- New Zealand relaxes some immigration rules – including upping the number of hours overseas students can work outside of their studies – in its bid to attract more international students
- Immigration New Zealand unveils ambitious plan to tempt 35,000 more international students to the country by 2034
- Government shines light on economic benefits of international education, but says it will keep an eye on education quality and the impact on local communities as the sector grows
The New Zealand government has launched the International Education Going for Growth plan, as part of its broader strategy to increase international student enrolments from 83,700 in 2024 to 119,000 by 2034, and double the sector’s value from NZ$3.6 billion ( £1.60 billion) to NZ$7.2 billion (£3.20 billion).
On Monday, Immigration New Zealand announced changes to immigration rules to help the country “attract more international students, maintain high education standards, and manage immigration risks”.
On November 3 this year, INZ will implement changes to increase the permitted work hours for eligible study visa holders from 20 to 25 hours per week, and extend in-study work rights to all tertiary students enrolled in approved exchange or study abroad programs, including those on one-semester courses.
As per data published by INZ, currently 40,987 study visa holders have in-study work rights with 29,790 set to expire on or before March 31 2026, with the remaining 11,197 visas expected to lapse after that date.
The new rules on work hours will apply only to students who have been granted a visa from November 3 onward, meaning those with existing visas limited to 20 hours per week will need to reapply to avail the increased allowance.
On average in 2024, an international student spent NZ$45,000 across the year. That means… ultimately more jobs being created
Erica Stanford, New Zealand education minister
“This (increase in work hours) will apply to all new student visas granted from that date, even if the application was submitted earlier,” read a statement by INZ.
“If you already have a student visa with a 20-hour work limit and want to work up to 25 hours, you will need to apply for a variation of conditions or a new student visa. The relevant immigration fees will apply.”
According to Sushrutha Metikurke, former associate VP of business development, Australia and New Zealand, MSM Unify, though international student surveys have consistently shown that “work experience opportunities” are one of the biggest challenges in the sector, relaxed work hours shouldn’t be allowed to spiral out of control.
“While we have to tread with caution when it comes to increasing permitted work hours (the impact on students’ academics is a concern and puts additional pressure on student services), I feel the changes overall are meant to help students overcome some of those hurdles and give them the opportunity to put into practice what they have learnt during their studies,” stated Metikurke.
Moreover, international graduates who do not qualify for post-study work rights may soon have access to a short-duration work visa of up to six months, giving them time to seek employment in their field under the Accredited Employer Work Visa pathway.
The government is also investigating how to make it easier for students to apply for multi-year visas.
“International education is one of our largest exports, injecting NZ$3.6 billion into our economy in 2024. It also provides opportunities for research, strengthening trade and people-to-people connections, which are important to drive investment, productivity and innovation in New Zealand,” read a statement by education minister, Erica Stanford.
“On average in 2024, an international student spent NZ$45,000 across the year. That means more visits to our cafes and restaurants, more people visiting our iconic attractions and ultimately more jobs being created.”
As per data released by Education New Zealand, international enrolments are inching toward pre-Covid levels, with 2024 figures (83,425) now reaching 72% of the 2019 total of 115,705.
According to ENZ chief executive Amanda Malu, while China and India remain New Zealand’s two largest international student markets, accounting for 34% and 14% of enrolments respectively, they are followed by Japan (9%), South Korea (4%), Thailand (3%), the United States (3%), Germany (3%), the Philippines (3%), and Sri Lanka (3%)
It’s important to strike the right balance between increasing student numbers, maintaining the quality of education, and managing broader impacts on New Zealanders
Erica Stanford, New Zealand education minister
New Zealand wants to “supercharge” this rising momentum by increasing awareness of New Zealand as a study destination from 38% in 2024 to 44% by 2034, and raising the proportion of prospective students who rank the country among their top three study choices from 18% to 22% over the same period.
“To achieve our ambitious target, we’re taking a considered and strategic approach. It’s important to strike the right balance between increasing student numbers, maintaining the quality of education, and managing broader impacts on New Zealanders. Our plan will deliver that,” stated Stanford.
According to Frank Xing, director of marketing and operations at Auckland-based Novo Education Consulting, extending work rights to exchange and study abroad students and a proposed six-month Post-Study Work Visa for vocational education removes major hurdles for students.
“It’s difficult to justify why a language student enrolled in a university programme longer than 14 weeks could work, while an exchange student on a full-semester academic load could not,” stated Xing.
“Many international students are keen to pursue practical, employment-focused training, but it’s difficult to secure a job immediately after graduation without a clear pathway to stay and work legally. This (new short-term visa) change could help vocational education providers better attract students while also contributing to workforce needs.”
The announcement of the growth plan comes just weeks after New Zealand eased visa pathways for degree holders from select countries, including India, France, Germany, Italy, and Sri Lanka, wherein they can now bypass qualification assessments for certain immigration categories, including the sought-after Skilled Migrant and Green List pathways.
The recent push to increase international student numbers needs to prioritise student support and industry engagement as “key” parts for sustainable growth, according to Metikurke.
“International students have to be treated as valued members of our community and we must highlight the enormous contributions they make not just economically, but socially and culturally. We have to work closely with employers and local industry to align sector growth with skill shortages and research outcomes,” he stated.
“We must not repeat the mistakes of treating students as “cash cows”. The government should ensure that international students receive genuine value from their experience, not just academically, but through a positive and supportive life in New Zealand,” added Xing.
New Zealand’s current direction stands in stark contrast to its neighbour, Australia, where study visa application fees were raised to AUD$2,000 as of July 1, a key election promise delivered by the ruling Labor Party.
According to Ravi Lochan Singh, managing director of Global Reach, Australia can take a cue from New Zealand’s mandate that international students must apply for a new study visa if they switch education providers or move to a lower level of study.
“The solution if plagiarised from across the Tasman, will ensure the option to the customer even with the decision to move providers or programs but will also stop unfortunate poaching. The efforts of Universities in recruiting students from offshore markets and their offshore agents will also be protected. Onshore migration agents too will be happy as they can earn from the student if new visas are lodged. And onshore private providers will begin functioning in a more transparent manner,” Singh stated in a LinkedIn post.
