Thinking about studying in New Zealand and worried about expenses?
Don’t worry, international students are allowed to work part-time while studying.
You can easily find jobs with flexible hours, fair pay, and plenty of options. This way, you can manage your living costs, gain work experience, and still focus on your studies.
Why Work Part-Time in New Zealand?
Studying abroad can be expensive, but part time jobs in New Zealand for international student can make life easier and more enjoyable. Here’s why many international students choose to work while studying:
1. Manage Daily Expenses
Even though New Zealand is cheaper than places like the USA or UK, costs like rent, food, and travel can add up. A part-time job helps you handle these expenses without using too much of your savings.
2. Get Real Work Experience
Working while studying gives you practical experience. Jobs in areas like retail, cafes, or research add value to your resume and help you learn important skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.
3. Make New Connections
Part-time jobs let you meet locals, employers, and other students. These connections can turn into useful contacts for internships or career opportunities later.
4. Improve English & Communication
If English isn’t your first language, part-time work is a great way to practice speaking, understand Kiwi culture, and feel more confident in daily life.
5. Flexible Work Rules
As a student, you can work up to 20 hours a week during classes and full-time during holidays. This balance makes it possible to earn money while focusing on your studies.
6. Experience Kiwi Culture
Working with locals helps you understand New Zealand’s culture better. From workplace habits to daily conversations, you get to live like a true Kiwi.
Eligibility & Work Hours for International Students
If you’re studying in New Zealand on a valid student visa, you can also work part-time. But it’s important to know the rules so you don’t break any visa conditions.
Work Hour Limits
- During Semester: You can work up to 20 hours a week while your classes are running.
- During Holidays: You can work full-time (up to 40 hours a week) during official breaks.
- Master’s by Research & PhD Students: You can work full-time all year round.
Who is Eligible?
- You must be enrolled in a full-time course (at least 2 years long or one that counts towards Skilled Migrant visa points).
- Your course and university/college must be approved by Immigration New Zealand.
- Most student visas include work rights automatically, but always double-check your visa conditions before starting a job.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Don’t work more than the allowed hours. It can lead to fines or even cancellation of your visa.
- Balance your job and studies. If work affects your attendance or grades, it could create problems for future visa renewals.
Types of Part-Time Jobs in New Zealand
As an international student, you’ll find lots of part time jobs for students in New Zealand. These jobs are usually flexible and easy to fit around your classes. You can work on-campus, off-campus, or even explore online jobs.
a) On-Campus Jobs
These are jobs you can do within your university or college. They’re very convenient because you don’t have to travel far. Common roles include:
- Research Assistant (RA): Helping professors with projects.
- Teaching Assistant (TA): Supporting faculty with tutorials, grading, or guiding students.
- Library or Admin Work: Doing clerical tasks or helping at the front desk.
- Campus Cafés/Bookstores: Working as a cashier, serving food, or managing stock.
Best for: Students who want jobs close to their studies and sometimes linked to academics.
b) Off-Campus Jobs
These are more common and give you lots of variety. Popular choices include:
- Retail: Shops, supermarkets, or malls.
- Hospitality: Waiter, barista, cook, or bartender.
- Tutoring: Helping other students with studies or English.
- Delivery Jobs: Food delivery (like Uber Eats) or ride-share support.
- Customer Service/Call Centers: Handling queries and support calls.
- Office Clerk/Data Entry: Simple office or computer work.
- Lab Assistant: Great for science or medical students.
- Cleaning/Car Grooming: Entry-level jobs that are widely available.
Best for: Students who want hands-on experience, more interaction with locals, and cultural exposure.
c) Online & Freelance Work (Growing Option)
Many students also look for online jobs that give them flexible hours, like:
- Freelance writing, design, or digital marketing.
- Online tutoring or teaching English.
- Virtual assistant or remote admin work.
Note: Always check your visa rules before taking up online or freelance work to stay compliant.
Average Salary & Minimum Wage
When looking for New Zealand part time jobs for international students, the first thing most students want to know is: how much can I earn? The good news is, New Zealand has a government-set minimum wage, and it applies to both locals and international students.
Minimum Wage in New Zealand
- As of 2025, the New Zealand part time jobs salary is NZD 23.15 per hour (before tax).
- After tax (like income tax and student levies), you may actually take home around NZD 18.90 per hour.
- The government reviews and updates this rate regularly to match the cost of living, so always check the official New Zealand government or IRD (Inland Revenue Department) website for the latest rates.
How Much Can Students Earn?
- Basic Jobs (retail, hospitality, supermarket): Usually pay around the minimum wage (NZD 23.15/hour).
- Specialized Jobs (RA, TA, tutoring): Can pay more than the minimum wage, depending on the role and employer.
- Freelance/Online Work: Payment depends on your skills. If you’re good at IT, design, or writing, you may earn more than a regular part-time job.
Monthly Estimate
If you work the allowed 20 hours a week during your semester:
20 hrs × NZD 23.15 × 4 weeks ≈ NZD 1,850 per month (before tax).
During holidays, you can work full-time (40 hours/week) and earn about:
NZD 3,700 per month (before tax).
Key Things to Remember
- You have the same work rights as locals: fair pay, a safe workplace, and paid breaks.
- You’ll need an IRD number (like a tax ID) to get paid legally.
- Don’t work more hours than your visa allows, even if the pay looks tempting. It can risk your visa.
How to Find Part-Time Jobs in New Zealand
Finding a part-time jobs in New Zealand for international students can be simple if you know where to look. International students have access to several reliable job search platforms, university resources, and local networks that make the process easier.
1. University Career Services & Notice Boards
Most universities in New Zealand have dedicated career services centers and job boards for students. These often list campus jobs like teaching assistantships, research roles, or administrative positions. It’s the best starting point for students who prefer on-campus work.
2. Student Job Search (SJS)
Student Job Search (SJS) is a government-supported employment service exclusively for students. It’s free to use and regularly posts part-time and casual jobs in retail, hospitality, tutoring, and more. Many employers in New Zealand trust SJS when hiring students.
3. Online Job Portals
Popular websites that list part-time jobs include:
- Seek (seek.co.nz) - One of the largest job portals in New Zealand.
- Trade Me Jobs - Ideal for casual and part-time work.
- Indeed - Widely used for all job categories.
- LinkedIn - Helpful for networking and professional roles.
4. Networking & Community Boards
Word-of-mouth and networking play a big role in finding work. Students often find jobs through:
- Local community boards and supermarkets.
- Facebook groups for student jobs in New Zealand.
- Recommendations from friends, classmates, or professors.
5. Walk-Ins & Direct Applications
Hospitality and retail employers (cafés, restaurants, and supermarkets) often hire through walk-ins. Students can drop off resumes directly and request part-time opportunities.
Tips to Increase Your Chances
- Prepare a New Zealand-style CV (short, clear, skill-focused).
- Highlight customer service skills, teamwork, and flexibility.
- Apply early in the semester, as many students compete for the same roles.
- Stay updated on visa work conditions before applying.
Legal Requirements for Working Students
Before you start a part-time job in New Zealand, it’s important to know the legal rules. Following them keeps you safe, ensures fair pay, and protects your student visa.
1. Valid Student Visa with Work Rights
Most student visas allow you to work 20 hours a week during classes and full-time during holidays.
Always check your visa conditions. If you work extra hours, your visa could be cancelled.
2. IRD Number (Tax ID)
You must apply for an IRD number before starting work.
- It makes sure the correct tax is deducted from your pay.
- Without it, you’ll be taxed at a much higher rate.
3. Written Employment Agreement
Every job in New Zealand must have a written contract. It should clearly mention:
- Your role
- Pay rate
- Work hours
- Leave entitlements
4. Minimum Employment Rights
As a student worker, you have the same rights as locals, including:
- Minimum wage (NZD 23.15/hour as of 2025)
- Paid rest and meal breaks
- Safe working conditions
- Equal opportunity and no discrimination
5. Tax Obligations
Your income is taxable. Students must:
- Keep payslips and records
- File taxes with the IRD every year
6. Compliance with Work Hours
Don’t work more than the permitted hours. Breaking this rule can lead to fines, visa cancellation, or even deportation.
Benefits of Working Part-Time in New Zealand
Working part-time in New Zealand is not just about earning money. It also adds a lot of value to your student life. Here are some key benefits:
1. Financial Support
- Helps you pay for rent, food, travel, and other daily expenses.
- Reduces the need to depend fully on family savings or loans.
- Extra income during holidays (when you can work full-time) gives you a good financial cushion.
2. Skill Development
- Builds important skills like teamwork, customer service, time management, and problem-solving.
- On-campus jobs like RA/TA add useful academic or research experience.
- Tutoring jobs improve your teaching and communication skills.
3. Career Growth & Resume Boost
- Employers value international work experience, which makes your resume stand out.
- Networking at work can lead to internships or future job opportunities.
4. Cultural Integration
- Working with locals helps you understand New Zealand’s work culture and lifestyle.
- Builds your confidence in adapting to new environments.
- Gives you a sense of belonging and community while studying abroad.
5. Language & Communication
- Great way to practice and improve your English if it’s not your first language.
- Daily conversations at work make you more confident in communication.
6. Independence & Balance
- Flexible work hours make it easier to balance study and work.
- Part-time jobs teach independence, responsibility, and time management.
Post-Study Work Opportunities in New Zealand
One of the biggest benefits of studying in New Zealand is the chance to stay and work after you finish your course. With a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV), students can move from part-time jobs into full-time careers and gain valuable experience.
1. Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)
After graduation, you can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa to stay and work full-time in New Zealand.
The length of the visa depends on your qualification:
- Up to 3 years for degree-level or higher (Level 7 and above).
- 1 to 2 years for qualifications below degree level, depending on where you studied.
2. Benefits of the Post-Study Work Visa
- Full-Time Work Rights: You can work for almost any employer in New Zealand.
- Career Pathway: Many students use this time to get skilled jobs that may lead to residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.
- Work Experience: Gaining experience in New Zealand makes your resume stronger and is respected worldwide.
3. Job Opportunities After Graduation
Graduates often move into full-time careers in areas like:
- IT & Software
- Engineering
- Healthcare
- Education
- Finance
- Agriculture
- Hospitality
For those tracking salaries, the new zealand part time jobs salary for international students gives a good idea of earning potential before moving into full-time roles.
4. Key Things to Remember
- Your qualification must be from an approved New Zealand institution.
- Apply for the Post-Study Work Visa before your student visa expires.
- Good English and some prior part-time work experience can give you an edge in finding jobs.
With the Post-Study Work Visa, you can turn your studies and part-time work into a full-time career, making New Zealand a great choice for long-term opportunities.
Conclusion
Part-time work in New Zealand makes student life easier and more rewarding. It helps you cover expenses, build useful skills, and get ready for future career opportunities. With fair pay, flexible hours, and the chance to stay for work after graduation, NZ part time jobs for students make New Zealand a top choice for students who want to balance study and work.
