Part-Time Work Rights for Students
Study in New Zealand
Learn about legal work rights, job options, income potential, and employment guidelines for international students studying in New Zealand.
Discover how you can support your living expenses while gaining valuable work experience.
Can International Students Work While Studying in New Zealand?
Yes! New Zealand offers flexible part-time work rights for international students under the Fee Paying Student Visa.
Work Rules:
- ✅ Up to 20 hours/week during academic semesters
- ✅ Full-time during scheduled breaks (e.g., summer holidays)
- ✅ No separate work visa required
Eligibility for Student Work Rights
To work legally, you must:
- Hold a valid student visa with work conditions
- Be enrolled in a full-time course (Level 4 or higher)
- Study in a program that lasts at least 2 academic years, or
- Be enrolled in a course that leads to points for residency, or
- Be in an approved foundation or English language program
✅ Your visa approval letter will confirm work rights.
Types of Part-Time Jobs Available
| Sector | Common Roles |
|---|---|
| Retail & Sales | Store assistant, cashier, inventory staff |
| Hospitality | Waiter, barista, kitchen assistant, hotel receptionist |
| Customer Service | Call centre agent, helpdesk support |
| Campus Jobs | Library aide, research assistant, events staff |
| Freelance | Tutoring, photography, graphic design (if permitted) |
✅ No prior experience required for most entry-level jobs
✅ Flexible shifts that suit class schedules
Average Pay & Minimum Wage
- Minimum wage (2025): NZ$22.70/hour
- Average weekly income: NZ$300 – NZ$450 (for 15–20 hrs/week)
- Full-time holiday work: NZ$800 – NZ$1,000/week
✅ Wages are paid weekly or biweekly
✅ Income is taxable — apply for an IRD (tax) number upon arrival
Where to Find Part-Time Jobs?
✅ University career centers & job boards
✅ Job portals: Seek.co.nz, TradeMe Jobs
✅ Company websites (McDonald's, Countdown, Starbucks, etc.)
✅ Local cafes, restaurants, malls
✅ Facebook student groups & community listings
Legal Work Conditions & Compliance
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Hours | 20/week during term, 40/week during holidays |
| IRD Number | Mandatory for all paid work |
| Visa Condition | Must explicitly state “allowed to work” |
| Tax | ~10–15% deduction (refundable via tax return) |
✅ Breaching work hours can lead to visa cancellation
Internships & Work-Integrated Learning
Some academic programs offer internships or work placements as part of your curriculum:
- Known as Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)
- May be paid or unpaid
- Help build CV and secure future full-time roles
Required Documents for Employment
To begin working, you must have:
✅ Valid student visa with work rights
✅ IRD number (can apply online)
✅ NZ bank account for salary deposit
✅ Proof of enrolment (if required by employer)
✅ Updated resume/CV
Balancing Study & Work
Tips to manage academics with part-time work:
- Choose jobs with flexible hours or weekend shifts
- Avoid exceeding 20-hour weekly limit
- Inform your employer about exam schedules
- Track income and save for essentials
- Use work experience in your CV for post-study job search
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