Do you plan to study and work in New Zealand in the year 2025 as an international student? Brilliant news, New Zealand has gone further to entice students like you to study there by pushing the legal working hours and creating new visa possibilities! You either have to cover the living costs or gain international work experience; this guide provides you with all the information you need to know about working during your studies in New Zealand in 2025.

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Can International Students Work in New Zealand in 2025?

Yes! Legally, eligible international students can work part-time while studying in New Zealand. Better still, the government has raised the legal work limit to 25 hours a week as of 3 November 2025, as compared to the earlier limit. Such transformation enables students to earn more, cope with living expenses, and also attain hands-on work experience, all as they pursue their studies.

Working Hours: Legal Rates on student visas.

November 2025 Student Work Rights Updated.

Here’s what the new rules say:

Period Working Hour Limit
Academic Term Maximum 25 hours/week

On holidays/scheduled breaks, full-time labor was permitted.

Note: This is relevant to full-time students in government-approved institutions of learning. Via Immigration New Zealand (INZ) at all times, verify your personal circumstances on your visa.

WARNING: What to do if you have already received a student visa before November 2025?

Even with the current visa, which has a limit of 20 hours/week, this will continue to be limited, unless you seek a Variation of Conditions or get a new visa on or after November 3, 2025. Remember to schedule your application.

Top part-time jobs at the University of Auckland as an international student

New Zealand provides numerous occupations that are student-friendly in the industries:

Retail & Sales

  • Clothing stores, supermarkets, and electronics stores.
  • Good at enhancing people and English skills.

Hospitality & Food Services

  • Cafes, bars, restaurants, and food delivery.
  • Night and weekend shifts are usually higher paying.

Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Cleaning of offices, commercial or residential.
  • Provides flexible working hours, usually before or after classes.

On-Campus Jobs

  • Tutoring or IT support, library assistant.
  • Close/easy to reach your study area.

Minimum Wage and Average Student Salaries in 2025

Knowledge of pay rates is important in budgeting. The minimum wage in New Zealand is:

  • Adult minimum wage (16+): NZD $23.50/hour
  • Trainee/Starting-out wage: NZD $18.80/hour.

Most foreign students have a wage of 23-30 an hour based on the work, place, and experience.

The Student Worker's Unlawful and Unethical Practices

Know Your Visa Conditions

Breaking your visa working terms may result in the cancellation of your visa. You should never forget to check the terms of your visa via Immigration NZ.

Employment Contracts are necessary

A written employment agreement must be given to you, and it must consist of:

  • Minimum wage guarantees
  • Tax deductions (you will require IRD number)
  • Paid rest breaks and legal protections.

Balance Work with Studies

Keep in mind: education is your major priority. Do not allow the change of jobs to disrupt your schoolwork or attendance.

You Have Equal Rights

The New Zealand labor laws protect international students. File a complaint of unfair work practices at Employment NZ.

Conclusion: Is it worth it to be a working student in New Zealand

Absolutely! New Zealand has the perfect conditions to provide international students with the chance to get a combination of an academic experience and work experience, as well as visa pathways; the working time limit is 25 hours, and there is a policy of inclusion of short-term students.

Part-time is not going to cover your tuition bills, but it can take the psychological burden off, allow you to develop valuable skills, and get you immersed in Kiwi culture.

Only thing to remember: Do not exceed legal boundaries of your work, do not violate conditions of your visa, and remember that the most important thing is your studies.

Western Overseas not only assists you to get into the best New Zealand universities, but we also counsel you on student work rights, visa regulations, and how to earn a degree and live to work effectively.

Planning to begin your studies and employment in New Zealand in the year 2025?

Contact us and make your first step towards the brighter future right now!