Working while studying in New Zealand is possible! Here’s how
If you are planning to settle in New Zealand, then you might be aware that the quickest way to do so is to pursue higher studies in any one of the universities or institutes there. In order to sustain yourself and take care of your expenses in the country, you might plan on taking up some work. But you can work full time in the country only after you have finished your studies from there, as the time you spend in NZ on a student visa must be dedicated towards studies.
However, to ease the cost burden on students, there is some flexibility and scope of working part time in NZ while studying, strictly following rules set by Immigrations New Zealand (INZ). For instance, as a student visa holder, you may be allowed to work part-time for 20 hours a week. You will be allowed to work full time during scheduled holidays and/or during the Christmas and New Year holiday period. On the other hand, if you are a Masters by research or a PhD student, you may be allowed to work full time, usually 35-40 hours a week, both during your term time as well as scheduled holidays.
NZ has multiple sectors which offer you part-time work. There are paid internships, which are a good way to gain industry experience as well as helps you network with people in your domain of study. Educational institutions also have students work part-time for teaching, tutoring or administrative functions. Then there are voluntary services which can be taken up. Another type of work also known locally as casual work is a decent option, where the employer may ask you to work as and when required.
Aimed at helping students pay their living expenses, working part-time also enables them to gain valuable experience of the NZ culture as well as work environment. It is also a good way to develop your communication skills, as you mingle with others, thus boosting your interpersonal skills. There are other indirect benefits. For instance, working while studying will inculcate the habit of timeliness. You will be able to prioritise and balance your studies with other routines. It will also make you a team-player where you can not only do teamwork with your fellow batch mates but also peers at workplace.
And by the time you have completed your studies, you won’t be willing to leave such a beautiful country full of diversity and uber-cool environment. You can apply for a visa to work in New Zealand for up to 2/3 years after you finish your study if you have an acceptable qualification. That was a gist of the essential details which you would need to know about working while studying in NZ. So what are you waiting for! Start packing for an immersive experience to work and study abroad in NZ.
