New Zealand offers more than just stunning landscapes and welcoming campuses, it also gives international students the opportunity to earn, learn and grow while they study. Whether you’re planning to come here or you’re already enrolled, there are clear pathways to working part-time during your study, gaining valuable skills, and exploring post-study employment options.

Part-time work while you study

If you are on a student visa, your eligibility to work depends on your visa conditions. For many full-time tertiary students, you may be able to work up to 25 hours a week during term time, and full-time in scheduled breaks. This helps you cover living expenses, gain local work experience and balance study with practical income-earning.
Working part-time also builds your CV, connects you to the local job market and allows you to explore New Zealand’s culture through real work environments.

Practical experience and internships

Many New Zealand qualifications include practical work-experience components, which count as part of your course and can be full-time depending on your programme. This means you don’t only learn theory,  you apply skills in real roles, build networks and boost your employability before you graduate.

Opportunities after graduation

Once your qualification is complete, you may qualify for a post-study work visa, allowing you to stay in New Zealand and work for a period of time. This gives you space to transition from student to employee, convert your experience into career momentum and consider exploring full residence options or employer-sponsored pathways.

Why it matters for students

Working while studying doesn’t just support your finances. It helps you:

• Gain international work experience in an English-speaking country

• Develop soft and professional skills valued globally

• Build a network in New Zealand that may help with post-study employment

• Understand the lifestyle and culture of Kiwi workplaces before committing long-term

Things to check and remember

• Always check your visa condition: even if your provider allows work, your visa must include permission to work.

• Self-employment is not permitted under most student work rights.

• Make sure you obtain an IRD number (New Zealand tax number) when you start paid work.

• Use your work wisely — balance with study and use the experience to further your long-term goals, not just short-term income.