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Working while you study
Getting a part-time job while you study can help you pay your
living expenses, meet new people and gain valuable
experience of the New Zealand workplace.
Learn more about working while you study
Working while studying can be a good way to gain New Zealand work experience and help support you while you’re studying abroad.
Gaining experience of a New Zealand workplace also helps you develop skills such as communication, teamwork, timekeeping, interpersonal skills and workplace-relevant English language skills.
Balance your work hours with your study obligations, so your academic performance isn’t compromised, and remember that some scholarships set limits on the number of hours you can work.
New Zealand has a wide range of industries that offer part-time and casual work.
Some educational institutions also offer students part-time work teaching, tutoring or carrying out administration duties.
Paid internships are a way of gaining industry experience and networking with people in your field of study. Carrying out voluntary work in New Zealand can also be a great addition to your CV, giving you useful experience of the New Zealand workplace.
Student Job Search is an organisation set up to help students find work and gain job experience.
Your educational institution may also offer students assistance to learn job-related skills such as writing CVs and preparing for an interview. Seasonal work can be a good way to earn extra money over the holidays and gain new skills.
If you have worked in your home country, it may be helpful to ask your employer for a written reference that you could show to a potential New Zealand employer.
Shriniva Khedekar, a University of Auckland student from India, works part-time while studying for a Master of Engineering Studies in Construction Management – and still finds time to play cricket.
International students have the same legal minimum rights and entitlements as anyone else working in New Zealand.
These include your right to be paid at least the minimum wage, paid annual and public holidays, and rest breaks.
If you have a Student Visa you may be able to work:
- Up to 20 hours a week during term time
- Full-time during scheduled holidays
If you are a Masters by research or PhD student, you may work full-time.
To check whether you’re able to work while studying, visit Immigration New Zealand's website.
Your work rights while studying
Student visas
If you have a Student Visa you may be able to work:
Up to 20 hours a week during term time
Full-time during scheduled holidays
Masters and PhD
If you are a Masters by research or PhD student, you may work:
Full-time during term time.
Full-time during scheduled holidays
Hospitality, retail, agriculture and tourism are among the main sectors offering part-time work in New Zealand. These websites may help you with your job search.
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