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New Zealand extends working hours for students, more new initiatives
The New Zealand government has made several announcements for international students. Working hours are increasing and the number of students will also increase in the next 9 years. The New Zealand government has undertaken such a big plan to double the revenue from education. The country’s Ministry of Education recently published a policy in this regard. It plans to increase the size of the international education market to 7.2 billion New Zealand dollars by 2034.
New Zealand extends working hours for students, more new initiatives
According to the Economic Times, from November 3, international students will be able to work up to 25 hours a week instead of 20 hours. This is part of the new education policy plan called ‘International Education: Going for Growth’. The country is going to become a more attractive destination for foreign students by bringing flexibility to the immigration policy. The changes that are coming
Foreign students will be able to work up to 25 hours a week in terms of work permits. This rule is not only for full-time students, but also students on a one-semester study abroad or exchange program. More international students will get this opportunity. In addition, the scope of work is being expanded compared to before. All new student visas issued after November 3 this year will get this benefit. Students who have previously obtained a visa will have to apply for a ‘variation of condition’ to get this opportunity. Education and employment balance
The country’s Education Minister Erica Stanford said in a statement, ‘The number of international students has been increasing steadily since 2023. We want to accelerate that growth.’ Currently, the international education market generates NZ$3.6 billion a year for the New Zealand economy. The government wants to double that in the next decade. In 2024, the number of students was 83,700, in 2027, that number will increase to 105,000 and by 2034, it wants to increase to 101,190. As a result of these initiatives, it will now be easier for students in New Zealand to maintain a work-study balance compared to the UK, Canada or Australia. These opportunities will help students become financially independent and prepare them for the workplace. While some countries like Australia are leaning towards reducing the number of foreign students due to housing pressure, New Zealand is in a completely opposite position. The country believes that international education is an important sector of the economy, which also plays a role in multifaceted development.
If these new plans are implemented, New Zealand will not only become a more attractive destination for foreign students, but will also have a positive impact on the local labor market.
