The new short-term graduate work visa could help employers find skilled graduates who want to stay and work in New Zealand 🇳🇿.

Procedural Steps for Current Student Visa Holders

1. Review Your Visa: Check if your visa allows only 20 hours of work per week.
2. Decide When to Apply: If your visa expires soon, you may want to wait until your next renewal to avoid extra fees. If you want the extra work hours now, apply for a variation of conditions.
3. Gather Documents: Make sure you have all the required paperwork, including proof of enrolment and, if needed, written permissions.
4. Submit Your Application: Use the INZ official website to apply.
5. Wait for Approval: Once approved, you can start working up to 25 hours per week.

Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives

Immigration lawyers and consultants say these changes bring New Zealand 🇳🇿 in line with global trends, making it more competitive for attracting high-quality international students. Education sector leaders believe the reforms are vital for the financial health of universities and for keeping New Zealand 🇳🇿 competitive in the global education market. Student advocacy groups support the increased work rights, saying they give students more financial flexibility and valuable work experience.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these reforms are seen as a direct response to the challenges faced after the pandemic and the increased competition from other countries. The changes are expected to help New Zealand 🇳🇿 recover and grow its international education sector.

Background and Historical Context

Before these changes, international students in New Zealand 🇳🇿 could only work up to 20 hours per week during term time. Full-time work was only allowed during scheduled breaks. The new rules are designed to help New Zealand 🇳🇿 recover from the effects of the pandemic and to compete with countries like Australia 🇦🇺 and the United States 🇺🇸, which have recently made it harder for international students to study and work.

Future Outlook and Pending Changes

The government is looking at more ways to help international students and graduates, including:

• A short-term work visa for vocational graduates who do not qualify for post-study work rights.
• Streamlined visa processes, including multi-year student visas.
• Ongoing monitoring and adjustments to make sure growth does not harm education quality or immigration controls.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

For the most up-to-date information and official guidance, always use government sources:

• Immigration New Zealand (INZ): immigration.govt.nz – For visa applications, variations, and updates.
• Ministry of Education: education.govt.nz – For policy details and the International Education Going for Growth Plan.
• Education New Zealand: enz.govt.nz – For international student marketing and support.

If you need to change your visa conditions or have questions, use the contact form on the INZ website or call the INZ helpline.

Summary Table: Key Changes Effective November 3, 2025

Actionable Takeaways

• Students: Check your visa, decide if you want to apply for a variation, and gather your documents.
• Institutions: Prepare for increased interest from international students and update your support services.
• Employers: Get ready for a larger pool of student workers and possible new graduate work visa holders.

For the latest updates and to apply for a variation of conditions, visit the official Immigration New Zealand website.

By following these steps and staying informed, students and institutions can make the most of New Zealand’s 🇳🇿 new international education and work rights policies.

Learn Today

International Education Going for Growth Plan → New Zealand’s policy aiming to double education exports and expand student work rights by 2034.
Variation of Conditions → An application allowing current visa holders to change or increase their visa work conditions.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) → A work visa for graduates finding employment with certified New Zealand employers.
In-study Work Rights → Permission allowing international students to work part-time during academic study periods.
Multi-year Student Visa → A visa type allowing multiple years of study under a single visa application.

This Article in a Nutshell

New Zealand expands international student work rights to 25 hours per week starting November 2025, improving earnings and experience. Exchange students gain eligibility, and multi-year visas are planned. The government targets growing enrolments from 83,700 to 119,000 by 2034, doubling the education sector’s economic contribution to NZ$7.2 billion.
— By VisaVerge.com