The New Zealand Government has announced that more international students would be allowed to work while they study in New Zealand. Indian students stand to gain valuable work experience even as they continue with their studies. The changes are to come into effect from January 2014.

The New Zealand Minister for tertiary education, skills and employment, Steven Joyce, and Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said that research students conducting international PhD and Masters would have unlimited work rights.

All tertiary level international students enrolled in a course of at least one academic year would now be able to work full time during each scheduled semester break.

All international students enrolled in an English language course of at least 14 weeks duration would be eligible to work up to 20 hours a week.

“More Indian students can gain valuable work experience while they study in New Zealand,” noted New Zealand’s Regional Director for Education, Ziena Jalil.

As well as helping with living costs, working part time while studying meant that students could gain work experience that would give them an edge over other graduates when they finish studying.

“New Zealand is a country that’s open to doing things in new ways,” said Jalil, in a statement. “We encourage learning by doing, and working while you study is a great way to practically apply your new skills and knowledge in a completely different environment to the classroom – and get paid at the same time.”

“While the global financial crisis has not hit New Zealand as hard as other countries, it will still take time to find the right job and students must have enough money to cover their living costs while studying,” said

Rob Stevens, New Zealand’s General Manager, Service Support, Immigration.

The New Zealand Government has created a website -  nzstudywork.com  - for international students and New Zealand employers.

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