Working while studying
As an international student you may be able to work while studying. You’ll need to check your visa conditions – it will show if and when you are allowed to work while you are studying in New Zealand.
Please note if you work when you’re not allowed to, you’ll be in breach of your visa conditions and may have to leave New Zealand.
Looking for a job
Listed below are just some of the services and support available to students looking for work:
UNITEC CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
If you need help to find a job or preparing to get work ready, while you're studying with us, then connect with the Careers and Employability team. For more information, see our Career Development Services page.
Go to Career Development Services page
STUDENT JOB SEARCH (SJS)
Students looking for a one-off, part-time, fixed-term, casual, or summer work should consider joining Student Job Search (SJS). A job placement service for all tertiary students who are looking for work to aid in alleviating their financial needs. Students can register for free, so sign up today and start looking for work that fits in with your studies.
Go to Student Job Search website
CAREERS NEW ZEALAND
We recommend you visit the Careers New Zealand website. They host a number of resources, tools, and tips for job hunting, visit their website to find out more.
Go to Careers New Zealand website
NAUMAI NZ
NauMai NZ is the official government site providing trusted information and help for international students studying in New Zealand. It has helpful advice around working in New Zealand, see the Working page on their website.
JOB VACANCY & RECRUITMENT WEBSITES
Listed below are websites that list current job vacancies:
Understanding your work rights
EMPLOYMENT NEW ZEALAND
Employment New Zealand is the official government website with the leading source of information on employment in New Zealand.
Go to Employment New Zealand website
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
There are great guides from the Human Rights Commission regarding work practice, applying for employment and employment law in NZ. You can view their A-Z Pre-Employment Guide for Employers & Employees booklet, via their website.
View The A-Z Pre-Employment Guide for Employers & Employees booklet
Tax and IRD numbers
Before you begin work you will need to get an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number - your tax number. Once you start receiving income you are legally obliged to pay tax to the New Zealand government. This is usually deducted automatically from your wages. For more information on IRD numbers and income tax, visit the official government website Inland Revenue.
APPLY FOR AN IRD NUMBER
If you would like to apply for an IRD number, see the Apply for an IRD Number – new arrival to New Zealand page on the Inland Revenue website.
Go to Apply for an IRD Number – New Arrival to New Zealand page
Are you looking for
- Immigration New Zealand
- Need to sort your student visa, see our Student Visas page for more information
- Have you sorted out a bank? If not, then see our Banking in New Zealand page
- Information about Auckland, then visit our About Auckland page
- What it might cost to live here, see our Cost of Living in Auckland page
- Ways to manage your money, then visit our Managing Your Money Page
