Study Abroad
Part-time work in New Zealand for Nepali students: 25-hour rule, holiday work, 27 Oct 2026 changes, NZD 23.95 minimum wage, IRD number, tax and KiwiSaver.
"Can I work while I study in New Zealand, and how much can I earn?" Nepali students and parents ask our counsellors this all the time. This guide explains part-time work in New Zealand for Nepali students: who gets work rights, the 25-hour limit, holiday work, the 27 October 2026 changes, minimum wage, IRD number and tax, KiwiSaver, your workplace rights and your partner's work rights. Rules come from Immigration New Zealand (INZ), Employment New Zealand and Inland Revenue (IRD). Wages, fees and rules change, so check the official websites before you rely on any figure.
Yes, most tertiary students can, but it depends on your course and the conditions on your eVisa or visa letter. INZ says a student visa may allow part-time work of up to 25 hours a week, plus full-time work in scheduled breaks and the Christmas and New Year holiday. No job offer is needed. You must be 16 or older (16 and 17 year olds need written permission). If your visa does not show work rights, you cannot work.
As a tertiary student, you can usually work up to 25 hours a week if you study full-time and one of these applies:
Level 4 or higher: your course leads to a New Zealand qualification at Level 4 or above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF). This covers most diplomas, bachelor's degrees, postgraduate diplomas and master's degrees that Nepali students choose.
Two-year programme: your programme of study runs for at least two academic years.
Exchange or Study Abroad: you are on an approved exchange or Study Abroad programme of at least one semester.
English language study: some full-time English courses qualify, depending on length, provider and your test score.
No work rights: micro-credentials and training schemes do not give work rights, because they are not qualifications. Student visas are for full-time study, so studying part-time means you need a different visa.
On 3 November 2025, INZ increased the in-study limit from 20 to 25 hours a week for student visas granted from that date. Students holding an older visa with a 20-hour condition must apply for a variation of conditions or a new visa to get the extra five hours. INZ listed the variation fee as NZD 325 (verify before applying).
On 27 October 2026, INZ announced more changes:
Master's by research: unlimited in-study work for new master's-by-research students has been removed. Student visa applications made on or after 27 October 2026 for any master's programme get the standard conditions of 25 hours a week and full-time in holidays. Some older pages still say master's-by-research students have no limit, so rely on INZ and your visa conditions.
English ability: INZ now treats English ability as a key factor in deciding whether you can meet the conditions of your student visa.
More time after your course: student visas that ended one month after your course end date will now run for two months after it (the 31 March expiry date stays the same).
If you are enrolled in a doctoral degree (PhD) at a New Zealand tertiary institution, INZ places no limit on the hours you can work. You must still study full-time. Once you submit your thesis for examination, you can apply for a New Zealand Post-Study Work Visa.
Scheduled breaks: you can work full-time in all breaks scheduled by your provider if your course lasts at least one academic year, is worth at least 120 credits, and runs for at least two semesters over at least eight months.
Christmas and New Year: if you study full-time on a course of at least two semesters over at least eight months but under 120 credits, you can usually work full-time over the summer holiday only.
Evidence: give INZ your course and holiday dates with your application. Your offer of place often shows them.
After your course ends: a 25-hour condition stays valid until your visa expires. Full-time summer work after finishing is allowed only if your visa includes summer work.
Practical placements: required course placements (for example nursing or teaching) get a separate condition, on top of your normal hours.
No self-employment: you cannot be self-employed, a freelancer or a contractor (including delivery or rideshare driving on your own account). You must work for an employer under an employment agreement. Commercial sexual services are also banned.
Do not exceed your hours: working beyond your conditions breaches your visa and can hurt future applications, including a post-study work visa. Keep your own record of hours and payslips.
Employment New Zealand lists these minimum wage rates before tax from 1 April 2026 (verify on publish; rates are reviewed every year):
Adult minimum wage: NZD 23.95 an hour for employees aged 16 or over who are not starting-out workers or trainees. Most Nepali tertiary students aged 18 or older fall in this group.
Starting-out and training minimum wage: NZD 19.16 an hour. This mainly applies to 16 and 17 year olds in their first six months with an employer, and to certain workers doing industry training.
As a simple example, 25 hours at the adult minimum wage comes to about NZD 599 a week before tax. Your real hours depend on available shifts, and many students work fewer hours during exams.
Get an IRD number: it is your free, lifelong tax number. Apply as a "new arrival" before your visa travel date expires, with a working New Zealand bank account or a customer due diligence form (IR997).
Give your employer a tax code: fill in a tax code declaration (IR330). If you do not give your employer an IRD number and tax code, they must deduct tax at the 45% non-declaration rate. Most students with one job use the M code. A second job usually needs a secondary code such as SB or S.
Tax rates: since 1 April 2025, income up to NZD 15,600 a year is taxed at 10.5%, and income from NZD 15,601 to NZD 53,500 at 17.5%, with higher rates above that. Your employer deducts PAYE, which also includes the ACC earners' levy that funds New Zealand's accident cover. The tax year runs from 1 April to 31 March.
KiwiSaver is New Zealand's retirement savings scheme. IRD is clear that you cannot join KiwiSaver on a temporary, visitor, work or student visa. If KiwiSaver is deducted from your pay by mistake, tell your employer; IRD can reverse it and refund the money.
Nepali students commonly work in hospitality (cafes, restaurants, kitchens), retail and supermarkets, warehousing and packing, cleaning, aged care support and on-campus jobs such as library or event work. Seasonal fruit picking and packing can suit summer holidays if your visa allows full-time work. Jobs are not guaranteed. A clear CV, local references and good spoken English help, and you should never pay anyone for a job offer.
INZ confirms that migrant workers, including students, have the same minimum employment rights as New Zealanders:
Written employment agreement: required for every employee, including casual staff.
Minimum wage: paid for every hour worked, including training and trial shifts that are real work.
Breaks and leave: rest and meal breaks, public holidays, and four weeks of paid annual holidays after 12 months. Casual staff get 8% holiday pay with each pay only if their work is truly irregular and they agree in writing.
Sick leave: 10 paid days a year after six months with the same employer, if you meet Employment New Zealand's work-pattern test.
If you are underpaid or threatened, contact Employment New Zealand. If you are in immediate danger, call 111.
Part-time income helps with daily costs, but it does not replace the funds INZ asks you to show: currently NZD 20,000 a year for living costs on courses of a year or more (verify on publish), plus tuition. Plan as if you earn nothing in your first months. Our New Zealand student visa from Nepal guide explains the funds and Funds Transfer Scheme rules.
Your partner may get a Partner of a Student Work Visa with open work rights if you are studying a Level 9 or 10 qualification (master's or doctorate), or an eligible Level 7 or 8 qualification listed on the Green List or the list of qualifications eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa. INZ lists the visa from NZD 1,630, with 80% of decisions within six weeks, and your partner needs at least NZD 4,200 for living costs and evidence of a genuine, stable relationship (verify on publish). Most bachelor's and diploma courses do not qualify. Comparing countries? See our UK student visa from Nepal guide.
Most eligible tertiary students can work up to 25 hours a week during study and full-time in scheduled holidays, as shown on their visa conditions. PhD students have no hour limit.
Not during term. From 27 October 2026, new applications for master's students, including master's by research, get 25 hours a week plus full-time in holidays.
From 1 April 2026, the adult minimum wage is NZD 23.95 an hour before tax. Students are paid the same minimum as everyone else in their age and training group.
Yes. Without an IRD number and tax code, your employer must deduct tax at a much higher rate.
No. Student visa holders must work as employees for an employer.
Everest Global Education helps Nepali students choose New Zealand courses that keep work rights open. We check course level, credits and holiday dates, prepare visa and funds documents, and offer IELTS and PTE preparation, checked against current INZ guidance.
Kathmandu: Putalisadak, Opposite of MIT College
Pokhara: Pushpa Ratna Bhawan, Siddharthachowk-4, Pokhara 33700
Beni: New Road, Beni Bazar, Myagdi
Dhangadhi: Boradadi Road, Dhangadhi 10900
Janakpur: Girija Path, Murli Chowk, Janakpur
Perth (Australia): 102 James St, Northbridge WA 6003, Australia
Sydney (Australia): Level 1/483 Princes Highway, Rockdale NSW 2216, Australia
Share your academic transcripts, English score, preferred course and budget, and we will help you plan a realistic New Zealand study budget and check your work rights before you apply.
Submit an enquiry at https://everestglobaledu.com/enquiry and our team will contact you by phone or email.
Everest Global Education
Phone: +61 8 6157 0080
Email: info@everestglobal.com
Website: https://everestglobaledu.com/
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