International students are predicted to make New Zealand their new favorite place to study. The New Zealand government anticipates that the value of studying abroad will double from $3.6 billion in 2024 to $7.2 billion in 2034 when the International Education Going for Growth plan is released.

The number of students enrolled in New Zealand's study abroad programs is expected to increase from 83,400 in 2024 to 105,000 in 2027 and 119,000 by 2034.

In order to accomplish the new goal, New Zealand will be changing its immigration laws to allow for legitimate students and offer top-notch instruction to those who come to study here.

Expanded in-study work rights will also be available to students participating in authorized exchange and study abroad programs in New Zealand.

Starting in November, New Zealand will permit eligible students to work up to 25 hours a week instead of only 20 while on a student visa.

Starting on November 3, 2025, qualified secondary and postsecondary students will be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during the semester, going up from the present cap of 20 hours. This will be applicable to all newly issued student visas as of that date, regardless of when the application was filed.

You must apply for a new student visa or a variation of conditions if you currently have one with a 20-hour work limit and wish to work up to 25 hours. There will be the applicable immigration fees.

During the summer and other planned breaks, many student visas already permit full-time employment. You may not need to apply for the additional five hours right away if this is covered by your visa. If your visa is still valid after the summer, you may decide to apply for the conditional change.

The Pathway Student Visa Pilot will also be examined in order to introduce multi-year visas for students enrolled in multi-year programs.

It is anticipated that New Zealand will launch a new 6-month work visa for international graduate students pursuing sub-degrees as a transitional measure to the Accredited Employer Work Visa.

International students who want to study in New Zealand need to demonstrate that their credentials are acceptable in the country by completing an International Qualification Assessment (IQA).

As of June 23, 2025, however, Immigration New Zealand has updated the List of Qualifications Exempt from IQA.

The countries that qualify include France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, and India.

The latest ruling to permit 25 hours of part-time work during school periods is quite progressive and strikes a healthy balance between learning and acquiring useful job experience.

New Zealand is firmly establishing itself as a country that prioritizes students, even as many other traditional study destinations are tightening their work rights.