How many hours per week can I work while studying in New Zealand for a Master's/PhD?
If you are doing a PhD or a Master's by research in New Zealand, you can work unlimited hours all year. Taught Master's students can work up to twenty five hours per week during term, and full time up to forty hours during scheduled breaks.
Your work rights in New Zealand depend on whether you are doing a research based program or a taught Master's, and the difference is significant. If you are a PhD or Master's by research student, Immigration New Zealand does not restrict your working hours at all, as long as you keep up your academic progress. Taught Master's students face a weekly cap instead.
Work Hour Limits by Program Type
| Program Type | During Term | During Scheduled Breaks |
|---|---|---|
| PhD or Master's by research | No limit, full time allowed | No limit, full time allowed |
| Taught Master's (coursework based) | Up to 25 hours per week | Up to 40 hours per week |
Conditions You Need to Know
- The taught Master's term time limit was recently raised from twenty to twenty five hours per week, so check that your visa reflects the current allowance.
- Full time work during breaks for taught Master's students applies only if your course runs at least two academic semesters over eight months and is worth at least 120 credits.
- Always verify the specific work conditions printed on your eVisa or visa label, since older grants can carry different limits.
- Self employment is off the table on any New Zealand student visa, so your job needs to sit under a proper contract with a registered employer.
My Advice
If you are choosing between a taught and research based Master's and part time income matters to you, factor the unlimited work rights of a research pathway into your decision alongside the academic fit. Whichever path you pick, check your actual visa label rather than relying on general rules, since your specific grant is what immigration officers and employers will check.
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