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Working on a Student Visa: What You Need to Know


We often get asked , if one can work on their student visa . This could be either before , during or after their course starts. Too many variations , right ??



Most essential are the work conditions on your Student Visa. Check what the conditions of your visa state?







Working on a student visa


Whether a student can work before or after the course has finished depends on the work rights specified in the student visa.


The following table clarifies how student work rights apply before a student has started their course, and after their course has finished.

Work rights granted:

20 hours per week

Summer/scheduled vacations 

Full time work rights (Masters by research or doctoral degree students)

Full time work rights for practical experience

Before the course has started

Student may work

Student may not work

Student may work

Student may not work

After the course has started

Student may work until their visa expiry date

Student may work until their visa expiry date

Student may work

Student may not work


Any time before a course starts is not considered to be a vacation period (summer or scheduled).


A course is deemed finished once the visa holder has fulfilled all course requirements (including assignments, exams, and any practical experience requirements).


This could be before the course end date indicated on the course calendar. If a student can work after finishing their course, they are allowed to do so regardless of their plans to return to further studies or not.


Upon Completion of Studies

There are opportunities for individuals to remain and work in New Zealand post their studies, such as the Post-study Work Visa.


Still have questions ,email us or talk to us.



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