The government increases international students’ weekly work hours to 25, aiming to balance financial relief, academic integrity, and workforce needs.
Wellington, November 2025
New Zealand has officially increased the number of hours international students can work during academic sessions from 20 to 25 hours per week, a move designed to attract more global talent while easing cost-of-living pressures.
The government says the change strengthens New Zealand’s position in the global education market, offering students more flexibility to manage rising living expenses while contributing to key industries such as retail, hospitality, and healthcare.
Photo: Webfit News / Education New Zealand
A Strategic Move in Global Education
This policy gives New Zealand a competitive edge over countries like the United Kingdom and Canada, where students are still restricted to 20 hours of work per week. The new 25-hour allowance makes New Zealand more financially viable for students choosing where to study abroad, especially as education costs rise worldwide.
The timing aligns with growing interest from countries such as India, one of New Zealand’s largest student markets. Officials note that this policy also supports broader trade and diplomatic ties, including ongoing talks around a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
In a global economy marked by inflation, energy instability, and slower growth, international education remains a steady contributor to New Zealand’s GDP. Allowing students to work slightly more each week strengthens that revenue stream while supporting sectors facing persistent labor shortages.
From Temporary Relief to Long-Term Balance
During the post-pandemic recovery, the government had temporarily lifted the work cap to 40 hours per week to help fill critical job vacancies. That emergency measure ended amid concerns that students were overworking and neglecting their studies.
The new 25-hour limit strikes a middle ground. It keeps enough flexibility to support both the labor market and students’ financial stability, without repeating the academic strain of full-time employment.
Work rights during academic breaks, such as summer and winter holidays, remain unchanged, allowing students to continue working full-time during these periods.
The Challenges: Academic Quality and Worker Protection
While the policy has been welcomed by universities, student groups, and employers, education experts have urged caution.
Academic Focus: Some fear that longer work hours could impact study time and academic performance. Institutions are being encouraged to strengthen attendance monitoring and student welfare systems to ensure that work commitments do not affect learning outcomes.
Worker Safety: Another concern is exploitation. With many students employed in hospitality and retail, there is a risk of being pushed to exceed the legal work limit. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has been
