Working on a student visa
Work and studying
Working while you study in New Zealand is a great way to get job experience, make new friends, and help with living costs. Just make sure you follow the work conditions on your student visa and find the right balance between work, study and socialising.
Working while studying
Most students on a student visa can work part time while they study. Some students may be able to work full time during their scheduled semester breaks or holidays, like the summer holiday period.
Masters by Research and PhD students do not have a limit on the hours they can work. Many of these students work in their research related fields.
Whether you are allowed to work during your studies depends on the programme of study you are doing. To check which programmes of study will allow you to work, check out Immigration New Zealand's information about working on a student visa.(external link that opens in a new tab)
You can also check your eVisa. It will say if you're allowed to work while studying in New Zealand. You might also have a letter from Immigration New Zealand telling you that you can work.
If you are allowed to work while you study, you can only work as an employee. This means that you have to work for someone else who is your employer. You cannot be an independent contractor, self-employed or run your own business.
Also remember, when you work in New Zealand you need to pay tax. Find out more about getting paid and paying tax.
Working as part of your studies
In some cases, you may need to work as part of your studies (for example if you need to complete a short internship). To do this, you need to have permission from Immigration New Zealand and this will be a condition of your visa.
This does not affect any other work right you may have. For example, your visa may allow you to work 25 hours per week and also allow you to complete your work as part of your studies.
If the work as part of your studies is not already mentioned on your visa, you need to vary your visa conditions by applying to Immigration New Zealand.(external link that opens in a new tab)
Check your visa conditions(external link that opens in a new tab) and talk to Immigration New Zealand (external link that opens in a new tab)if you have questions.
Working on a student visa
Following your visa conditions
Balancing work, study and life
Jobs you can’t do
Types of work
Finding a job
You have rights as an employee in New Zealand
Related pages
Employee rights
Working while you study is a great way to make money, meet people and learn about New Zealand work culture. However, it might be a little different to working back home. Learn about your basic rights as an employee.
Getting paid and tax
Getting paid the right amount of money and paying tax is important when you work in New Zealand. Learn about the different ways you might get paid, minimum wage and salary rules, and paying tax and tax rates when working on a student visa.
Employability skills
Don't wait till you finish your studies to start thinking about your career. Learn how to increase your chances of finding the job you want, whether you plan to work in New Zealand or move overseas after you graduate.
Problems at work
New Zealand is a great place to work because it's fair and safe. All employees have the same rights. In rare cases, employers don’t follow the rules. Find out how to get help with bullying and harassment in the workplace.