Study and Work in New Zealand

If you’re in Year 12 or 13 at secondary school or a full-time tertiary student, you may be able to work for up to 20 hours a week during the academic year, or full-time during the Christmas/New Year holidays. However, you can only do this if you have a ‘variation’ to the conditions of your visa. You can apply for this either when you apply for your student visa or once you have it.

Most New Zealand employers work hard to make their workplaces enjoyable - but in return for a relaxed atmosphere, there is an expectation that people will show initiative and get their work done.

Where else in the world can you work to the highest professional standards, then in half an hour or less, be relaxing on a beach, hiking through beautiful native bush, pounding down a mountain bike track or just chilling with friends in your back garden over a fine New Zealand wine? You may find working in New Zealand a little different. The work culture is professional and friendly but by most standards very informal. Employers, managers and staff are on first name terms, even in large companies.

Working after your study 

When you’ve finished your study at a tertiary education institution, you may be able to work in New Zealand for up to four years, and even gain residence and the right to live here permanently. 

Right now, New Zealand’s economy is growing after the global financial crisis, and the employment market is gradually improving. In this environment your chances of getting a work visa or permanent residence will be greatly improved if you have the skills that New Zealand urgently needs.

Applying to work in New Zealand 

Before you can work in New Zealand (and this will depend on your qualification), you need to complete two steps:

1. Apply for a Graduate Job Search Work visa: this gives you up to 12 months to get a job that’s related to your studies. If you need to, you can get a temporary job while you’re looking
2. Apply for a Graduate Work Experience visa: this lets you work in New Zealand, in a specific job and for a specific employer, for two more years while you gain experience in your field of study. You can stay for three years if you need to as part of a professional registration.