What Foreign Students Should Know
New Zealand has always been a top choice for foreign students to study, because of its great schools and friendly people. On July 14, 2025, the New Zealand Government brought in a big update as part of the International Education Going for Growth Plan — a plan to grow international education in a good way and keep it honest. This plan means student visa work rights in New Zealand will change starting November 2025.
If you’re a foreign student in New Zealand now or planning to study here soon, these changes might affect how much you can work while you study and when you’ll need to get new visas. Here’s what you should know.
More Work Hours for Eligible Students
Starting 3 November 2025, college and some high school students can work up to 25 hours a week during the semester — 5 hours more than the current 20-hour weekly limit.
This boost aims to give students more options to earn money and get job experience while they study, without hurting their grades. It also shows that living costs have gone up and helps students who need to balance work and school.
But here’s the thing: the boost kicks in for new student visas handed out from 3 November 2025 onwards. This means if your current visa caps you at 20 hours of work per week, and you’re aiming for 25, you’ll need to ask for either a change in conditions or a brand new student visa, both of which come with fees.
Not clear on whether you should go for a change or a fresh visa? Our Student Visa Guide breaks down the steps for you.
Who's Affected by This?
- Tertiary students: This group includes university and polytechnic students who are enrolled in approved full-time courses.
- Secondary school students in Years 12 and 13: These students can also get this benefit, but they still need to get written permission from a parent and their school — this rule hasn’t changed.
Keep in mind that many student visa holders already have the right to work full-time during scheduled breaks such as summer holidays. If your visa includes this option, you can use that time to earn more money before you decide whether to pay to change your visa conditions.
You can stick with your current visa until it runs out, or you can ask for a new one if working an extra 5 hours each week during term time would help you make more money or advance your career.
More Work Options for Exchange and Study Abroad Students
Another big change allows all college students in approved Exchange or Study Abroad programs to work while studying even if they’re here for just one semester.
This creates opportunities for thousands of short-term international students who couldn’t work while studying in New Zealand before. Starting in November, these students can also work up to 25 hours a week — helping them pay for living expenses, become part of Kiwi culture, and gain international job experience.
If you’re in a university exchange program or taking part in Study Abroad and want to check if your program qualifies, Ezy Immigration can help you figure out if you’re eligible and get your visa application right.
Check out more info about Visitor and Student Visas for short-term studies on our website.
New Visa Needed When You Switch Schools or Change Study Levels
In the past, students who wanted to switch to a different school or study at a lower level could often do this by changing their visa conditions. This is about to change.
Starting November 2025, you’ll need a new visa if you:
- Switch to a new school, or
- Drop to a lower qualification level, you’ll have to apply for a new student visa instead of just changing your current one.
This switch helps keep tabs on things and makes sure all students are going after good education at the right level.
This matters a lot if you’re thinking about moving from a university degree to a diploma or certificate program, or if you’ve found a better course with another school.
At Ezy Immigration, our certified immigration advisers can guide you through this change and make sure your new student visa application follows the rules and gets submitted .
How These Changes Affect You
The New Zealand Government aims to strike a balance between three goals: drawing more international students keeping education standards high, and handling immigration risks. These new rules show a change in strategy for immigration and education policy, with the goal of better results in the long run for both students and the country.
If you hold a student visa, think about these points:
- Do you want to work more hours during the semester? If so, think about asking for a change in your conditions or getting a new visa.
- Are you thinking about changing schools or courses? Make sure you know if this means you need a new visa.
- Are you here for a short-term exchange? You might now be able to work in New Zealand while you study.
If you need help deciding reach out to Ezy Immigration — we’ll walk you through everything.
What's Next? Possible Future Changes Ahead
Immigration New Zealand is already planning more changes. If the Cabinet approves, the government might introduce:
- A new short-term work visa for vocational graduates
- Faster visa processing for chosen education paths
These plans could help students finishing trades, tech, or other job-focused degrees giving them chances to work in New Zealand after studying.
We’ll watch for updates . Sign up for our newsletter or follow us to hear about new info when it comes out.
Your Path, Your Future – Let Ezy Immigration Help
Whether you’re an international student beginning your education journey or close to graduation, knowing about the upcoming visa changes is key. More work hours better access for short-term students, and clearer rules for course changes are all good steps — but if you know how to use them to your advantage.
At Ezy Immigration, we focus on student visas, condition changes, and paths to migrate after study. Our experts can help you follow the rules, stay current, and keep your eyes on your future.
📞 Need to update your visa or ask for a change? Get in touch with us today and we’ll get the ball rolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
The changes begin on 3 November 2025 for all new student visas issued from that date.
No. You’ll need to apply for a change in conditions or a new student visa to have access to the 25-hour limit.
If you’re enrolled in an approved college-level Exchange or Study Abroad program even for one semester , you’ll be able to work up to 25 hours per week starting November 2025.
Yes, if your visa allows you to work full-time during scheduled breaks, this rule stays the same.
Yes. Starting November 2025, you’ll need to apply for a new student visa if you switch providers or study at a lower level.
You can apply through Immigration New Zealand, but you should talk to an expert first. Ezy Immigration can help you with your application to make sure it’s correct and follows the rules.
