Part-Time Jobs in New Zealand for International Students

When you decide to pursue higher education abroad, you are obviously saddled with worry about exorbitant tuition fees or expensive recreational activities. Working part-time, whether on-campus or off-campus, is the ideal approach to relieve stress and help you finance your education and/or living expenses in the country.

For students from all around the world, New Zealand is a very popular study-abroad location. With each passing year, New Zealand's universities and colleges recruit a large number of international students. Part-time jobs, in addition to world-class education, are another reason why students from all over the world come to New Zealand to pursue their higher education.

Aside from supporting students financially, working part time allows students to gain on-the-job experience, which is extremely valuable to them professionally. Here is everything that you need to be aware of the part time jobs in New Zealand for international students.

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Part-time Jobs in New Zealand: Highlights

Here are some of the most frequently searched stats for part time jobs in New Zealand for international students:

Part-time Job Regulations for International Students in New Zealand

The New Zealand government specifies specific rules and regulations for international students to work part-time in the country. You have to be aware of the rules and requirements set by the government. Let us dissect the job-related rules one by one:

• Visa Conditions: The visa or the visa label on the passport or the letter you receive contains the conditions to work in New Zealand.

• Part-time Jobs Regulations: Candidates can work 20 hours per week if they are enrolled in any full-time course in any of the educational institutes in New Zealand. The following criteria need to be met for part-time jobs:

  • The course duration should be at least two years.

  • The course duration can be one year if one is part of a certified tertiary student exchange programme.

  • The course should conclude with a New Zealand qualification that will enable one to gain points in the Skilled Migrant Category.

• Full-time Jobs Regulations: International students can work full-time during breaks while studying provided the given criteria are met:

  • Students are studying full-time for at least one academic year.

  • Students are pursuing a course with a total of 120 credit points.

  • Students must pursue a course that is delivered over eight months for at least two semesters.

• Full-time Jobs During Christmas and/or New Year: Students can work full-time or part-time during Christmas or New Year under certain conditions:

  • Students are pursuing full-time courses.

  • Students are pursuing a course that is of at least eight months duration or two semesters.

• PhD and Masters Students: There is no restriction on the number of hours masters and PhD students can work in New Zealand.

• English Language Students: Students who are enrolled in English language courses can work for 20 hours a week. However, they still need to meet the course requirements. 

• Type of Employment: Students can engage in different types of employment except for self-employment, freelancing or engagement in prostitution. 

Note: If you harbour any doubt related to the ability to work or seek part-time employment in New Zealand, you can easily connect with student services and career guidance centres which are available in the respective universities or on the official government website of New Zealand.

Where Can I Find Jobs for International Students in New Zealand?

If you wish to and are eligible to apply for a part-time or full-time job in New Zealand, while you study, then there are different places you can visit to find such jobs. Ranging from the student services available in the University to university bulletin boards, to online portals and the Student Job Search website, you have plenty of opportunities to look out for the best job available at the time.

• University Student Services: One of the more reliable and efficient methods of finding a job is to seek help from the University Student Support centres. Each university will have an appropriate Student Service Centre or a Career Centre that can help you find the job as per your requirements.

• University Bulletin Boards: An important area to look out for are the University Bulletin Boards, which contain different flyers. A few of these flyers may include student job offers that you can apply to and seek a part-time job.

• Student Job Search: An effective and efficient method of finding a job as per your requirements is to go through the Student Job Search. This is a national organisation that has taken up the responsibility of helping students find part-time jobs across New Zealand.

• Online Platforms: Another effective area to look into is the online portals or platforms that advertise job openings for part-time and full-time jobs. If you are seeking employment in a part-time job, browsing through different websites can help you find the right job.

Note: There are plenty of job opportunities available for international students in New Zealand. You can ask your faculty members or Student support services which can also help you find employment within the university itself.

Part-time Job Profiles in New Zealand for International Students

International students opting for a part-time job in New Zealand will be able to carry out a number of tasks and jobs across the country. From working as seasonal workers to working in a call centre, New Zealand offers numerous opportunities to students. Here are a few of the part-time job profiles in New Zealand for international students that you can take up.

• Retail Sales Assistant: A number of NZ Stores employ students part-time to help customers in choosing a product, accepting payment as well as taking care of the stock and cleaning. However, while many stores close by 6 pm, students choosing to work in these stores may be asked to work on Saturdays and Sundays.

• Supermarket Assistants: International students can also find part-time employment opportunities in Supermarkets to stock shelves or work on the checkout counters. Most supermarkets employ students on the weekend and usually for the evening or night shifts.

• Seasonal Workers: Seasonal work is usually found in areas such as Vineyards and Orchards, where workers will harvest and prepare the fruits and vegetables for sale. Students often opt for this as a Summer Break job.

• Kitchen-Hand: As a means to earn a little extra, students also opt to work as Kitchen-Hand, where they will be required to clean the dishes or provide some kind of help in the kitchen.

• Waiter or Waitress: Another common job profile common seen taken up by students is that of a Waiter or Waitress. Students with a good grasp of the English Language will be able to take up this profile. However, there is no culture for tipping but students often get a free meal during their shift.

• Bartender: Age restricted to 18, students can apply to be a bartender, if they possess a good grasp over the English language. However, students will be expected to work from evening till after midnight.

• Call Centre Operator: Working in a call centre may also be a good option for those seeking part-time employment in the country. However, good English Language skills are necessary.

The job profiles mentioned above are just a few broad-ranged profiles that are available to students in the country. These can also be varied and can lead to different future prospects as well.

Top Job Markets for Part Time Jobs in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the countries that strives to provide its workforce with a work-life balance. New Zealand's economy is increasing at a steady 3% per year, with much new employment being produced across all sectors. International students can take advantage of a huge number of job openings in the fields of engineering, business, and agriculture. However, keep in mind that firms will not hire international students unless they have the necessary documents. The following are the most common part time jobs markets in New Zealand for international students:

• Supermarket attendant

• Data entry

• Restaurant attendant

• Translator

• On-campus opportunities such as being a librarian, laboratory attendant, etc.

Pay Scale of Part-time Jobs in New Zealand

Each international student's salary will differ depending on their professional type and skills. The New Zealand government, on the other hand, has established a minimum wage rate that must be paid to all employees, whether international students or locals. As a student at one of New Zealand universities, you may earn a minimum wage or more. The minimum hourly salary is NZ$ 18.90, which includes rest breaks. You will also be compensated for yearly and public holidays. You will, however, be compelled to pay tax on your earnings.

If you have enough money, New Zealand is an excellent option if you do not need to work part-time to pay for your education. Globally, education quality is acknowledged and valued.

International Students' Part-time Work Rights

International students who desire to work part-time in New Zealand have the same employee rights as locals. Working on a student visa in New Zealand gives you the following rights:

• A written employment contract.

• The minimum wage has been established.

• Annual and public holidays are paid.

• A work environment that is devoid of discrimination based on race, gender, colour, or nationality.

• No bullying or harassment.

• Work within the parameters of the contract.

If your employer engages in inappropriate behaviour or violates your rights, you can file a complaint with Immigration New Zealand.

Post-Study Work Rights In New Zealand

If you want to work after you graduate, New Zealand has options for you as well. Before your student visa expires, you can apply for a post-study work visa. The employment visa post-study allows you to stay for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on your educational qualifications. You can work in any acceptable job, full-time or part-time, with this visa. Employee rights and the minimum wage rate are the same as those outlined for part-time job positions in New Zealand.

Popular Universities in New Zealand for International Students

If you have chosen the land of the Kiwis as your study abroad destination, then check out this list of top universities in New Zealand for You.

If you wish to learn more about international education admissions and part time jobs in New Zealand, then you can write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com.