New Zealand Unveils Plan to Boost International Education Sector with Expanded Work Rights for Students

In a significant move aimed at strengthening its international education sector, the New Zealand government has announced a comprehensive plan to enhance the economic contribution of international students. The initiative includes expanding work rights for students and streamlining visa processes to make the country more attractive to global talent.

The plan, announced by Education Minister Erica Stanford, is designed to double the economic impact of international students by 2034. A key component of this strategy is increasing the number of hours students can work while studying. Starting in November, eligible student visa holders will be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week, up from the current limit of 20 hours.

Additionally, the policy will extend work rights to all international students enrolled in approved exchange programs at higher education institutions. This change is expected to provide greater flexibility and support for students who rely on part-time employment to cover their living expenses.

Another significant aspect of the plan is the introduction of a temporary work visa option for students who do not qualify for the standard graduate work visa. This new short-term transition work visa will be available for up to six months and will allow students to seek employment through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) pathway upon graduation.

The government also plans to simplify the application process for long-term student visas, making it easier for international students to stay in New Zealand for extended periods. This will help foster long-term relationships between students and the country, potentially leading to more permanent residents in the future.

Minister Stanford emphasized that alongside these policy changes, the government will intensify its efforts to promote New Zealand as an attractive destination for international students. The Education New Zealand (ENZ) agency will focus its marketing efforts on markets with the highest growth potential, aiming to attract more high-caliber students from around the world.

The goal is to increase the number of registered international students from 83,700 in 2024 to 119,000 by 2034. This growth is expected to boost the economic contribution of the education sector to $7.2 billion annually, a significant increase from current levels.

The plan also outlines measures for various departments to enhance New Zealand’s global presence, improve its appeal to international students, and streamline systems to support the higher education sector’s development.

As the country continues to position itself as a premier destination for international education, these changes reflect a strategic effort to balance economic growth with student welfare and long-term immigration planning.