Can I work while studying English at a language school?
Yes, up to 25 hours a week if your course meets the conditions. For courses of at least 24 teaching weeks, you need full-time study, English improvement as the main purpose and an English test result no more than 2 years old, such as IELTS 5.0. For courses of at least 14 consecutive weeks, you must study full-time with a university or an NZQA Category 1 provider.
Official figures
- Work limit during study
- Eligible student visas: up to 25 hours a week during study (part-time)1
- Increase from 20 to 25 hours
- From 3 November 2025; all new student visas granted from that date get 25 hours, even if the application was submitted earlier3
- PhD and Research Masters students
- Studying at a New Zealand tertiary institution: no limit on work hours; if you work full-time, you must also keep studying full-time1
- Tertiary students who can work
- You must study full-time and meet one of these: your course is at least 2 academic years; you are studying for a New Zealand qualification at Level 4 or higher on the NZQCF; you are on an English language course that meets certain conditions; or you are on an approved exchange or Study Abroad programme for at least 1 semester1
- What counts as 1 academic year
- A programme worth 120 credits or more that lasts at least 8 months or 2 semesters1
Official sources
- Working on a student visaImmigration New Zealand · immigration.govt.nz
- Check or change your student visa conditionsImmigration New Zealand · immigration.govt.nz
- Upcoming changes to student visa work rightsImmigration New Zealand · immigration.govt.nz
- Fees Guide (INZ 1028)Immigration New Zealand · immigration.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Working on a student visa →
People also ask
- How many hours can I work per week on a student visa?
- My student visa still says 20 hours. How do I change it to 25, and what does it cost?
- Can I work full-time during the semester break or summer holidays?
- Is there a limit on work hours for PhD or Research Masters students?
- Can a high school student in Year 12 or 13 work? Whose permission do I need?
- My course has finished but my visa is still valid. Can I keep working?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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