Work visa rights
Working while studying in New Zealand is a great way to manage expenses and make valuable connections. Just ensure your visa allows it. You might also apply for a Post Study Work Visa to gain more experience and enjoy New Zealand after graduation!
Working in New Zealand while you’re studying
Most students on a student visa can work part time while they study. Some students may be able to work full time during their scheduled semester breaks or holidays, like the summer holiday period.
Masters by Research and PhD students do not have a limit on the hours they can work. Many of these students work in their research related fields.
Whether you are allowed to work during your studies depends on the programme of study you are doing. To check which programmes of study will allow you to work, check out Immigration New Zealand's information about working on a student visa.
You can also check your eVisa. It will say if you're allowed to work while studying in New Zealand. You might also have a letter from Immigration New Zealand telling you that you can work.
If you are allowed to work while you study, you can only work as an employee. This means that you have to work for someone else who is your employer. You cannot be an independent contractor, self-employed or run your own business.
You might have the opportunity to work in New Zealand both during and after your studies. Want to know more about your work rights? Check out Immigration New Zealand’s information about working on a student visa in the link below.
Staying in New Zealand after your studies
Based on your field of study, you might be eligible to apply for a Post Study Work Visa.
Immigration New Zealand considers what you studied to determine if they can grant the visa and its duration. For instance, if you’ve submitted your completed PhD thesis, you could receive a visa for up to 3 years.
Want to know more about staying in New Zealand to work on a Post Study Work Visa?
FAQ - Post Study Work Visa
With a Post Study Work Visa you are allowed to work for any employer if you have completed a degree level 7 qualification or above. You also must have studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand.
Even if you have a qualification below Level 7 you may still be able to get a Post Study Work Visa. This depends on a few factors such as if your completed qualification is on the Qualifications Eligible for Post Study Work Visa list. The job you take must be related to your field of study - and your studies must have been full-time in New Zealand for the entire duration needed to complete the qualification.
Your partner can apply for a work visa, and your dependent children can attend school as domestic students without paying fees. To find out more visit the Immigration New Zealand website
Bringing family if you have a Post Study Work Visa(external link that opens in a new tab)
The duration of your Post Study Work Visa is dependent on the qualification you gained while studying in New Zealand. If you have studied here for at least 30 weeks and you completed a master’s or doctoral degree, you can stay and work in New Zealand for 3 years.
For qualifications at Level 8 or below your work visa will be the same length of time as the time you studied for.
For more information on the Post Study Work Visa check this link out: Post Study Work Visa(external link that opens in a new tab)
With a postgraduate degree gained straight after finishing your undergraduate studies, you may be able to apply for a Post Study Work Visa that is valid for up to 3 years.
Completing your thesis is a significant milestone. If you pursued a doctoral degree, you can apply for a Post Study Work Visa once you’ve successfully submitted your thesis.
Immigration New Zealand has recently made changes to allow students who complete a Master's degree following a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) to be eligible for a Post Study Work Visa.
Students who studied a Postgraduate Diploma for 30 weeks and then started a Master’s degree, but didn't study the Master’s for 30 weeks, can now apply for a Post Study Work visa (PSWV) based on their PGDip. This change gives students more flexibility and ensures they can work after finishing their studies.
If a student finishes a qualification that qualifies for a PSWV and then immediately starts a higher-level qualification that doesn't qualify (because they didn't study long enough), they have 12 months from the end of their student visa for the first qualification to apply for a PSWV.
To get a 3-year PSWV, a student needs to study full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks in the Master’s degree.
To be eligible for a PSWV, students must have a qualifying New Zealand qualification, studied full-time in New Zealand for the required time, and apply within the set timeframe.
I wanted to do my PhD with the best. I chose the University of Otago for its top global ranking and academic excellence.
Rakesh from India — PhD student at University of Otago
Visa costs and processing times
Visa costs and processing times vary depending on a few factors such as the length of your visa, type of visa, your location, when you submit your application, and whether you submit your visa application online or in paper form. You can easily check your visa options and their requirements, using this handy tool.
Why study in New Zealand?
Living in New Zealand
World famous for its friendly people, spectacular landscape and relaxed lifestyle, New Zealand is an unbeatable place to live and study.
High quality education
Students in New Zealand are supported to solve problems, work with others, create and innovate. New Zealand gives you a high-quality education that will enable you to achieve your goals.
Student wellbeing
New Zealand was the first country to introduce a code of practice to ensure international students are well informed, safe and properly cared for.
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Top 2% universities in the world
All 8 of New Zealand's universities are ranked in the top 2% in the world globally (QS World University Rankings(external link that opens in a new tab)).
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Most creative thinkers
New Zealand's students are ranked the 5th most creative thinkers in the world. (OECD Programme for International Student Assesment (PISA) (2022) (external link that opens in a new tab)).
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Highest performing graduates
New Zealand ranks 7th for highest performing graduates – ahead of the US, Canada and England. (OECD Skill Surveys(external link that opens in a new tab)).
Real experiences from real students
My First Part-Time Job in New Zealand
When international student Yamika Gandhi first came to New Zealand to study, she wasn’t sure how she'd find a part-time job, manage her finances, and handle the job and university together.
Life at Otago University: Rakesh’s story
International students have many, many different reasons for choosing the University of Otago. Rakesh from India answers our questions to share why he chose to study at the University of Otago and how he finds life as a student in Dunedin.
The perks of working in corporate catering
Yamika’s first part-time job in New Zealand was in corporate catering where she enjoyed great perks, such as attending concerts and sporting events and eating exquisite food. This job revealed a side of life she’d never encountered before—a world of luxury and leisure that felt entirely separate from the day-to-day experiences she was familiar with as a student.
5 Reasons Why You Should Study Psychology in New Zealand
If you are considering studying psychology, New Zealand is a great option, with a wide range of courses at education providers around the country.
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