WELLINGTON: On 14 July 2025, the New Zealand Government launched the International Education Going for Growth Plan, aimed at strengthening the country’s education sector while ensuring sustainable immigration practices.
As part of the initiative, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will implement key changes in November 2025 to make New Zealand a more attractive destination for international students, enhance their study experience, and manage immigration risks effectively.
One of the major updates is an increase in in-study work rights. From 3 November 2025, eligible tertiary and secondary students will be able to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic term, up from the current limit of 20 hours. This change will apply to all new student visas granted from that date, including applications submitted prior to 3 November.
Students currently holding visas with the 20-hour limit will need to apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to access the additional work hours. Standard immigration fees will apply. However, many current student visas already permit full-time work during scheduled breaks such as summer holidays. In those cases, students may opt to delay applying for the change until after their break.
For secondary school students in years 12 and 13, parental and school approval will continue to be required to access in-study work rights—now set at 25 hours per week.
Additionally, the plan will extend in-study work eligibility to all tertiary-level international students enrolled in approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, including those on short, one-semester courses.
INZ has also clarified visa requirements for those who change their education provider or downgrade their level of study. In such cases, a new student visa application will be required, rather than a simple variation of conditions.
Currently, there are 40,987 international students in New Zealand holding visas with in-study work rights. Of these, 29,790 visas expire by 31 March 2026, while 11,197 will remain valid beyond that date. Not all students are expected to immediately apply for the increased work hours. Some may choose to wait until their next visa renewal to avoid additional fees, while others nearing graduation may not find it worthwhile.
These updates are designed to support the education sector’s growth while maintaining high standards and ensuring responsible immigration management.
More details are available on the Ministry of Education’s website under International Education – Going for Growth Plan.
