Edutecoach

To support international education and growth, a new governmental plan has been implemented to keep up with high standards of education, attract more international students, manage immigration risks and overall help the country grow in a sustainable way.

While students under the student VISA in New Zealand were previously allowed to work for only 20 hours per week; recent changes will see the shift in the same increasing the work hours to up to 25 hours a week. Eligibility for extension is available to all eligible secondary and tertiary students in regards to in-study work rights on approved exchange programs, Study Abroad programs, and 1-semester courses. In addition, if one were to change an education provider or may be lower their level of study then (in most cases), one will need to apply for a new student visa. However, in special circumstances, if the changes has been beyond one’s control, such as a provider closing down suddenly, then only a variation of conditions may be considered.

Now, if one is a student with a valid student visa and has been issued in the old system (if applied before 18 August 2025) and includes a 20-hour work condition, then one will be able to apply to increase work hours to 25 hours a week by submitting a variation of conditions form online or maybe apply for a new student VISA.

The fee to apply for a variation of conditions under any system is NZD $325.

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