---
title: "New Zealand Caps Research Master's Students at 25 Work…"
canonical: "https://www.metaintro.com/blog/new-zealand-student-visa-changes-work-rights-2026"
language: "en"
author: "drashtigarach"
published: "2026-10-28T13:57:06.000Z"
modified: "2026-10-28T13:57:06.000Z"
---

[Back to Blog](/blog)
[News](/blog/tag/news)[Jobs](/blog/tag/jobs)[Education](/blog/tag/education)[University](/blog/tag/university)[Career](/blog/tag/career)
# New Zealand Caps Research Master's Students at 25 Work Hours Under 4 New Visa Rules

New master's-by-research students in New Zealand lose unlimited work rights and get 25 hours a week from 27 October 2026. Here are all 4 visa changes.

[![Drashti Garach](https://cdn.metaintro.com/rs:fill:40:40/q:72/plain/images/5719d740-e510-42bc-8017-e040d145f35f_1766029465094.png)Drashti Garach @DrashtiGarach](/blog/author/drashtigarach)

[October 28, 2026](/blog/archive/2026/10)14 min read

![NZ research lab, student at a microscope seen from behind](https://cdn.metaintro.com/rs:fill:1200:675/q:78/plain/images/new-zealand-student-visa-changes-work-rights-2026-hero.jpg)

[https://x.com/intent/tweet?text=New%20Zealand%20Caps%20Research%20Master's%20Students%20at%2025%20Work%20Hours%20Under%204%20New%20Visa%20Rules&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-zealand-student-visa-changes-work-rights-2026](https://x.com/intent/tweet?text=New%20Zealand%20Caps%20Research%20Master's%20Students%20at%2025%20Work%20Hours%20Under%204%20New%20Visa%20Rules&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-zealand-student-visa-changes-work-rights-2026)[http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-zealand-student-visa-changes-work-rights-2026](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-zealand-student-visa-changes-work-rights-2026)[https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-zealand-student-visa-changes-work-rights-2026&title=New%20Zealand%20Caps%20Research%20Master's%20Students%20at%2025%20Work%20Hours%20Under%204%20New%20Visa%20Rules](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-zealand-student-visa-changes-work-rights-2026&title=New%20Zealand%20Caps%20Research%20Master's%20Students%20at%2025%20Work%20Hours%20Under%204%20New%20Visa%20Rules)[mailto:?subject=New%20Zealand%20Caps%20Research%20Master's%20Students%20at%2025%20Work%20Hours%20Under%204%20New%20Visa%20Rules&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-zealand-student-visa-changes-work-rights-2026](mailto:?subject=New%20Zealand%20Caps%20Research%20Master's%20Students%20at%2025%20Work%20Hours%20Under%204%20New%20Visa%20Rules&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-zealand-student-visa-changes-work-rights-2026)

[Unlimited in-study work rights for new master's-by-research students have been removed](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/), and those students now get the same [25 hours a week and full-time during holidays](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/) as every other new master's student, under rules [Immigration New Zealand](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/) brought in from [27 October 2026](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/). The hours cut is narrow. It [will only apply to new student visas where applications were made on or after 27 October 2026](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/), so current visa holders and most other students keep the hours they already have. The same package [strengthens English language checks, widens the power to suspend visa processing, and gives some students an extra month after their course ends](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/). For [Metaintro](https://www.metaintro.com) readers who study in New Zealand, or plan to, the useful detail is in the official visa rules on hours, pay, English evidence and the window to apply for a post-study work visa.

## What Are the Four Student Visa Changes New Zealand Made in October?

INZ made three changes [to protect the integrity of student visas, and a fourth change to help students after they finish their course](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/). All four [take effect from 27 October 2026](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/). Here is each one, in full.

- **Work rights for research master's students.** Research master's applicants move to [25 hours a week and full-time during holidays](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/), the same as all new master's students.
- **English ability.** INZ has [strengthened immigration instructions to specify that English language ability is a key factor in determining if a student can meet the conditions of their student visa](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/).
- **Suspending processing.** INZ can now [formally suspend processing of student visas in a broader range of circumstances, including when non-compliance by an education provider is still being determined](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/).
- **More time after study.** Student visas [expire on 31 March or 1 month after course end date, depending on the duration and course of study](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/). INZ is extending the 1 month to [2 months after course end date, to give students more time to decide their next step](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/), and [the 31 March date remains unchanged](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/).

Taken together, the package covers [work rights, compliance requirements, visa processing procedures and timelines for students nearing the end of their courses](https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/28-Oct-2026/new-zealand-introduces-four-student-visa-changes-2026).

## Who Actually Loses Work Hours, and Who Keeps Them?

Only one group loses hours. [New applicants for student visas for masters-by-research programmes will no longer be able to work full-time](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/), and their visas [will include the same work rights as most other student visas](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/). The change [reinforces that the primary purpose of a student visa is to study](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/).

Students already holding a research master's visa are outside the new rule, since it will [only apply to new student visas](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/). Current holders keep the hours on their existing visa, and [existing visa holders should check the conditions attached to their visas](https://awaaz.co.nz/new-zealand/new-zealand-tightens-student-visa-rules-cuts-work-rights-and-toughens-english-checks.html). Your exact limit is printed in your visa conditions, which are [recorded on your eVisa](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/) or in INZ's visa letter to you.

Doctoral students [will continue to enjoy unlimited work rights](https://awaaz.co.nz/new-zealand/new-zealand-tightens-student-visa-rules-cuts-work-rights-and-toughens-english-checks.html). [There is no limit on the hours you can work if you are enrolled in a doctoral degree (PhD) at a New Zealand tertiary institution](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/), with one condition, [if you work full-time, you must also keep studying full-time](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/).

Coursework master's students keep [the same hours limit](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/) that research master's students are now moved onto. [The October changes](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/) do not touch the hours rules for other tertiary students, which are set out on [INZ's working on a student visa page](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/).

## What Counts as a Master's by Research for Visa Purposes?

This matters because it decides who is affected. Until this change, [along with PhD students, Masters by Research students are eligible for unlimited work rights](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/visa-paks/16-may-2025-work-right-conditions-for-students-undertaking-a-masters-by-research-visa-pak-625.pdf) under immigration instruction U13.15.15, which INZ clarified in May 2025.

The test was the size of the research part. To qualify, a student had to be [enrolled in a Masters degree where they are undertaking a thesis, dissertation, substantial research paper, or scholarly creative work of at least 90 credits](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/visa-paks/16-may-2025-work-right-conditions-for-students-undertaking-a-masters-by-research-visa-pak-625.pdf). A master's degree [composed of less than 90 credits of research is considered a Masters by coursework](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/visa-paks/16-may-2025-work-right-conditions-for-students-undertaking-a-masters-by-research-visa-pak-625.pdf), so coursework master's students never had unlimited hours in the first place.

Two degree structures qualified. A [Masters by thesis includes 120 credits, of which 90 credits (at level 9) consist of a research project](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/visa-paks/16-may-2025-work-right-conditions-for-students-undertaking-a-masters-by-research-visa-pak-625.pdf), and a [Masters by thesis and coursework includes 240 credits, of which at least 90 credits (at level 9) are in the form of a thesis](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/visa-paks/16-may-2025-work-right-conditions-for-students-undertaking-a-masters-by-research-visa-pak-625.pdf) or similar work. Research master's students at private training establishments could also get unlimited hours [as an exception to instructions (ETI) for the duration of their Masters qualification](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/visa-paks/16-may-2025-work-right-conditions-for-students-undertaking-a-masters-by-research-visa-pak-625.pdf). For new applicants, that route is closed, because [all new master's students will now have the same work rights conditions](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/).

> Unlimited in-study work rights for new master’s-by-research students have been removed, according to [the Immigration New Zealand announcement](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/).

## How Many Hours Can International Students Work in New Zealand Now?

The standard limit for most students is unchanged. With a student visa, [you may be allowed to work part-time for up to 25 hours a week](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/), if your visa conditions allow it. Work conditions can only be granted [if the student is 16 years or older, regardless of the type of study](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/).

Tertiary students can work up to 25 hours if they are studying full-time [for a New Zealand qualification at Level 4 or higher](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/), or on an approved exchange or Study Abroad programme [for at least 1 semester](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/), among other routes. Not every course counts. [You cannot work if you are in a training scheme or studying towards a micro-credential](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/), because these are not qualifications.

Full-time work in scheduled breaks has its own test. It applies if you study for [at least 1 academic year](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/), your [course is worth at least 120 credits](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/), and it has [a minimum of 2 semesters during at least 8 months](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/). Required work placements sit outside the cap, because [time you spend doing practical work experience is in addition to the hours you are allowed to work](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/) under your visa.

## Does This Reverse the November 2025 Increase in Work Hours?

No. The 2025 change raised the limit, and the October 2026 change leaves the 25-hour limit in place for [most other student visas](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/). On [3 November 2025](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/upcoming-changes-to-student-visa-work-rights), INZ moved to [increase the number of hours eligible students can work while you have a student visa, from 20 to 25 hours a week](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/upcoming-changes-to-student-visa-work-rights), as part of the [International Education Going for Growth Plan](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/upcoming-changes-to-student-visa-work-rights), a government plan from July 2025.

That earlier package also [extended in-study work rights to tertiary students enrolled in approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/578510/weekly-work-limit-for-international-students-eased), including one-semester students. At the time, there were [40,987 student visa holders with in-study work rights](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/upcoming-changes-to-student-visa-work-rights), and [29,790 visas were set to expire on or before 31 March 2026](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/upcoming-changes-to-student-visa-work-rights). Holders of older 20-hour visas could switch, and [the fee to apply for a variation of conditions under any system is NZD $325](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/upcoming-changes-to-student-visa-work-rights) (about US$185).

So the new rule does not take back [the extra 5 hours](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/upcoming-changes-to-student-visa-work-rights). It brings one group with unlimited hours down to [the same work rights conditions](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/) as other new master's students. The government also flagged in 2025 that [additional changes were being considered, including a short-term work visa for some vocational graduates](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/indonz/578510/weekly-work-limit-for-international-students-eased).

## How Will English Ability Be Judged on a Student Visa?

English now carries more weight in the visa decision. INZ has made it [a key factor in determining if a student can meet the conditions of their student visa](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/). That makes [English proficiency a more explicit consideration](https://awaaz.co.nz/new-zealand/new-zealand-tightens-student-visa-rules-cuts-work-rights-and-toughens-english-checks.html) in the existing genuine-student test, where you must [have genuine intentions to study in New Zealand and comply with your visa conditions](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-evidence-and-documents-to-support-your-visa-application/genuine-intentions-to-study-in-new-zealand/), which [includes making academic progress and meeting attendance requirements](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-evidence-and-documents-to-support-your-visa-application/genuine-intentions-to-study-in-new-zealand/).

The October changes do not introduce [a mandatory English-language test or a universal minimum score for all international student visa applicants](https://awaaz.co.nz/new-zealand/new-zealand-tightens-student-visa-rules-cuts-work-rights-and-toughens-english-checks.html). If your course has English language or academic requirements, [evidence of English language test results are not mandatory](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/) but can help INZ assess your genuine intention to study, and evidence can include [an online verification report for current tertiary study, or English language test results](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/), such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Your school's paperwork matters too. An offer of place must include a declaration from the provider that [you have the English language ability and academic capability to pass the course](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/). If your course has English or academic entry requirements, officers [may ask questions about](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-evidence-and-documents-to-support-your-visa-application/genuine-intentions-to-study-in-new-zealand/) them, and you can send evidence that you meet them.

## What Happens When INZ Suspends Visa Processing for a Provider?

[Previously, the circumstances in which processing could be formally suspended were more limited](https://awaaz.co.nz/new-zealand/new-zealand-tightens-student-visa-rules-cuts-work-rights-and-toughens-english-checks.html). The October change widens it to [a broader range of circumstances, including when non-compliance by an education provider is still being determined](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/). In practice, students applying to a provider under review [could experience delays in their visa applications before any final finding against the institution](https://awaaz.co.nz/new-zealand/new-zealand-tightens-student-visa-rules-cuts-work-rights-and-toughens-english-checks.html).

How long such suspensions could last, what criteria would trigger them and what protections affected students would get [are not specified](https://awaaz.co.nz/new-zealand/new-zealand-tightens-student-visa-rules-cuts-work-rights-and-toughens-english-checks.html) in the INZ announcement.

Changing schools is not a quick fix either. Since November 2025, [if you change your education provider or lower your level of study, in most cases you will need to apply for a new student visa, not just a variation of conditions](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/upcoming-changes-to-student-visa-work-rights). A variation may still be considered [where the change is beyond your control, such as a provider closing down suddenly](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/upcoming-changes-to-student-visa-work-rights).

## What Does the Visa Itself Ask of You on Money and Fees?

None of the [four October changes](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/) touches the funds rules. If you are paying for yourself, for tertiary, English language or other non-compulsory study you must show [NZD $20,000 for each year if you are studying for 1 year or more](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/) (about US$11,370), or [NZD $1,667 for each month if your study is shorter than 1 year](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/) (about US$948).

Tuition comes first. Unless you are exempt, you must be able to show [you have paid the tuition fees for 1 course, or 1 year of study, whichever is shorter](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/), although if you apply from outside New Zealand you can [choose not to pay your tuition fees](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/) until INZ approves the application in principle. For longer degrees, a [credible plan for how you will pay for your tuition fees and living costs for the following years](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/) can strengthen your application. The visa [can be issued for a maximum of 4 years](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/).

If you do work, the pay floor is the same as for local staff. From [1 April 2026, the adult minimum wage is $23.95 an hour](https://www.employment.govt.nz/pay-and-hours/pay-and-wages/minimum-wage/minimum-wage-rates-and-types) in NZD (about US$13.62) before tax, and temporary migrant workers [have the same minimum employment rights as New Zealand workers](https://www.employment.govt.nz/pay-and-hours/pay-and-wages/minimum-wage/minimum-wage-rates-and-types). Workers paid below that rate can call [0800 20 90 20](https://www.employment.govt.nz/pay-and-hours/pay-and-wages/minimum-wage/minimum-wage-rates-and-types).

> If you plan to apply for another visa after you finish your study, declare it in your application, according to [the INZ guidance on genuine intentions to study](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-evidence-and-documents-to-support-your-visa-application/genuine-intentions-to-study-in-new-zealand/).

## How Does the Extra Month After Your Course Help With Post-Study Work?

The one-month option becomes two months, so [students whose visas expire one month after their course ends will now have two months](https://propakistani.pk/2026/10/27/new-zealand-introduces-4-changes-to-student-visa-rules/). INZ [has not clarified whether the extension will automatically benefit existing visa holders or apply only to new visas](https://awaaz.co.nz/new-zealand/new-zealand-tightens-student-visa-rules-cuts-work-rights-and-toughens-english-checks.html) in its announcement.

The extra time is useful for the next visa. The Post-Study Work Visa lets you [stay and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years depending on the level of your qualification and how long you spent studying for it](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/). It is open to holders of [a level 8 postgraduate Diploma, level 9 masters degree or level 10 doctoral degree](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/), among others, and a degree at level 7 or higher must have been [studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/).

Deadlines are tied to your student visa end date. Most graduates [must apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) no later than 3 months after your student visa expires](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/), while doctoral graduates have [no later than 6 months](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/). You also need bank statements showing [at least NZD $5,000 in total for your stay](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/) (about US$2,843). Graduates with a degree at level 7 or higher [can do any work in any job, anywhere in New Zealand](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/), subject to the visa's conditions.

Declaring a post-study visa plan in your student visa application [will not be viewed negatively](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-evidence-and-documents-to-support-your-visa-application/genuine-intentions-to-study-in-new-zealand/).

## What This Means for International Students and Job Seekers, and What Should You Do Next?

For most students, the hours cut is smaller than it first sounds. For [most other student visas](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/), the weekly limit is unchanged. The students who lose out are new research master's applicants, who [will no longer be able to work full-time](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/) during term.

The bigger shift is in the checks. [English language ability is a key factor](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/) now, and INZ can [formally suspend processing of student visas](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/) in more situations, including while a provider's compliance is still being determined, so build a strong application file and choose your school with care. Students comparing study destinations can also read [how Canada set a work limit for international students](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/international-students-work-limit-canada). Students planning to look for local part-time work can read [the figures on New Zealand teen unemployment and job starts](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/new-zealand-teen-unemployment-25-3-percent-job-starts-down-32-1).

- **Check your eVisa.** Your hours are [recorded on your eVisa](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/) or in INZ's visa letter, and that is the limit that applies to you.
- **Research master's applicants, budget for 25 hours.** If you apply on or after [27 October 2026](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/), do not plan around full-time term work. If you want unlimited hours, only a [PhD](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/) still carries them.
- **Send English evidence.** If your course has English entry requirements, test results are [not mandatory](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/) but can help INZ assess your genuine intention to study, so include them.
- **Mark your post-study deadline.** Count from your student visa end date and apply within [3 months](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/post-study-work-visa/) if you want to stay and work.

Lacey Kaelani, [Metaintro](https://www.metaintro.com)'s CEO, puts it this way: A rule change only costs you if you find out late, so read your own visa conditions now and plan your study, work and next visa around what they actually say.

## Related Articles

- [What New Zealand's Uber Ruling Means for Platform Workers Worldwide](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/uber-new-zealand)
- [New Zealand's Job Market Faces Rising Unemployment Concerns](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/new-zealand-job-market-jitters)
- [New Zealand Eases Visa Rules for Digital Nomads](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/new-zealand-digital-nomads-visa)
- [New Zealand Government to Clarify Employment Classification for Contractors and Employees](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/clarification-employer-vs-contractor)
- [Full-Time vs Part-Time Student Work](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/full-time-vs-part-time-student)
- [How to Successfully Transition From Part-Time to Full-Time Work](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/transition-from-part-time-job-to-full-time-career)
- [The Complete Guide to Part-Time Employment](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/part-time-employment)
- [Navigating the U.S. Job Market: The Impact of Changing Immigration Policies](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/changing-immigration-policy-job-market)
- [Canada Revokes Work Permit Policy for Visitors](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/canada-work-permit-policy)
- [Why a Brutal First Job Market Can Dent Graduate Pay for Years, and How to Fight It](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/weak-first-job-market-graduate-wage-scarring-2026)

## People Also Asked

### Q: How many hours can international students work in New Zealand?

A: Student visa holders [may be allowed to work part-time for up to 25 hours a week](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/), depending on their course, in term time and full-time in scheduled holidays if their course qualifies, while PhD students have [no limit on the hours](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/once-you-have-a-student-visa/working-on-a-student-visa/) as long as they keep studying full-time.

### Q: Did the new New Zealand student visa rules cut work hours?

A: Only for one group. [Unlimited in-study work rights for new master's-by-research students have been removed](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/), and the change applies only to [applications made on or after 27 October 2026](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/).

### Q: Do I need an IELTS score for a New Zealand student visa?

A: English test results [are not mandatory but can help](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/fee-paying-student-visa/) your application, and English ability is now [a key factor in determining if a student can meet the conditions of their student visa](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-student-visas/).

Know your rights? [Metaintro](https://www.metaintro.com) brings together 50M jobs in one place. [Create a free profile](https://www.metaintro.com/signup) and start your search today.

### Share this article

[https://x.com/intent/tweet?text=New%20Zealand%20Caps%20Research%20Master's%20Students%20at%2025%20Work%20Hours%20Under%204%20New%20Visa%20Rules&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-zealand-student-visa-changes-work-rights-2026](https://x.com/intent/tweet?text=New%20Zealand%20Caps%20Research%20Master's%20Students%20at%2025%20Work%20Hours%20Under%204%20New%20Visa%20Rules&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-zealand-student-visa-changes-work-rights-2026)[http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-zealand-student-visa-changes-work-rights-2026](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-zealand-student-visa-changes-work-rights-2026)[https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-zealand-student-visa-changes-work-rights-2026&title=New%20Zealand%20Caps%20Research%20Master's%20Students%20at%2025%20Work%20Hours%20Under%204%20New%20Visa%20Rules](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-zealand-student-visa-changes-work-rights-2026&title=New%20Zealand%20Caps%20Research%20Master's%20Students%20at%2025%20Work%20Hours%20Under%204%20New%20Visa%20Rules)[mailto:?subject=New%20Zealand%20Caps%20Research%20Master's%20Students%20at%2025%20Work%20Hours%20Under%204%20New%20Visa%20Rules&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-zealand-student-visa-changes-work-rights-2026](mailto:?subject=New%20Zealand%20Caps%20Research%20Master's%20Students%20at%2025%20Work%20Hours%20Under%204%20New%20Visa%20Rules&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fnew-zealand-student-visa-changes-work-rights-2026)

For job seekers

## Your next role is already posted.

Say what you want next. We search every day and send real, open roles, with help getting ready for each.

[Get Started Free](/signup)[Search matching jobs](/jobs/search)

- MatchCompare live roles against your current evidence.
- PositionTurn proof projects into role-specific applications.
- ImproveUse market feedback to keep the skill plan current.

[Return to navigation](#main-navigation)