New Zealand Study Visa Changes Coming November 2025

If you’re planning to study in New Zealand — or are already on a student visa — there’s important news that could make your academic and work life a lot more flexible starting November 2025. On 14 July 2025, the Government of New Zealand unveiled its International Education Going for Growth Plan, which brings several student-friendly updates to the country’s immigration settings.

Here’s what you need to know:

New Work Hour Limit: Now 25 Hours/Week

From 3 November 2025, international students studying in eligible tertiary and secondary programs in New Zealand will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during their academic terms — up from the current 20-hour limit.

• This change will automatically apply to all student visas granted on or after 3 November 2025, regardless of when the application was submitted.
• Already have a student visa with a 20-hour work limit? You’ll need to apply for a variation of conditions (or a new visa) if you want to benefit from the extra 5 hours per week. Note: standard immigration fees apply.
• School students in Years 12 and 13 will still need written permission from both their school and a parent or guardian to work the increased 25 hours per week.

New Work Rights Extended to Exchange & Study Abroad Students

Also from November 2025, all international tertiary students on approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes — even those on 1-semester courses — will be eligible for in-study work rights. This is a major expansion, making New Zealand even more welcoming for short-term international learners.

Changing Your Course or Institution? Read This

INZ is clarifying that students who change their education provider or lower their level of study (e.g., from postgraduate to undergraduate) must apply for a new student visa. A simple variation of conditions will no longer be enough in such cases.

What’s Next? Even More Visa Changes Ahead

Immigration New Zealand is also exploring future changes, including:

• A new short-term work visa tailored for specific vocational graduates
• Streamlined visa processes to improve processing times and support smoother transitions for international students

These updates are pending Cabinet approval, but if implemented, they could open up new career pathways for students post-graduation.

What Should You Do Now?

• New students applying for study in New Zealand from November onwards can expect the new 25-hour work rule to apply automatically.
• Current visa holders who want the extra hours will need to plan for a variation of conditions or a new visa.
• If you’re on a short-term exchange or Study Abroad programme, check if your course qualifies under the updated in-study work rights.

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